EU still split on R&D exclusions as latest plan branded ‘total mess’

Lack of clarity around non-EU participation “will lead to de facto exclusions”, sources say

EU member state governments remain divided over the extent to which non-EU countries should be able to participate in the bloc’s Horizon Europe R&D programme, with some still fighting against European Commission plans for exclusions from areas deemed particularly sensitive.

One source close to the discussions described the latest proposal from the Commission as a “total mess”. The split over what to do is thought to be a factor in why the EU has not yet adopted its broad work programme for much of Horizon Europe, which in turn has led to the delayed launch of some funding calls.