The next Horizon Europe: ideas for a more agile and effective governance

The reconstruction of the Framework Programme – the next Horizon Europe – is more necessary than it may appear. EU research and innovation policy not only underpins the Union’s future competitiveness but also shapes its international relations. In an increasingly complex and unsettling geopolitical environment, the EU is being pushed to reassess its global role. How can the EU reinforce its position as a pioneer in shaping our common future?

To address this challenge, Renda (2025) proposes the creation of two councils within Horizon Europe 2028–2034. The Council on Research and Innovation for Competitiveness and Security (CRICS) would concentrate on dual-use technologies, industrial sovereignty, defence innovation and economic resilience, ensuring that investment is closely aligned with policy and industrial needs. In parallel, the Council on Global Societal Challenges (CGSC) would focus on global public goods such as climate, health and biodiversity.

Together, these structures would enable Horizon Europe to act as a balancing force: strengthening EU competitiveness while consolidating the Union’s leadership in tackling global challenges. This session gathers high-level stakeholders to discuss the idea of setting up the two Councils, while shedding light on the position of Horizon Europe in this complex, technically and geopolitically driven age.