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The European Research Council (ERC) has partly adjusted the announced stricter resubmission rules for the 2027 Work Programme. For Starting, Consolidator, Advanced and ERC Plus Grants, the current approach is expected to largely remain in place.

The European Commission has published a revised version of the ERA Living Guidelines on the Responsible Use of Generative AI in Research. The Guidelines have been updated to reflect the rapid developments in the field of generative AI and to take into account current technological changes and their impact on the scientific community.

Update: The ERC has partially revised the announced changes to the reapplication rules for 2027. Our latest assessment is available in the new article:  www.bayfor.org/erc-revises-rules

The European Research Council (ERC) is responding to the sharp rise in demand for funding with significantly stricter application rules. In an open letter, ERC President Maria Leptin explains the planned changes for upcoming calls in the 2027 work program. For researchers—including those in Bavaria and Germany—this results in important new conditions for submitting applications.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is currently seeking qualified experts in the field of defence technologies to assist in the evaluation of innovative companies for EU equity investments. The aim is to specifically promote disruptive deep-tech innovations in the European defence sector.

The European Union and the United Kingdom have made significant progress towards the planned association of the United Kingdom with the EU’s Erasmus+ education programme from 2027. This marks a key step towards strengthening European cooperation in education and promoting mobility.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the European Commission is stepping up its support for researchers in Europe: a total of around €400 million will be available for postdoctoral fellowships in 2026. The new call for proposals under Horizon Europe has already been launched – applications can be submitted until 9 September 2026.

The European Union and Australia have taken a decisive step towards deepening their bilateral relations: with the conclusion of a comprehensive free trade agreement (EU-Australia FTA), the new Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) and the launch of formal negotiations on Australia’s association with Horizon Europe, a comprehensive strategic package of global significance is taking shape.

The European Commission has unveiled AGILE (Accelerating Groundbreaking Innovation for Defense in Europe), a new funding instrument designed to significantly accelerate the development and market introduction of innovative defense technologies in the European Union with a budget of €115 million starting in 2027. The focus is particularly on SMEs, startups, and scale-ups, which are the key drivers of technological innovation in the European defense ecosystem.

The new version, DESCA Horizon Europe 2.1, provides project consortia with an updated model for consortium agreements under Horizon Europe. The revised version takes into account recent stakeholder feedback and legal amendments, and facilitates collaboration in European research and innovation projects. DESCA has been regarded for years as the de facto standard for consortium agreements in EU-funded projects and is used across Europe by research institutions, universities and companies.

The European Commission has unveiled a new legal framework for businesses called “EU Inc.”. The aim is to establish uniform rules across the EU, thereby significantly facilitating the establishment, growth and scaling of businesses within the single market. Details of the proposal are provided by the European Commission in its official publication. The optional set of rules – also known as the “28th regime” – is intended to strengthen Europe as a location for innovative companies, start-ups and scale-ups. Our EU Funding Centre offers an overview of relevant EU initiatives for businesses.