EU launches consultation on the future application of the DNSH principle

2026.09.01

A new European Union consultation has been launched on the future application of the "Do No Significant Harm" (DNSH) principle for the 2028–2034 period.

The DNSH principle is intended to ensure that EU funding does not support activities that cause significant harm to the EU's environmental and climate policy objectives. As the framework for the next programming period is being developed, the European Commission is seeking input on how the principle can be applied in a simpler and more effective way.

The consultation aims to contribute to the development of a simplified and more effective guidance framework by 1 January 2027.

Why does this matter for research organisations?

The future DNSH rules may determine the environmental requirements that research projects supported by EU funding will need to meet during the 2028–2034 period.

For research institutions, the consultation is therefore an important opportunity to make sure that the realities of research and innovation are taken into account while the framework is still being developed.

In particular, research organisations can provide input on:

  • which environmental requirements would be realistic and proportionate for research projects;

  • what level of administrative burden can be managed in practice;

  • which specific characteristics of research activities need to be considered; and

  • how the DNSH principle can be implemented effectively without creating unnecessary or disproportionate administrative requirements.

The consultation offers the research sector a chance to share practical experience and help shape a framework that supports the EU's environmental objectives while remaining workable for organisations receiving EU funding.

The consultation is open until 16 September 2026.

Research organisations, researchers, project managers and other stakeholders involved in EU-funded projects are encouraged to review the consultation and provide their input. Feedback submitted at this stage can help ensure that the future DNSH framework reflects both the EU's environmental ambitions and the practical realities of research activities.

Further information on the consultation and the EUSurvey questionnaire is available through the European Commission's consultation platform: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/DNSH-Guidance-Next-MFF

This is an opportunity for the research sector to have its say before the rules for the next funding period are finalised.