“European Horizons”: EU Policy Directions and Science Policy Priorities for 2026
The Lithuanian Research Liaison Office in Brussels (LINO) has published the 16th issue of its newsletter European Horizons, providing an overview of key political, economic, and research policy trends in the European Union, as well as the main priorities for 2026.
The beginning of the year highlights that the EU is operating in a complex geopolitical environment. Growing international tensions, rapid technological development, and related regulatory challenges—particularly in the field of artificial intelligence—are emphasised. The World Economic Forum identifies geopolitical fragmentation, the threat of military conflicts, extreme climate events, societal polarisation, and disinformation among the most significant risks in the coming years—factors that directly affect Europe’s competitiveness.
In the field of research and innovation, Europe remains a strong global player. According to the latest Elsevier report, researchers from the EU and countries associated with the Horizon Europe programme accounted for approximately 37% of global scientific publication output. At the same time, structural challenges are noted, particularly in the health sector, including the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, access to healthcare services, and the efficiency of health systems. These challenges reinforce the case for targeted investments in research and innovation in strategically important areas.
For 2026, EU institutions have agreed on ten priority legislative areas. These include strengthening competitiveness and economic resilience, enhancing security and defence capabilities, reducing administrative burden, protecting external borders, reinforcing democracy, and safeguarding European values. In this context, research and innovation are identified as key instruments for achieving strategic autonomy and ensuring Europe’s long-term resilience.
The newsletter also underscores the importance of actively engaging in European Commission consultations and policymaking processes in order to strengthen the voice of Lithuania’s research and innovation community at the European level.
The newsletter is available here.