This Week in Higher Ed — Brussels (#25, 2026)
Commission approves Belgium, Portugal NextGenEU payments; Montenegro accession funding proposal; Council opens talks for India's Horizon Europe partnership; CSC-EDIC for cybersecurity skills established.
June 28, 2026 to July 04, 2026
Commission approves Belgium, Portugal NextGenEU payments; Montenegro accession funding proposal; Council opens talks for India's Horizon Europe partnership; CSC-EDIC for cybersecurity skills established.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
European Commission
Commission greenlights Belgium's fourth payment request for €567 million under NextGenerationEU
On 1 July 2026, the European Commission confirmed a positive assessment of Belgium's fourth payment request for €567 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The milestones and targets completed relate to projects supporting green and digital transitions, education, mobility, and housing. Key measures in this tranche include the restoration of ecological connectivity in Flanders, reforms accelerating renewable energy deployment in Wallonia, and new energy rules for buildings. The Economic and Financial Committee (EFC) will review the assessment within four weeks, with the payment subject to EFC opinion and subsequent Commission decision. Belgium submitted the payment request on 19 December 2025. The country’s RRF plan, financed by €5 billion in grants and €230 million in loans, has now reached approximately 69% disbursed funds.
Commission greenlights Portugal's ninth payment request for €2.32 billion under NextGenerationEU
On 1 July 2026, the Commission validated Portugal’s ninth request for €2.32 billion from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The funds will support reforms and investments across education, waste management, business environment, forest management, and digital public services. Notable reforms include modernising vocational education, expanding waste management, a €1 billion competitiveness boost for Portuguese companies, and improved environmental licensing. The payment process proceeds to EFC review before final disbursement. Including this payment, Portugal will have received €17.23 billion, representing nearly 79% of its total RRF allocation.
Commission presents financial package for Montenegro's EU accession
On 29 June 2026, the European Commission adopted a financial package detailing budgetary arrangements for Montenegro’s prospective accession to the European Union. The proposal, part of Chapter 33—Financial and Budgetary Provisions—covers a structured transition from pre-accession assistance to integration into EU internal funds. The package aligns with the EU’s proposed Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, aiming to ensure financial continuity and administrative simplicity. The Commission submitted the proposal to the Council, which will negotiate its terms with Montenegro in the context of ongoing accession talks.
Statement by President von der Leyen with Taoiseach Martin during the College visit to the Irish Presidency
On 2 July 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen joined Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Cork to mark the start of the Irish Presidency of the Council. Discussions reviewed research and innovation, notably at the Tyndall National Institute, and priorities for the presidency, including finalising a capital markets union, advancing energy transition, and supporting Ukraine. The agenda includes launching the European Housing Alliance, preparing for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and managing the next phase of EU enlargement. The College visit also covered Ireland’s commitment to increased defence spending and trade diversification.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1511 amending EEA Agreement’s Protocol 31 for defence cooperation (EDIP Regulation)
On 2 July 2026, Council Decision (EU) 2026/1511 (CELEX: 32026D1511) was published in the Official Journal, adopting the EU position in the EEA Joint Committee regarding the amendment of Protocol 31 of the EEA Agreement. The amendment facilitates cooperation on the European Defence Industry Programme Regulation (EU) 2025/2643, extending measures for defence product availability and supply to EEA/EFTA states. The decision took effect upon adoption.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1416 establishes Cybersecurity Skills Coalition (CSC-EDIC)
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1416 of 30 June 2026, published on 1 July, sets up the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium for Cybersecurity Skills Coalition (CSC-EDIC). The consortium, with Greece as host, will implement a multi-country project for cybersecurity skills training and workforce development under the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030. CSC-EDIC will coordinate activities with ENISA and the ECCC and support the Union of Skills vision adopted in March 2025.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1527 opens negotiations on India's association to Horizon Europe Pillar II
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1527 of 26 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1527) authorises the European Commission to negotiate an agreement for India's participation in Union programmes, specifically its association with Pillar II of Horizon Europe (2021-2027). Negotiating directives have been assigned to the Commission, with relevant Council working parties designated as the special committees under Article 218(4) TFEU.
EU Council
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council tackles student housing and fair labour mobility
On 29 June 2026, ministers adopted conclusions on cyber violence against girls and on demographic trends’ implications for housing. The agenda included housing security for students and middle-income households, fair labour mobility, and progress on the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy.
EP Committee Work
SANT-ITRE joint committee examines European Biotech Act draft report
On 29 June 2026, the Committee on Public Health (SANT) held a joint session with the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) to review the draft report on the proposed European Biotech Act (COM(2025)1022; 2025/0406(COD)). Rapporteurs Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (S&D) and Wouter Beke (PPE) led the consideration. The report focuses on establishing a framework for strengthening the Union’s biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors in health. Amendments are due by 7 July 2026.
ITRE committee opinion on Temporary Decarbonisation Fund regulation
On 3 July 2026, the ITRE committee issued its opinion on the draft regulation establishing the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund. Rapporteur Massimiliano Salini focused on mechanisms for financing decarbonisation measures in industry and research sectors as part of the Union’s green transition framework.
Report on amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 by ITRE committee
On 2 July 2026, rapporteur Mohammed Chahim presented the ITRE committee report addressing amendments to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. The proposed changes relate to energy policy and innovation funding structures under the EU’s current legislative cycle.
Motion on renewable energy biofuels trajectory by Borys Budka
Borys Budka (ITRE) submitted a motion for a resolution on 1 July 2026 addressing a Commission delegated regulation to establish a declining contribution trajectory for high indirect land-use change-risk biofuels in renewable energy targets. The proposal aims for progressive reduction in reliance on such fuels.
Draft opinion on vocational education and training in transitions from FEMM committee
On 1 July 2026, Lina Gálvez (FEMM) released a draft opinion on opportunities for vocational education and training during economic and technological transitions. The document discusses upskilling to address labour market requirements across the Union.
Report on SDGs implementation for 2026 HLPF by DEVE committee
Lukas Mandl (DEVE) delivered a report on 29 June 2026 addressing EU efforts in implementing Sustainable Development Goals ahead of the 2026 High-Level Political Forum. The report analyses policy delivery and gaps within Member States.
ITRE report on the AGILE programme for defence innovation
On 29 June 2026, the ITRE committee adopted Tonino Picula’s report on the proposed regulation establishing the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE). The initiative focuses on enhancing EU capabilities for defence research and technological advancement.
FEMM committee opinion on 'AgoraEU' programme 2028-2034
On 29 June 2026, Mélissa Camara (FEMM) released an opinion supporting the proposal for the 'AgoraEU' programme for 2028-2034, intended to continue and consolidate existing EU education and citizens' engagement schemes.
