EU Policy Briefing: Insights for Innovation and Competitiveness

EBN is pleased to present the latest edition of its EU Policy Briefing, a service dedicated to informing our members about the most recent developments, strategies, and legislative initiatives from the European institutions. This initiative aims to ensure that EU|BICs and the wider community remain well-informed and prepared for the challenges and opportunities emerging at the European level.

Relevant Content

The July–September 2025 briefing highlights a number of significant policy initiatives:

• The European Commission’s Innovation Act (feedback deadline: 03 October) and the consultation on the 28th Regime (feedback deadline: 30 September) are both aimed at enhancing competitiveness and creating a more business-friendly environment across the Single Market.

• Provide feedback on the Innovation Act [link]
• Provide feedback on the 28th Regime [link]

• The Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), amounting to nearly €2 trillion, with a strong focus on flexibility, competitiveness, and regional partnership plans.
• The establishment of a European Competitiveness Fund, aimed at supporting strategic technologies in clean transition, digitalisation, health, biotechnology, and defence.
• Plans to double the Horizon Europe budget to €175 billion, reinforcing Europe’s role in cutting-edge research, innovation, and “moonshot” projects.
• Ongoing Cohesion Policy reform, emphasising flexibility, performance, and stronger support for regional competitiveness.

Access to July-September briefing here

Looking Ahead

This briefing is part of EBN’s broader commitment to keep members informed with timely and actionable insights into the evolving EU policy agenda. Please stay tuned for the upcoming briefings throughout the rest of the year, where we will continue to share key policy updates and forthcoming initiatives.

To provide continuity and context, members are also invited to revisit the previous editions:

• January – March 2025: featuring the launch of the Clean Industrial Deal, the Competitiveness Compass, and the Union of Skills initiative. [Access to briefing]

• April – June 2025: covering the adoption of the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, the Choose Europe for Science campaign, and new frameworks on compulsory licensing and state aid. [Access to briefing]

EBN remains committed to ensuring that its members are equipped with the insights needed to anticipate change, seize opportunities, and remain at the forefront of Europe’s innovation and competitiveness agenda