This Week in Higher Ed — Brussels (#26, 2026)
Hungary joins EPPO; Commission refers Spain, Greece to CJEU; EU innovation performance rises; MEPs urge digital education reform; draft budget opinions tabled.
July 05, 2026 to July 11, 2026
Hungary joins EPPO; Commission refers Spain, Greece to CJEU; EU innovation performance rises; MEPs urge digital education reform; draft budget opinions tabled.
📋 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 Culture and Education (CULT): On July 13, the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Boosting skills in the Union – opportunities for vocational education and training in times of transition; Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On July 13, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Regulations (EU) 2016/679, (EU) 2018/1724, (EU) 2018/1725, (EU) 2023/2854 and Directives 2002/58/EC, (EU) 2022/2555 and (EU) 2022/2557 as regards the simplification of the digital legislative framework, and repealing Regulations (EU) 2018/1807, (EU) 2019/1150, (EU) 2022/868, and Directive (EU) 2019/1024 (Digital Omnibus); Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
- Committee on Culture and Education (CULT): On July 14, the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Boosting skills in the Union – opportunities for vocational education and training in times of transition; Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On July 14, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Directives 2008/98/EC, 2010/75/EU, (EU) 2015/2193 and (EU) 2024/1785 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards simplification of some requirements and reduction of administrative burden; Chair’s announcements; Chair’s announcements concerning coordinators’ decisions of 24 June 2026.
European Commission
Hungary joins the European Public Prosecutor's Office, further strengthening protection of EU funds
On July 9, the European Commission adopted a decision confirming Hungary’s accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), following Hungary’s request in May 2026. Hungary becomes the 25th Member State to join the EPPO, reflecting renewed engagement with EU rule-of-law mechanisms. The EPPO will have jurisdiction over EU-funded financial crime in Hungary, retroactively covering cases since June 2021. With Hungary joining, the EPPO Regulation moves from enhanced cooperation to become part of the acquis, requiring future EU members to participate. Hungarian authorities are tasked with nominating candidates for the posts of European Prosecutor and European Delegated Prosecutors. The Council of the EU will appoint these after review. The EPPO is expected to begin operations in Hungary following these procedural steps.
Europe's innovation performance strengthens amidst global competition
The European Commission released the 2026 European Innovation Scoreboard on July 8, noting an 11.6 percentage-point rise in EU-wide innovation performance since 2019. Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands top this year’s rankings, while Malta advances to ‘strong innovator’ status. Finland remains fourth, and Georgia is included for the first time, reflecting Horizon Europe’s expanding reach. The Scoreboard, produced by the Joint Research Centre, uses 32 indicators covering areas such as education, R&D investment, and startup activity. The EU’s innovation ecosystem continues steady growth, contrasted by rapid progress observed in South Korea and China.
Commission decides to refer Spain to the Court of Justice over recognition of professional qualifications
On July 7, the Commission announced it would refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to harmonise national rules with Directive 2005/36/EC and Articles 45 and 49 TFEU. Spain’s rules restrict recognition for sworn translators and interpreters qualified in other Member States, impeding establishment and provision of services. The Commission previously issued a letter of formal notice and a reasoned opinion, but Spain did not amend its rules. The case forms part of infringement procedure INFR(2018)2306, concerning the mutual recognition framework for professional qualifications across the EU.
Commission decides to refer Greece to the Court of Justice over discriminatory employment conditions for teachers in public schools
The European Commission announced on July 7 that it will refer Greece to the Court of Justice of the EU for non-compliance with Directive 1999/70/EC on fixed-term work. Greek law subjects fixed-term teachers in public schools to less favourable conditions, particularly regarding maternity and sick leave, compared to permanent staff. The infringement procedure INFR(2024)4013 originated with a letter of formal notice in July 2024 and a reasoned opinion in May 2025. The Commission found Greece’s explanations insufficient and is advancing the case for judicial consideration.
EU Council
General Affairs Council to discuss Irish presidency priorities and work simplification
Ministers responsible for European affairs will convene in Brussels on July 14. The agenda includes a presentation of the Irish presidency’s priorities and an exchange of views on future work simplification within the General Affairs Council.
EP Committee Work
ITRE opinion on European Fund for cohesion, agriculture, rural, maritime and security (2028–2034)
On July 10, the ITRE committee (rapporteur Jana NAGYOVÁ) adopted its opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime prosperity, and security for 2028–2034, amending Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
AFET draft opinion on the EU general budget for 2027
The Committee on Foreign Affairs (rapporteur Matjaž NEMEC) tabled a draft opinion on the EU’s general budget for the financial year 2027, covering all sections, on July 6.
ITRE opinion on the proposal for the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund
The ITRE committee, led by rapporteur Massimiliano SALINI, submitted an opinion on July 6 regarding the proposal to establish a Temporary Decarbonisation Fund. The Fund aims to support Member States in transitioning toward low-carbon economies.
ENVI opinion on the Union budget tracking and performance framework regulation
The ENVI committee (rapporteur Pierfrancesco MARAN) issued an opinion on July 6 for the proposed regulation establishing a budget expenditure tracking and performance framework and other horizontal rules for Union programmes and activities.
Press conference on EP report regarding Serbia
On July 7, the AFET committee held a press conference following the plenary vote on Parliament’s position concerning the 2025 Commission report on Serbia. Tonino Picula (S&D, HR) commented on the EU enlargement progress and answered questions from accredited media.
Resolution to strengthen media literacy and digital learning across the EU
On July 7, CULT committee MEPs adopted a resolution urging promotion of media literacy and digital learning throughout formal education and lifelong learning. The resolution highlights the importance of helping citizens identify disinformation, recognise AI-generated content, and calls for codes of conduct for influencers as part of the ongoing AVMSD evaluation. Rapporteur Marcos Ros Sempere (S&D, ES) addressed the need for basic digital skills at all ages.
