EU governments are seeking to change the eligibility rules for Horizon Europe in order to limit the countries that can participate in dual-use and defence projects. This proposed adjustment would introduce additional safeguards to the European Commission’s plan 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 Commission proposed granting dual-use start-ups access to the EIC starting in 2026, it did not propose any changes to the existing eligibility rules. This approach effectively left the decision-making power to the programme committees responsible for drafting each year’s work programme.
Now, the EU Council has intervened to provide clearer guidance. An amendment to the Commission’s ReArm Europe Plan is under consideration, which would restrict participation in dual-use and defence projects to a limited set of countries.
This move signals the EU’s intent to balance innovation support with strategic security considerations, ensuring that the sensitive nature of dual-use technology remains safeguarded within the Horizon Europe framework. Further details on the exact eligibility restrictions are expected as the amendment progresses.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/dual-use/council-proposes-limited-eligibility-dual-use-projects-horizon-europe