This Week in Higher Ed — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission restores Hungary’s Erasmus+ access; New rules for electronic health data; Voluntary sustainability reporting standard adopted; General Affairs Council debates rule of law.
September 21, 2026 to September 27, 2026
Commission restores Hungary’s Erasmus+ access; New rules for electronic health data; Voluntary sustainability reporting standard adopted; General Affairs Council debates rule of law.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Culture and Education (CULT): On September 28, the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; “AI in Cultural and Creative Sectors: Opportunities, Challenges and Legislative Limitations in the Audiovisual, Publishing and Music Streaming sectors" – Briefing presentation organised by the Policy Department for Citizens, Equality and Culture (PolDep IUST-A) for the Committee on Culture and Education; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On September 28, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Establishing a framework of measures for the acceleration of industrial capacity and decarbonisation in strategic sectors and amending Regulations (EU) 2018/1724, (EU) 2024/1735 and (EU) 2024/3110.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On September 28, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting.
European Commission
Commission proposes to restore Hungary’s access to Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe after rule of law reforms
On 22 September 2026, the European Commission proposed to the Council to lift protective measures against Hungary, imposed under the Conditionality Regulation in 2022, following an assessment that Hungary has addressed rule of law breaches impacting the EU budget. The Commission found that Hungary had reinforced the Integrity Authority’s powers, implemented a comprehensive asset declaration system, enhanced transparency and conflict-of-interest controls in Public Interest Trusts, and extended judicial review of prosecutorial decisions. If the Council accepts, €4.2 billion in suspended Cohesion Policy funds would be reinstated, and Hungarian students and researchers would regain full access to Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe. The Council has one month to decide based on the Commission’s proposal. President Ursula von der Leyen stated that reforms have delivered results.
EU and Canada secure nearly €220 million for global ocean observation
On 22 September 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at a pledging event in New York. Thirty-one members, including the EU and 30 countries, pledged close to €220 million in financial and in-kind support. The EU committed €92 million under Horizon Europe to strengthen ocean observation platforms and related innovation. The OceanEye Alliance aims to address data gaps and ensure long-term global support for the Global Ocean Observing System. Commissioner for fisheries and oceans Costas Kadis signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IOC-UNESCO to affirm the EU’s commitment.
Commission adopts €505 million package for Lebanon’s stability and reforms
The European Commission announced on 22 September 2026 a new €505 million financial support package for Lebanon, covering 2026 and 2027, as part of a broader €1 billion EU initiative. The funds will support reforms, economic recovery, security, border management, and essential services, including education and healthcare for vulnerable populations. Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica presented the funding during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York. The package builds on previous tranches and ongoing humanitarian assistance amid high levels of displacement and regional instability.
President von der Leyen addresses OceanEye International Alliance Pledging Event
In her speech at the OceanEye International Alliance event on 22 September 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the importance of ocean observation for climate, safety, and economic activities. She announced increased EU funding for ocean observation, highlighted new satellite launches for sea monitoring, and described partnerships with initiatives such as the Vendée Globe race to gather data from remote ocean areas. Von der Leyen also described the development of a Digital Twin of the Ocean, providing real-time ocean data for scientists and policymakers.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2098 lays down metadata requirements for European Health Data Space
Published in OJ L on 21 September 2026, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2098 sets out minimum metadata elements and their characteristics for dataset descriptions under Article 77(4) of Regulation (EU) 2025/327. Health data holders must provide standardized, machine-readable metadata to support secondary use of electronic health data within the European Health Data Space. The HealthDCAT-AP profile is mandated for these descriptions. The regulation applies from 26 March 2029.
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560 establishes voluntary sustainability reporting standard under Directive 2013/34/EU
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560, published on 21 September 2026, supplements Directive 2013/34/EU by introducing a sustainability reporting standard for voluntary use by undertakings protected by the value chain cap. The standard details which sustainability datapoints undertakings may report voluntarily, and which may be requested from smaller entities in the value chain, in line with Directive (EU) 2026/470. The regulation enters into force for financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2027.
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2097 updates communicable diseases for epidemiological surveillance
On 21 September 2026, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2097 was published, updating the list and case definitions of communicable diseases and special health issues for epidemiological surveillance. The regulation repeals Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/945 and aligns surveillance priorities with scientific developments and Regulation (EU) 2022/2371. New rules apply from 1 July 2028.
Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2112 authorises marketing of GM soybean GMB151 × DAS-44406-6
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2112 of 23 September 2026 authorises the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified soybean GMB151 × DAS-44406-6, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003. The decision assigns a unique identifier and details labelling, monitoring, and reporting obligations. It is addressed to BASF Agricultural Solutions US LLC, represented in the EU by BASF Agricultural Solutions Belgium NV, and is valid for ten years.
EU Council
General Affairs Council debates rule of law and next MFF
On 22 September 2026, the General Affairs Council held a policy debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), prepared for the October European Council, and discussed legislative programming for 2027. Ministers also exchanged views on the rule of law situation across the EU and in selected candidate countries.
