ExclusiveClock ticking for Horizon Europe 2028 start, Zaharieva calls for “plan A” thinking

European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva has insisted on staying positive about the timeline for the next Horizon Europe programme and on sticking to "plan A".

In an interview with News Tank on 11/09/2026, the Commissioner for Start-ups and R&I said "time is of the essence," calling for the next Horizon Europe programme to be up and running from 01/01/2028. Asked whether there were contingency plans in case delays in the negotiations prevented the programme from starting on time, she said: "Let's think positively and think for Plan A."

The Commissioner also addressed the proposed €175bn budget for Horizon Europe, describing it as “ambitious enough”. Asked about stakeholders’ call for €200bn, she said: “I wish, but it’s very unlikely, unfortunately.” She added: “I hope at least we will…