The European commission has proposed that they should nearly double the research and innovation budget for the next funding period to $175 billion, which will take place from 2028-2034. This will promote Europe’s productivity in the technological sector as well as strengthen and provide many challenges to real world solutions, such as AI that supports doctors, to satellites that protect farmers, to cleaner, smarter ways to live and work.
Furthermore, European Partnerships in Horizon Europe are strategic alliances where the European Commission collaborates with public and/or private partners—such as industries, research organizations, universities, NGOs, and funding agencies to design and execute research and innovation programs.
These partnerships pursue key EU goals like the Green Deal, digital transformation, health, and resilience, and aim to reduce fragmentation, streamline efforts, and maximize socio‑economic impact. They follow a unified lifecycle and selection process integrated with Horizon Europe’s strategic planning and structured into three distinct formats—co‑programmed, co‑funded, and institutionalized—each tailored to different levels of coordination and funding mechanisms.
However, in light of the current humanitarian crises, the EU has reviewed the participation rules and those having access to their funding and cutting Israelis access to it has been a proposed action. This would be the first action the EU takes against the current war happening in Gaza.
Furthermore, more than 20 member states expressed “serious concerns” about the current situation in Gaza at the EU ambassadors meeting on Tuesday to discuss the proposal. The severity of this situation has given the EU legal basis for the suspension of Israel.
The proposed measure aims to restrict Israeli organizations from participating in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, a key funding instrument that supports advanced start-ups working in areas like AI, drone systems, and cybersecurity.
The Commission stated that the proposed measure is narrow in scope and could be reversed, but it also reflects a clear shift in EU priorities toward stronger cooperation with Middle Eastern and North African countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco. These nations are set to benefit from upcoming Horizon Europe initiatives focused on water sustainability, climate-resilient agriculture, and renewable energy under the Global Challenges agenda.
In May 2025, the EU and Egypt finalized negotiations for Egypt’s association with Horizon Europe. The agreement that will be signed by November 2025, will grant Egypt full participation rights in the EU’s flagship research and innovation program. Jordan has joined the PRIMA initiative for 2025–2027, strengthening its alignment with Horizon Europe’s sustainable development objectives. PRIMA, co-funded by Horizon Europe, supports regional collaboration on water management, agriculture, and food systems. Morocco remains a strategic partner and is eligible for nearly all Horizon Europe calls under the 2023–2024 programme.