This Week in Higher Ed — Brussels (#19, 2026)
Academic freedom defended in Commission statement; EIC selects EQT for €5bn Scaleup Fund; EU, Mexico strengthen research, education ties; Council preps for Horizon Europe 2028-2034.
May 17, 2026 to May 23, 2026
Academic freedom defended in Commission statement; EIC selects EQT for €5bn Scaleup Fund; EU, Mexico strengthen research, education ties; Council preps for Horizon Europe 2028-2034.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Competitiveness Council (Research and Space): On May 29, the EU Council's Competitiveness Council (Research and Space) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission Statement Marks International Academic Freedom Day
On 19 May 2026, Executive Vice-Presidents Virkkunen and Mînzatu, along with Commissioners Zaharieva and McGrath, issued a joint statement in recognition of International Academic Freedom Day. The statement addressed growing pressures on academic freedom and signalled the Commission’s ongoing commitment to defend the independence of research and academia. The officials referenced the 2021 Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe and noted the planned ERA Act to add new safeguards for scientific research freedom. The upcoming Commission recommendation will support scientific evidence in policymaking, building on the 2020 Bonn Declaration and Article 13 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Programmes such as Horizon Europe and the forthcoming European Research Council (ERC) Plus Grants were described as instrumental in providing a supportive environment. The statement mentioned enhanced support for researchers under threat and increased budgets for the ERC and MSCA in the next Horizon round.
EU and Mexico Sign Strategic Partnership with Focus on Education and Research
On 22 May 2026, the EU and Mexico held their 8th Summit in Mexico City, issuing a joint statement outlining a deepened strategic relationship. The parties signed a Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement, including provisions to intensify cooperation on research, innovation, and higher education. New sectoral dialogues were announced, aiming to strengthen institutional partnerships and capacity-building, particularly in climate science, AI, and health. Academic exchanges will be expanded, with Erasmus+ identified as a major channel. Collaboration between the EU and Mexico’s COFEPRIS was noted to align medicines and vaccines standards. The statement detailed the launch of both a new Health Dialogue and an intention to foster people-to-people ties and academic mobility.
Commission Disburses Funding for Research and Education in the Western Balkans
On 19 May 2026, the European Commission released €158.9 million to Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia as part of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The transfer follows a positive assessment of reforms focused on business competitiveness and innovation (Albania, Montenegro) and on education and digitalisation (North Macedonia). In Montenegro, the funds will support researchers, businesses, and research institutions, while in North Macedonia, financing will target improving digital infrastructure in schools. The disbursed funds are split between state budgets and investment projects under the Western Balkans Investment Framework. Since 2024, €673.6 million has been released under the facility. Commissioner Marta Kos underlined support for research and education modernisation in the region.
EIC Selects EQT to Lead €5 Billion Scaleup Europe Fund
On 17 May 2026, the European Innovation Council Fund Board selected EQT as the investment adviser and manager for the €5 billion Scaleup Europe Fund. The initiative, part of the EU’s Startup and Scaleup Strategy, is designed to provide late-stage growth capital to deep tech companies in sectors such as AI, quantum computing, clean energy, and biotech. Next steps include finalising legal agreements and preparing for launch at the EIC Summit on 3 June 2026. The first investments are scheduled for autumn 2026. Key private investors include Novo Holdings and Allianz, among others. Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva stated that the Fund aims to help European innovators remain in Europe and strengthen technological leadership.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1138: Negotiations to Join Council of Europe Development Bank
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1138 of 18 May 2026 authorises the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the EU and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) concerning EU membership. The Commission is appointed as negotiator, subject to consultation with the Working Party of Financial Counsellors. The Decision sets the framework for the EU to acquire CEB shares and align CEB activities in housing, health, education, and social cohesion with Union policy.
Joint Committee Decision Adds Machinery Regulation to Windsor Framework Annex
Decision No 1/2026 of the Joint Committee established by the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, adopted 2 February 2026, adds Regulation (EU) 2025/14 on the approval and market surveillance of non-road mobile machinery to Annex 2 of the Windsor Framework. This act extends relevant market rules to Northern Ireland in accordance with Article 13(4) of the Framework.
EU Council
Competitiveness Council to Discuss Science Diplomacy and Horizon Europe 2028-2034
On 29 May 2026, EU research ministers will adopt a recommendation on science diplomacy and discuss policy priorities for the next phase of Horizon Europe (2028-2034). Ministers responsible for space policy will also consider the EU Space Act.
General Affairs Council Prepares European Council and Reviews MFF 2028-2034
On 26 May 2026, ministers for EU affairs will begin preparations for the June European Council, hold a policy debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034), and conduct annual rule of law discussions for France, Croatia, Italy, and Latvia.
EP Committee Work
CULT Committee MEPs Visit Tromsø European Youth Capital to Discuss Education and Research
From 22 May 2026, a delegation from the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) visited Tromsø, Norway, the 2026 European Youth Capital. MEPs met with local officials, youth groups, and university staff to review youth-led initiatives and academic research that support Tromsø’s bid as a youth-driven city. Meetings at the Arctic University of Norway focused on youth research councils and collaborative regional research, while the Nordic Arctic Youth Summit addressed students’ recommendations on regional challenges.
What We're Reading This Week
- Generational rejection of AI? Why are university students booing big tech at graduation ceremonies?: University students are voicing strong opposition to major tech firms, reflecting deep generational skepticism toward AI's societal impact.
