This Week in Higher Ed — Brussels (#24, 2026)
ERC awards €838m for frontier research; Regulation (EU) 2026/1388 reshapes plant genomic rules; Commission extends Ukrainian protection; ITRE hearing on Digital Networks Act.
June 21, 2026 to June 27, 2026
ERC awards €838m for frontier research; Regulation (EU) 2026/1388 reshapes plant genomic rules; Commission extends Ukrainian protection; ITRE hearing on Digital Networks Act.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On June 29, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Union’s biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors particularly in the area of health and amending Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, (EC) No 1394/2007, (EU) No 536/2014, (EU) 2019/6, (EU) 2024/795 and (EU) 2024/1938 (European Biotech Act).
European Commission
European Research Council awards €838 million for frontier research
The European Research Council (ERC) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Advanced Grants, allocating €838 million to 319 senior researchers from 24 EU Member States and associated countries. The grants, funded under Horizon Europe, support high-risk, high-reward projects spanning medicine, mathematics, quantum physics, and other disciplines. Notably, this year marks a sharp rise in global interest, with applications from researchers outside Europe tripling and 13 grantees relocating under the 'Choose Europe for Science' initiative. These projects are expected to add over 3,000 jobs in research teams. The next Advanced Grants 2026 competition is open, with applications due by 27 August 2026. Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva commented on the programme's role in attracting international talent.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1388 sets new legal framework for plants obtained by new genomic techniques
Regulation (EU) 2026/1388, adopted 17 June 2026 and published 26 June 2026, establishes rules for plants obtained via targeted mutagenesis and cisgenesis, classifying them into category 1 or category 2. Category 1 plants, considered equivalent to conventional varieties, are exempt from GMO legislation, while category 2 remain subject to authorisation, labelling, and monitoring. This regulation amends Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and introduces provisions on patent transparency, sustainability monitoring, and exclusion from organic production, with entry into force set for 17 July 2028. The framework aims to balance innovation, safety, and market access across the EU.
EU Council
Employment and Social Policy Council to address student housing and labour mobility
At its meeting on 29 June 2026, the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will issue conclusions on cyber violence against girls and discuss housing security for students and middle-income households, as well as labour mobility and poverty reduction.
EP Committee Work
ITRE Committee holds public hearing on proposed Digital Networks Act
On 24 June, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) convened a public hearing examining the Digital Networks Act (DNA) proposal. Independent experts discussed harmonisation of communications regulation, simplification to reduce administrative burdens, and measures for technological sovereignty. The session focused on strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the European digital ecosystem.
BUDG Committee reviews budget opinions and Horizon Europe for 2028–2034
The Committee on Budgets (BUDG) met on 22–23 June to adopt opinions on the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy for 2028–2034, Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and the European Competitiveness Fund. Rapporteurs Victor Negrescu, Hélder Sousa Silva, and Olivier Chastel presented draft opinions, with amendments due for several items by late June. The session also included discussions on the Commission's budget and European Union Solidarity Fund mobilisation.
