Horizon Europe: Plan of allowing dual-use investments, an "unacceptable" approach for Leru

The European Commission plans to amend the European research programme, Horizon Europe, to allow the EIC and the planned TechEU Scale-up Fund to invest in dual-use technologies, which is prohibited under the current legal framework, it announces on 22/04/2025.

"Under a new Regulation to stimulate defence-related investments within the EU budget proposed today by the Commission, the EU will strengthen its defence Readiness 2030 and implement the ReArm Europe plan", says the Commission.

"The proposed changes will enhance the ability of the EU and member states to develop, scale up and innovate in key defence capabilities, while streamlining access to EU funds for defence-related projects.

Through the Horizon Europe regulation, the reach of the EIC will include start-ups working on dual-use and defence-related innovations. The objective is to foster a dynamic innovation ecosystem that speeds up the development and deployment of cutting-edge dual-use and defence technologies, like AI and cybersecurity."

"This fait accompli approach is unacceptable for the League of European Research…