This Week in Higher Ed — Brussels (#23, 2026)
Joint culture declaration signed by Commission, Parliament and Council; State of the Digital Decade report released; Bulgaria's NextGenerationEU payment progresses; Budget review presented.
June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026
Joint culture declaration signed by Commission, Parliament and Council; State of the Digital Decade report released; Bulgaria's NextGenerationEU payment progresses; Budget review presented.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On June 24, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures; Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards the extension of its scope to downstream goods and anti-circumvention measures.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On June 25, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; *** End of electronic vote ***; Establishing the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE).
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On June 25, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Regulations (EC) No 1907/2006, (EC) No 1272/2008, (EU) No 528/2012, (EU) 2019/1021 and (EU) 2021/697 as regards defence readiness and facilitating defence investments and conditions for defence industry; Chair’s announcements; *** End of electronic vote ***.
European Commission
European institutions commit to placing culture at the heart of EU policy
On 17 June 2026, the Presidents of the European Commission, European Parliament, and the Republic of Cyprus (representing the Council Presidency) signed the joint declaration ‘Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe’ in Brussels. The declaration restates a united commitment to supporting culture, affirming the EU’s role in protecting cultural and linguistic diversity and advocating for the integration of culture across all EU policies while respecting Member State competences. The joint declaration identifies twelve governing principles, notably safeguarding artistic freedom, promoting fair pay and employment conditions for artists, and fostering a rights-based approach to AI use. Initiatives include broadening cultural access for marginalised communities and supporting young and disadvantaged artists. The document further recognises culture’s economic, social, and environmental value, referencing commitments to preserve cultural heritage and leverage digital technologies for its protection. Statements from Ursula von der Leyen, Roberta Metsola, and Nikos Christodoulides accompanied the announcement.
Commission greenlights Bulgaria's fourth NextGenerationEU payment request
On 18 June 2026, the Commission approved Bulgaria’s fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, part of NextGenerationEU. Bulgaria has fulfilled 23 out of 26 milestones and targets relevant to reforms in anti-corruption, administrative justice digitalisation, vocational training, SME support, sustainable transport, and decarbonisation measures. Noteworthy steps include the restructuring of Bulgarian Energy Holding, the creation of a National Fund for Decarbonisation, and incentivising deployment of solar and photovoltaic household systems. One milestone relating to water supply legislation remains unfulfilled, while a target for the cultural sector is pending, with completion projected by 31 August 2026. The Commission’s procedural assessment has been sent to the Economic and Financial Committee for review, and Bulgaria has until July to respond to points of non-fulfilment. If overdue measures are completed by August 2026, remaining funds will be released in accordance with RRF Regulation.
2026 State of the Digital Decade report reviews progress and structural gaps
The European Commission released its fourth State of the Digital Decade report on 16 June 2026. Progress towards the 2030 targets was detailed, including 96.8% basic 5G coverage and rising adoption of cloud technologies, data analytics, and AI. However, the report notes persistent gaps in high-capacity infrastructure, computing capacity, the share of ICT specialists, gender balance in tech professions, and cybersecurity reliance on non-EU providers. The Commission’s report is shaped by results of a Special Eurobarometer survey and provides recommendations on funding continuity and scaling digital investments. The next Digital Day and the Digital Decade Board will discuss roadmap alignment and funding, with Commission plans to review targets in 2027.
Commission publishes Annual Management and Performance Report for 2025
The European Commission adopted the Annual Management and Performance Report (AMPR) for 2025. The AMPR reviews the impact of the EU budget on advancing research, innovation, SMEs through Horizon Europe and the European Innovation Council, sustainable investment under InvestEU, and cohesion policy support for more than 130,000 SMEs. The document outlines funding for the Common Agricultural Policy, security and defence initiatives, and strong backing for Ukraine via the Ukraine Facility. The report stresses the integration of climate (33%), biodiversity (7.8%), digital (10.1%), and gender equality (19%) objectives in EU budgetary spending. The Commission also references its anti-fraud measures, the Financial Regulation, and proposals for a more adaptable 2028–2034 long-term budget. The AMPR is part of the integrated financial and accountability reporting package and supports the 2025 budget discharge process.
EU Council
General Affairs Council advances preparations for European Council, discusses MFF
The General Affairs Council met on 16 June 2026, focusing on preparations for the June European Council and conducting a policy debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The Council also endorsed its 18-month programme and reviewed Hungary's rule of law situation.
EP Committee Work
Committee on Budgets holds extraordinary meeting in Strasbourg
The Committee on Budgets (BUDG) convened an extraordinary meeting on 15 June 2026 in Strasbourg. The agenda covered upcoming annual budget negotiations and related procedural matters concerning the EU’s multiannual financial perspective.
PECH Committee draft opinion on 2027 EU general budget
On 17 June 2026, the Committee on Fisheries (PECH) published its draft opinion on the General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2027. Rapporteur Giuseppe Lupo outlined the committee’s perspectives on funding allocations relevant to EU fisheries, maritime affairs, and related sections.
SANT Committee draft report on European Biotech Act
On 16 June 2026, the Committee on Public Health (SANT) issued its draft report on the proposed regulation establishing a framework for strengthening EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors, especially in health. Rapporteur Wouter Beke presented changes affecting existing regulations, including (EC) No 178/2002 and (EU) 2024/1938.
BUDG Committee draft report on Draft amending budget No 2/2026
The Committee on Budgets (BUDG) released its draft report on 16 June 2026 regarding the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2026. Rapporteur Andrzej Halicki addressed updates to EU revenue (own resources) and expenditure adjustments for the ongoing financial year.
EMPL Committee draft opinion on 2027 EU general budget
On 16 June 2026, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) published its draft opinion for the 2027 EU general budget. Rapporteur Romana Tomc provided detailed views on social priorities, funding mechanisms, and their anticipated impact on employment opportunities throughout the Union.
ENVI Committee recommendation on new genomic techniques regulation
On 15 June 2026, the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) adopted its recommendation for the second reading of the regulation concerning plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques. Rapporteur Jessica Polfjärd focused on amendments to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 related to food and feed safety.
CONT Committee opinion on Erasmus+ regulation 2028–2034 proposal
The Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) delivered its opinion on 15 June 2026 concerning the proposal to establish the Erasmus+ programme for 2028–2034. Rapporteur Daniel Freund reviewed proposed revisions and the repeal of Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and (EU) 2021/888.
