EU updates ERA Living Guidelines on generative AI in research, adding agentic AI

The European Commission published on 16 October 2026 an update of the ERA Living Guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research. The Commission calls it the most comprehensive update since the first version. The guidelines now include guidance on agentic AI, where questions of oversight, accountability and reliability matter as tools take on more complex tasks, and more detailed guidance on AI in peer review and proposal evaluation. They were first published in 2024. The previous revision was in May 2026. The October 2026 PDF is marked as the fourth version. They are recommendations and operational guidance for the research community, developed with countries and stakeholders in the European Research Area.

What it means for business: universities, research organisations and funders in the European Research Area have updated guidance on agentic AI and on using AI to evaluate proposals and papers. The guidelines are recommendations, not a binding legal act.