EU Ministers Requested Dual-Use Research Support
Officials from nine nations asked the European Union to prioritize dual-use technology in the next Horizon Europe cycle.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Research ministers from the Nordics, Baltics, Poland, and Romania have formally requested that the European Commission and Parliament integrate dual-use research into Framework Programme 10. The proposal aims to boost defense capabilities and competitive standing across the continent.
Why it matters
Expanding funding to include technologies with both civilian and military applications is viewed as essential for strengthening European defense. This shift would mark a strategic pivot in how the bloc manages research and innovation priorities.
The proposal advocates for a dual-use by design approach that would facilitate dedicated funding calls and support for dual-use activities in open research competitions. These measures aim to bridge the gap between civilian innovation and defense needs.
The players
European Parliament
This legislative body serves as a primary decision-making institution of the European Union.
European Commission
The executive branch of the European Union is responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions.
Kristina Kallas
She serves as a government minister for Estonia, one of the nations leading this research initiative.
The details
The joint statement calls for structural changes to the upcoming Horizon Europe framework to allow for broader defense-related research. By removing existing barriers, proponents argue the Union can better leverage technological breakthroughs for both economic and security objectives.
Timeline
In June 2026, the Council reached an initial agreement regarding dual-use research.
On September 28, 2026, ministers issued the formal joint statement to the European Union.
The Tech Race
This push to embed dual-use capabilities into the next Horizon Europe framework reflects a broader pivot in European industrial strategy. By aligning civilian research with defense requirements, the bloc is attempting to mirror the integrated innovation models used by major global rivals.
For European developers and researchers, this policy shift could create new pathways for securing project funding in fields spanning artificial intelligence and advanced materials. However, adoption may involve new regulatory oversight processes for those working on technologies with defense potential.
The takeaway
This request highlights a growing European consensus that civilian research must increasingly serve dual-purpose objectives to maintain international competitiveness. Stakeholders in the research sector should prepare for a potential restructuring of grant criteria in upcoming EU funding cycles.
What happens next
MEPs serving on the European Parliament's research committee are expected to vote on the formal negotiating positions for the future Horizon Europe framework.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest policy developments in Artificial Intelligence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Science Business.
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