Story perspectives

UK Pursues Treaty Change to Access €4B EU Innovation Fund

5/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva said UK accession to the €4 billion Innovation Council Fund needs a treaty change after Brexit, by end-2026, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer met President Ursula von der Leyen on May 4 about UK entry into EIC and Scaleup Europe.
EIC provides €0.5-€10 million and €10-€30 million STEP grants; Scaleup Europe targets €100 million-plus rounds for AI, quantum and semiconductor firms.
Eligibility could let startups benefit; a delayed deal would limit them.

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Story summary

Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva said UK accession to the €4 billion Innovation Council Fund needs a treaty change after Brexit, by end-2026, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer met President Ursula von der Leyen on May 4 about UK entry into EIC and Scaleup Europe.
EIC provides €0.5-€10 million and €10-€30 million STEP grants; Scaleup Europe targets €100 million-plus rounds for AI, quantum and semiconductor firms.
Eligibility could let startups benefit; a delayed deal would limit them.