Seen from Brussels

The EU research ministers reached agreement on the open issues of the Horizon Europe legislation and are ready for negotiations with the European Parliament.

After the European Council’s budget compromise in July, busy months lie ahead to finalise the EU budget deal and assure a timely start of the new EU programmes.

The European Council’s budget compromise includes cuts for research, innovation and education compared to the Commission’s proposal, creating strong resistance.

The German Presidency of the Council of the EU will focus on Europe’s recovery and the challenge of laying the financial groundwork for making it a success.

The EC presented its new MFF proposal for 2021-2027 and a “Next Generation EU” recovery instrument to help Europe bounce back after the pandemic.

The EU struggles to confront the corona crisis that has upended its agenda. After a brief global focus, helping Member States became the main concern.

The difficulties to reach consensus on the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 risk delaying research, innovation and education programmes.

Croatia focuses on brain circulation and advancing rural areas. Meanwhile, the EC’s proposal for a European Green Deal finds support in the European Parliament.

Brussels was busy in December, from personnel shifts in and out to first policy proposals by the new EC – however, no decision yet on the EU budget.