This Week in Higher Ed — Brussels (#20, 2026)
Commission unlocks Hungarian funds, academic freedom reforms; European Startup Scoreboard published; Council debates Horizon Europe.
May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026
Commission unlocks Hungarian funds, academic freedom reforms; European Startup Scoreboard published; Council debates Horizon Europe.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Von der Leyen announces unfreezing of EU funds for Hungary after reforms
On 28 May 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made a joint statement with Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, noting Hungary's recent reforms in governance, anti-corruption, and academic freedom. Following Hungary’s decision to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and commitments to strengthen the Integrity Authority, the Commission confirmed the gradual phasing out of Public Interest Trusts (PITs) and revisions to public procurement law. These measures enabled the Commission to unlock EUR 10 billion under the revised NextGenerationEU plan and EUR 4.2 billion in Cohesion funds, previously frozen due to rule of law concerns. Additional EUR 2.2 billion in Cohesion funds is being released based on improvements in academic freedom. The statement also confirmed that Hungarian students will rejoin the Erasmus programme from the next academic year.
First European Startup and Scaleup Scoreboard reveals policy impact
The European Commission published the inaugural European Startup and Scaleup Scoreboard (ESSS) on 28 May 2026, tracking progress across 27 Member States from 2020 to 2025. Estonia, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Denmark are identified as front-runners, outperforming the EU average in digital infrastructure, venture capital, and R&D investment. The Scoreboard highlights that 20 Member States improved their performance, while countries like Greece, Latvia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Romania lag behind, particularly in access to later-stage capital and talent retention. The ESSS is a key deliverable of the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, introduced in 2025, and will inform further policy actions, including the upcoming European Innovation Act. The data combines Eurostat, Joint Research Centre, Dealroom, and European Startup Nations Alliance inputs.
EU Council
Competitiveness Council debates Horizon Europe 2028-2034 and science diplomacy
On 29 May 2026, the Competitiveness Council (Research and Space configuration) adopted a recommendation on science diplomacy and held policy debates on the Horizon Europe 2028-2034 programme and the EU Space Act.
EP Committee Work
SANT Committee issues opinion on European Competitiveness Fund regulation
On 27 May 2026, the Committee on Public Health (SANT) adopted its opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), which includes the specific programme for defence research and innovation. Rapporteur Radan Kanev reviewed the proposal, which repeals or amends multiple regulations, including (EU) 2021/522, 2021/694, 2021/697, 2021/783, 2021/696, and 2023/588.
EMPL Committee opinion supports ECF regulation for research and defence innovation
The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), led by rapporteur Grégory Allione, issued its opinion on 28 May 2026 regarding the proposed regulation for the European Competitiveness Fund. This opinion addresses the integration of defence research and innovation activities, repealing and amending several EU regulations.
AGRI Committee issues draft opinion on 2027 EU general budget
On 27 May 2026, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) released a draft opinion on the EU general budget for 2027. Rapporteur Wouter Beke focused on allocations relevant to agriculture, rural development, and related research funding.
CULT Committee delegation reviews youth engagement in Tromsø, European Youth Capital 2026
The Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) sent a delegation to Tromsø, Norway, the 2026 European Youth Capital, to assess youth participation, inclusion, and civic engagement. Meetings included local officials, youth organisations, and students at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, with discussions on the True North initiative and Arctic Youth Centre.
EMPL Committee examines youth unemployment initiatives in La Réunion
From 26 to 28 May 2026, MEPs from the Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL) conducted a fact-finding mission in La Réunion, France. The delegation met local and regional officials and visited projects supported by the European Social Fund+, focusing on training and labour market integration for disadvantaged youth.
PECH Committee delegation investigates research and education in Azores fisheries sector
The Committee on Fisheries (PECH) sent a delegation to the Azores, meeting with the University of the Azores Okeanos Research Centre and the MARTEC Lab, a Recovery and Resilience Fund project. Discussions included marine biodiversity research, the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy, and the role of education and research in supporting the local fisheries economy.
What We're Reading This Week
- Erdoğan scraps move to close liberal Bilgi University after outcry: Public backlash prompts Erdoğan to reverse decision to shut down liberal Bilgi University, signaling responsiveness to societal pressure.
- Crisis brews at Sciences Po over director Luis Vassy's management: Faculty and students at Sciences Po express growing concern and unrest over director Luis Vassy's leadership approach.
