European Commission gives green light for HUN-REN research institutes to continue participating in EU-funded programs

The HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network has received official notification from the European Commission that, in recognition of HUN-REN’s legal transformation, its research institutes — now independent legal entities — may apply for the Participant Identification Codes (PICs) required for participation in EU research and innovation funding programs. In light of the extensive consultations and the European Commission’s clear response, HUN-REN’s leadership hopes that the Commission, as promised, will act as a partner in bringing this administrative process to a swift conclusion.

Following the legal transformation in October 2025, HUN-REN and its 15 research institutes — in accordance with the HUN-REN Act — initiated the modification of their legal identifiers with the European Commission’s Central Validation Service (CVS) in order to confirm their eligibility to participate in EU-funded programs. Although the Commission’s decision took longer than expected, HUN-REN’s intensive consultations have resulted in a clear response: the HUN-REN research institutes operating under the new legal framework are entitled to obtain the Participant Identification Codes (PICs) required for EU grant applications and may begin the registration process. HUN-REN’s leadership has therefore asked the institutes to register for the new PIC numbers as soon as possible and will provide all necessary professional support and assistance to facilitate this process.

Thanks to the joint efforts of HUN-REN and the Hungarian government, as well as the detailed information provided in several rounds on the Hungarian legal framework, Brussels has reached a favorable decision: it has recognized the independent legal status of the research institutes and confirmed that they retain their autonomous eligibility to participate in EU grant programs, as before. As a result, the PIC registration numbers that had been temporarily blocked by the European Commission will now be replaced by new ones through an administrative procedure. According to the Commission’s commitment, this solution ensures that ongoing grant applications can continue without disruption and that the research institutes will also be able to take part in new tenders. The official notice also set out the technical steps of the required updates in detail and confirmed that support will be provided throughout the process.

In recent weeks, HUN-REN’s primary objective has been to reach an agreement with the European Commission that would ensure the uninterrupted continuation of ongoing EU research programs, enable participation in new ones, and address the uncertainties that have emerged within the Hungarian research community. The Hungarian government has been a key partner in this effort. In addition to its commitment to supporting HUN-REN’s transformation, establishing its full independence, and securing the network’s long-term and sustainable financing, the government has also made a significant contribution to the consultations with Brussels regarding participation in EU-funded calls. This support has been crucial in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion.

HUN-REN is confident that the European Commission will approve the new, independent participant identifiers of the research institutes as soon as possible, in accordance with the standard validation procedure. This is fully consistent with the Hungarian legal framework, respects the legal autonomy of the research institutes, and provides a predictable and legally secure operational basis for HUN-REN’s entire research network to participate in the EU funding system over the long term.

In the coming period, HUN-REN will focus on ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. The renewed research network is a flagship of the Hungarian scientific ecosystem, where outstanding and dedicated researchers across all institutes work to advance scientific excellence and strengthen research outcomes.

HUN-REN’s strategic objective is to enhance the efficiency of research and to support European and international research collaborations. In doing so, it not only contributes to strengthening European research and competitiveness, but also increases HUN-REN’s international visibility and recognition.

The goal is to operate an open, modern, and globally integrated Hungarian research network that plays an active role in achieving scientific and innovation objectives, while fully harnessing the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence at every level of research.