Resources & New Publications
Horizon Europe 2026-2027 Work Programme
The European Commission has adopted the Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Work Programme, investing €14 billion in research and innovation. The programme allocates €540 million to the Clean Industrial Deal to accelerate clean technologies and industrial decarbonisation. A further €90 million supports AI in Science, promoting trustworthy and high-impact artificial intelligence. Over €210 million will advance the New European Bauhaus, fostering sustainable, inclusive and innovative design. The Choose Europe initiative is reinforced, including €50 million for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions to attract global talent. Support for startups and scale-ups is strengthened through innovation ecosystems and transnational hubs. To simplify participation, around half of the calls will use lump-sum funding. Two-stage evaluations and SME-friendly topics aim to lower access barriers. Overall, the programme supports EU priorities on climate neutrality, digital transformation and industrial competitiveness. More here. The Atlas of African Protected Areas
The Atlas of African Protected Areas presents a comprehensive overview of conservation across the African continent. Developed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre with African and international partners, it shares years of scientific and geospatial research. The Atlas provides technical and scientific insights for donors, decision-makers and stakeholders. While not a policy document, it situates scientific evidence within the broader policy context. Focusing on Protected Areas, it follows the framework of the BIOPAMA programme. The Atlas highlights Africa’s global biodiversity importance and regional differences in conservation status. It examines ecosystem services, pressures and threats affecting protected areas. Supported by long-standing EU engagement, the Atlas synthesises data and analyses to guide conservation efforts. It also serves as a resource to inspire African institutions in shaping the future of conservation. Consult here.
EU updates sustainable development trade tool for developing countries
The EU has reached an agreement to revise the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), its key sustainable trade tool for developing countries. The updated scheme provides certainty for 65 beneficiary countries and EU importers amid growing global trade challenges. The revised GSP strengthens support for sustainable development in vulnerable economies. It reinforces social, labour, environmental and climate standards. The new rules allow smoother transitions for countries advancing in development while retaining market access if sustainability criteria are met. Opportunities for low-income countries are expanded through lower product graduation thresholds. Human rights and labour protections are strengthened with additional conventions. Environmental and climate violations may now trigger withdrawal of benefits. Enhanced monitoring, transparency and civil society involvement are introduced. The GSP remains a flagship EU instrument supporting poverty reduction and global economic integration. More here.
Commission announces reinforcement of controls on products imported into the EU
The European Commission has announced a reinforcement of controls on food, animal and plant products imported into the EU. The measures reflect commitments under the Vision for Agriculture and Food to strengthen import safety. Audits of non-EU countries will increase by 50% over the next two years. Audits of EU Border Control Posts will rise by 33% to ensure proper inspections. Monitoring of non-compliant products and countries will be intensified. The Commission will provide additional support to Member States conducting these checks. A dedicated EU Task Force will be established to improve import control efficiency. The task force will focus on pesticide residues, food and feed safety and animal welfare. Around 500 national authority staff will receive training on official controls. Updated rules will align import tolerances for hazardous pesticides with international standards. More here.
The economics of copyright and AI – Empirical evidence and optimal policy
This in-depth analysis, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Justice, Civil Liberties and Institutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Legal Affairs, examines how copyright policy should respond to artificial intelligence (AI). It combines historical lessons from digital markets, insight on the economic value of data, and a formal model to study welfare effects. It assesses economic effects of various policy options, including an exception, an exception with opt-out, licencing market (“opt-out”) and statutory licencing, in a search for optimal policy. More here.
World Development Report 2025 – Standards for Development
World Development Report 2025 provides the most comprehensive assessment of the global landscape of standards today and how they can be used to accelerate economic development. It offers a practical framework for countries at all stages of development. Countries at the earliest stage should adapt international standards to suit local conditions when needed, whereas at more advanced stages, they should aim to align domestic markets with international standards. Meanwhile, all countries should author international standards in priority areas. Consult the report here.
The International Symposium on New Models of Agri-Food Development Cooperation was held on 11–12 November 2025 and organised by CIHEAM Zaragoza with support from AECID. The event focused on improving the effectiveness of agri-food development cooperation in a changing geopolitical context. Particular attention was given to Mediterranean countries and regions with similar socioeconomic conditions. Participants exchanged experiences, shared good practices and explored new cooperation opportunities. The symposium highlighted a shift from traditional food security approaches toward sustainable food systems, in line with FAO priorities. Key themes included climate change adaptation, efficient resource use and institutional modernisation. Human capital development and rural job creation were also central topics. The event brought together experts from European agencies, NGOs, multilateral organisations and academia. Local and regional authorities also contributed to the discussions. A full recording of the symposium is available online.
Recording available here.
Science for Africa’s future food security: linking agency and institutions in the food system
Dzudzor, M.I., May, J.D. & Mockshell, J. Science for Africa’s future food security: linking agency and institutions in the food system. Food Sec. (2025).
Africa is not on track to achieve SDG 2, eradicating hunger by 2030. The publication argues that for meaningful and sustained food security, African people and institutions must be empowered to determine how their food systems are shaped. Drawing from a conceptual framework tailored to the African food system, authors emphasise that regulative, normative, and cognitive institutions play a central role in structuring food systems on the continent. Agency is the means through which these institutions are activated and transformed. The profit-driven orientation and corporate concentration in the current food system impairs institutional capacity and local agency. To advance food security, food system transformation in Africa must be shaped by institutional pluralism, contextual specificity, and locally defined priorities. Publication here. Resources from the lecture on “Advancing agrifood innovation systems through inclusive approaches in science, technology and innovation – Key lessons from Ethiopia and Peru”, the fourth lecture in a series organized under FAO’s HASTEN project: Harnessing SDG-based Agrifood System Transformation through the Empowerment of the Next-Generation of Agrifood Leadership in Africa are available here: Recording and resources available here
Quantifying The Environmental Impacts of Food A Review of True Cost Accounting Methods
Global food systems face complex, multi-faceted challenges that greatly vary by context, and their environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts are equally diverse. A comprehensive understanding that integrates these disparate factors into unified, clear guidance is essential for decision-making, including policy measures and industry practices. True Cost Accounting (TCA) methodologies aim to meet this need by quantifying a wide spectrum of food systems-related benefits and costs in economic terms. We reviewed existing TCA frameworks, approaches, methods, and data sources used for measuring and monetising environmental externalities generated by food production and consumption. Our analysis of 85 recent publications (2018–2025) revealed several key patterns in current research. The literature shows a predominant focus on negative impacts, with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions receiving primary attention. Studies mainly examined cereals, meat, and dairy, mostly in high-income and upper-middle-income country settings. TCA assessments employed three main methodological approaches: granular bottom-up, large-scale top-down, or comparative approaches, to capture environmental externalities. Access the study here.
|
