On 22 January 2026, we had our 2nd online EC Review Meeting, bringing together the European Commission, two external reviewers and project partners to assess progress achieved during the second reporting period (RP2, months 19–36). The meeting focused on how BrightSpace is advancing its core objective: supporting EU agriculture in operating within a Safe and Just Operating Space (SJOS) by 2050, inspired by Kate Raworth’s “donut” framework.
Advancing the Safe and Just Operating Space concept
During RP2, we made substantial progress across its three interconnected pillars: Determinants, Future Pathways, and Guidance and Roadmap.
Under Pillar 1 (Determinants), the project established a robust conceptual and empirical foundation for the SJOS. A comprehensive framework covering 12 thematic areas and more than 30 indicator domains was developed, with thresholds aligned to EU policy objectives on climate, biodiversity, and farm incomes. This work is supported by the BrightSpace Database and Monitoring System (BSDMS), providing transparent access to indicators, data sources, and visualisations. Empirical research also delivered new insights into non-policy drivers such as technology, structural change, and consumer behaviour, as well as trade-offs arising from CAP, trade, and environmental policies.
Modelling future pathways for EU agriculture
Under Pillar 2 (Future Pathways), we operationalised its integrated multi-model toolbox and co-created medium- and long-term baselines together with stakeholders. These baselines explore key future challenges, including climate shocks, volatile energy and fertiliser prices, and trade fragmentation. Modelling capacity was further strengthened for both the Safe Operating Space (e.g. water, nutrients, pollution, biodiversity) and the Just Operating Space (e.g. income, employment, inequality, food affordability, nutrition, and health). While data gaps remain — particularly for biodiversity and gender-disaggregated indicators — overall progress is on track and increasingly policy-relevant.
From evidence to guidance and transition pathways
Pillar 3 (Guidance and Roadmap) focused on translating evidence into actionable policy insights. Research identified promising technologies such as AI, robotics, and decision-support tools, alongside consumer willingness to adopt sustainable and innovative food options. Policy analyses examined synergies and trade-offs across climate, biodiversity, food, and trade policies. Importantly, we developed four exploratory transition pathways — Go Global, Fortress EU, Food Sovereignty, and Sustainable Competitiveness — which were discussed with stakeholders and are now being integrated into the modelling framework.
Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement
The Review Meeting highlighted strong collaboration with sister Horizon Europe projects (including LAMASUS, ACT4CAP27, GeneBEcon, RATION, AgEnRes, DETECTIVE and Step-up), active stakeholder engagement through retreats and expert consultations, and a growing portfolio of scientific publications and conference contributions. Capacity building and communication activities expanded throughout RP2, supported by an active stakeholder platform, modelling trainings, and open-access dissemination.
Looking ahead
The overall conclusion of the Review Meeting was clear: BrightSpace is well positioned to deliver its final objectives. In the next reporting period, the project will focus on deeper model integration, completing deferred analyses, refining transition pathways, and delivering the interactive BrightSpace roadmap. This roadmap will provide concrete, policy-relevant guidance to support EU agricultural and food policy beyond 2027.
We would like to thank the policy officers and the external reviewers for their work and useful recommendations.
Source: WR, PLAB
