The following are guidelines for when/how/why minimum Java requirement for Eclipse SDK can be updated:

• Eclipse SDK allows to increase the required Java version (a Bundle's required execution environment) one release after SimRel allows content with that Java version (https://github.com/eclipse-simrel/.github/blob/main/wiki/SimRel/Simultaneous_Release_Requirements.md#execution-environment). E.g. Simrel allows depending on Java 21 in 2024-06 and Eclipse SDK allows that in the version that targets 2024-09 (or later) simrel release.
• Raising required version is based on actual need/usage of new API and is done per bundle. Reducing maintenance effort and/or speed/memory improvements should be considered a good enough reason.
• There are bundles with stricter update rules (e.g. org.eclipse.osgi ) for which a committer is supposed to give its negative review to stop the update.
• The above rules are for own bundles and do not apply for third party dependencies. In case a dependency update leads to raising the requirements the issue is to be discussed separately and decision is to be taken based on upstream support, features needed, security concerns, etc.)
• PMC may change these rules to better reflect changes in the environment - e.g. Java LTS versions changes, new architectures, OS support cycles, etc.