This Week in Higher Ed — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission adopts EU KIDS Act; Fair Labour Mobility package proposed; Japan joins Horizon Europe; Commission issues housing affordability recommendation; Council debates Multiannual Financial Framework.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Commission adopts EU KIDS Act; Fair Labour Mobility package proposed; Japan joins Horizon Europe; Commission issues housing affordability recommendation; Council debates Multiannual Financial Framework.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Competitiveness Council: On September 24, the EU Council's Competitiveness Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission adopts EU KIDS Act to protect children online
On 16 September 2026, the European Commission adopted the EU KIDS Act to restrict social media platforms’ access to children in the EU. The proposal sets an EU-wide minimum age of 15 for minors to open their own social media accounts, prohibits platforms from accessing children under 13, and introduces parental control tools for ages 13–15. The Act requires platforms to demonstrate that their services are safe by design and to submit compliance plans to the Commission and independent auditors. Enforcement procedures are aligned with the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act. The legislative proposal is now submitted to the European Parliament and Council for examination.
Commission proposes Fair Labour Mobility package
On 14 September 2026, the European Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility package, which includes a Regulation establishing the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS), the Skills Portability Act, a Regulation strengthening the European Labour Authority, an amending Directive on professional qualifications, and a Directive on qualifications of third-country nationals. The package aims to facilitate digital access to social security and health documents via the EU Digital Identity Wallet, accelerate recognition of qualifications, and enhance cross-border enforcement against labour abuses. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the package addresses key barriers in the Single Market and supports worker mobility. The legislative proposals have been submitted to the European Parliament and Council.
Commission details Fair Labour Mobility measures
On 14 September 2026, the Commission published a Q&A on the Fair Labour Mobility Package, outlining digitalisation of social security documents and qualifications, the expanded mandate of the European Labour Authority (ELA), and procedural changes in recognition of qualifications. The Skills Portability Act will integrate qualifications into the EU Digital Identity Wallet within three years of entry into force. The revised Professional Qualifications Directive reduces processing times and administrative burdens. ESSPASS will enable online access to key documents, and ELA’s mandate expands to cover non-EU nationals. The package also modernises EURES and strengthens public administration tools for fraud detection.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
EU-Japan agreement on participation in Union programmes enters provisional application
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2065 of 14 July 2026 authorises the signing and provisional application of the Agreement between the EU and Japan on the participation of Japan in Union programmes, notably Horizon Europe (Regulation (EU) 2021/695). The agreement allows Japanese entities to participate in Horizon Europe Pillar II and other eligible programmes. The provisional application aims to ensure timely cooperation in research and innovation pending formal entry into force.
Agreement between EU and Japan on participation in Union programmes published
The Official Journal L 2026/2066, dated 17 September 2026, publishes the full text of the agreement between the European Union and Japan, establishing terms for Japan's participation in Union programmes, especially Horizon Europe. The protocol details financial contributions, eligibility, governance, and audit mechanisms for Japanese entities. The agreement applies provisionally from 1 January 2026, with specific protocols for each programme.
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/2069 on housing affordability and supply
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/2069 of 9 September 2026 provides guidance for Member States to address housing affordability in areas under housing stress. The Recommendation encourages housing acceleration plans, modern construction methods, and increased supply of affordable and social housing. It references Decision (EU) 2025/2630, Directive (EU) 2024/1275, and Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 on related policy frameworks.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2060 on EU-Armenia Partnership Strategic Agenda
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2060 of 20 November 2025 sets the Union’s position within the EU-Armenia Partnership Council for adoption of a Strategic Agenda. The agenda outlines cooperation priorities and programming of Union assistance under Regulation (EU) 2021/947 (Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument).
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2032 amends toy safety standards
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2032 of 11 September 2026 updates harmonised standards for experimental chemistry sets, formamide in foam toy materials, and chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants in toy materials under Directive 2009/48/EC. The new standards EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025, EN 71-15:2025, and EN 71-16:2025 will be referenced in the Official Journal.
EU Council
General Affairs Council prepares MFF 2028-2034 and reviews rule of law trends
On 22 September 2026, the General Affairs Council will hold a policy debate on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 and prepare for the October European Council. Ministers will discuss legislative programming for 2027 and conduct horizontal dialogue on rule of law developments, including candidate countries Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
ECOFIN ministers hold informal meeting
Economic and Financial Affairs ministers met informally on 18 September 2026. No summary was provided.
