EU governments are looking to change the eligibility rules for Horizon Europe, aiming to limit which countries can participate in dual-use and defence projects. This move introduces new guard rails to the European Commission’s existing plan to allow dual-use start-ups to receive grant funding and equity investments through the European Innovation Council (EIC).

Currently, all Horizon Europe research and innovation projects—including those supported by the EIC—are required to focus exclusively on civilian applications. However, when the Commission proposed granting dual-use start-ups access to the EIC starting in 2026, it did so without proposing any changes to the eligibility rules. This left the decision-making to the programme committees responsible for drafting each year’s work programme.

Now, the EU Council has stepped in with additional guidance by amending the Commission’s ReArm Europe Plan. The proposed amendment seeks to restrict participation in dual-use and defence-related projects to a more limited group of countries, tightening the framework around who can access this sensitive funding.

This development signals a shift in how the EU balances innovation support with security concerns, especially in sectors where civilian and military applications overlap. Further details on the exact restrictions and eligible countries are expected as the amendment progresses.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/dual-use/council-proposes-limited-eligibility-dual-use-projects-horizon-europe