The slogan that Belgium will promote during its presidency.
Starting from 1 July 2026, BELSPO, in collaboration with the three Regions (Innoviris, VLAIO, SPW EER), will chair the Eureka network for one year.
In concrete terms, this network consists of 47 countries, making Eureka the world’s largest intergovernmental organisation for international cooperation in research and development (R&D).
During this chairmanship year, this page will offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at the Belgian Eureka presidency.
With ambition and drive, we are launching this exceptional year for BELSPO and the three Regions.
Discover our priorities, the events calendar and the full Belgian project team.
“Preparing Eureka for the future is where the focus of the Belgian team lies. ‘BE Eureka – BE the drive for tomorrow’ is our slogan: not an empty promise, but a commitment to concrete actions during our presidency that will strengthen Eureka as an organisation and, in turn, Belgium as a member of the network.”
Aziz Naji (BELSPO) – Chair of the Belgian Eureka presidency
“Now that Belgium is taking on the Eureka presidency, urgency becomes an invitation to act together. In a world where technological sovereignty and research security are no longer abstract ambitions but everyday necessities, Eureka must position itself as a trusted platform for open and secure collaboration. We call on the entire community of Eureka countries to unite around a shared commitment to renewal: unlocking the innovation potential of our network, safeguarding the integrity of our research, and lowering barriers so that small and medium-sized enterprises can turn bold ideas into tangible impact. Together, let us turn this moment into a legacy that will resonate far into the future.”
Pascale Van Dinter (BELSPO) – Eureka High Level Expert for Belgium
Belgium was involved in the creation of this network in 1985. Originally a European project, it quickly developed into a large international organisation. It provides a space where companies can conclude international cooperation agreements in a secure environment. Eureka offers funding opportunities and connects relevant companies around a shared project within a controlled framework. In short, it is an organisation where knowledge sharing plays a central role in the development of innovative products.
In 1994, Belgium already held the Eureka presidency for the first time. Thirty-two years later, we are taking on this role again. This position will strengthen our standing in negotiations and enable us to highlight our priorities. The Regions play a crucial role here: VLAIO, Innoviris and SPW EER have each defined a priority that will be emphasised during the presidency. The objective? To ensure a sustainable future for the Eureka network by proposing concrete actions and solutions to these three challenges.
To date, 47 countries (including Belgium) participate in the Eureka network. Eureka offers funding opportunities in collaboration with national funding bodies such as those in Belgium (VLAIO, Innoviris and SPW EER). In addition, the organisation brings together relevant companies around a shared project in a controlled international environment and internationalises research in order to increase the chances of project success. The “Eureka family” continues to grow: new membership applications ensure that Eureka remains an attractive cooperation partner for companies from various sectors.
Belgium aims to reinforce Eureka in order to support research, economic security and knowledge protection, while at the same time promoting open and trustworthy collaboration. By encouraging responsible practices and strengthening frameworks that ensure secure cooperation, Eureka helps innovation thrive in a safe and reliable environment.
Our chairmanship seeks to establish new partnerships in order to strengthen Eureka’s strategic position as an organisation. In this way, Eureka can consolidate its role as a global platform for innovation and foster collaborations that accelerate growth and impact across its network.
Belgium aims to ensure that Eureka initiatives provide real added value to members and affiliated partners of the network. By defining clear and meaningful indicators for all programmes, we can determine which actions can be considered successful and thereby generate greater impact.
The Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO) plays a key role during this presidency:
Aziz Naji assumes the role of Chair. He has been active within BELSPO since 1997 and has
already
represented the organisation in several (international) projects. A dedicated civil servant who will
fulfil this role with commitment.
The Executive Board is a body comprising seven countries on a rotating basis. The EB discusses initiatives and proposals, which are subsequently submitted to the High Level Group for approval.
Pascale Van Dinter sits on the EB and also acts as Belgium’s High-Level Representative at Eureka networking meetings. Belgium’s position on the agenda is determined in consultation with the Regions. She represents Belgium at these meetings.
BELSPO hosts the Eureka Secretariat in Brussels and pays the annual membership fee that ensures
our
participation in the Eureka network.
La Libre Belgique:
La Belgique prendra la tête du réseau Eureka le 1er juillet - La Libremsn:
België aan het hoofd van Eureka-netwerk: "Innovatie en economische groei stimuleren"
Publication BELSPO:
La Belgique prend la présidence du réseau Eureka
België neemt het voorzitterschap van het Eureka-netwerk opPublication The Embassy of Belgium in Bern:
Eureka network chair handover from Switzerland to BelgiumPublication BELSPO:
1er juillet : BELSPO donne le coup d’envoi de la présidence belge d’Eureka !
1 juli: BELSPO trapt het Belgisch Eureka voorzitterschap af!
The Belgian chair team organises various meetings for the Eureka network. We travel across the country in order to showcase several urban gems and notable venues. Discover our events calendar here.
Launch of the Belgian
presidencyLocation: Royal Library of Belgium (KBR)
Location: Charleroi, Gosselies BioPark
Location: Brussels, The Faculty
Location: Brussels, Eureka Secretariat
Location: Genk
Location: Namur
Executive Board: a select group comprising a maximum of 7 countries forms part of the EB. In addition, there are also observers, such as representatives of the European Commission. Membership of this group is limited in time for permanent members and operates on a rotating basis. The EB discusses initiatives that shape the future of Eureka.
High Level Group: A group of representatives from Eureka countries that hold full Eureka membership. They vote on the proposed initiatives put forward by the EB.
High Level Representative: A person who represents their country within the Eureka network. This person may cast a vote on behalf of their country on the items on the agenda.
Network Meeting: Meetings at which the 47 countries come together to discuss and take decisions for the future.
CIS-Eureka: To unify Belgium’s position, delegates from each Region and the federal level come together in a consultative group known as CIS-Eureka.
Within the organisational structure of the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO), the Eureka programme is situated within the Directorate-General for Research and Space – Federal, Interfederal and International Coordination Unit. The following colleagues represent BELSPO during the Eureka presidency:
In collaboration with
the Flemish Region (VLAIO), the Walloon Region (SPW Économie Emploi Recherche) and the Brussels-Capital
Region (Innoviris),
we will represent Belgium during this Eureka presidency.
© Dieder Claeys – VLAIO
Location: Our thanks to the colleagues of the Royal Museums of Art and History
for making this unique venue available to the Belgian chair team.
