EU Governments Propose Changes to Horizon Europe Eligibility Rules for Dual-Use and Defence Projects
EU governments are seeking to amend the eligibility rules of Horizon Europe to limit the countries that can participate in dual-use and defence projects. This move introduces additional guard rails to the European Commission’s existing plan, which aims to allow dual-use start-ups to receive grant funding and equity investment through the European Innovation Council (EIC).
At present, all Horizon Europe research and innovation projects—including those supported by the EIC—must focus exclusively on civilian applications. However, when the European Commission proposed granting dual-use start-ups access to the EIC starting in 2026, it did not propose any changes to the eligibility rules. This approach effectively left the decision-making power to the programme committees responsible for drafting each year’s work programme.
In response, the EU Council has now stepped in to provide clearer guidance. Through an amendment to the Commission’s ReArm Europe Plan, the Council seeks to restrict participation in these dual-use and defence projects to certain countries, thereby tightening the framework around eligibility.
These proposed changes aim to balance innovation support with security considerations, ensuring that sensitive dual-use technologies receive appropriate oversight while still fostering growth and investment within eligible member states. The exact details of the restrictions and the list of countries affected are expected to be clarified as discussions progress.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/dual-use/council-proposes-limited-eligibility-dual-use-projects-horizon-europe