Horizon Europe
Preparation Through Development, Strategy And Structure
Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe stands as the EU’s cornerstone funding program dedicated to research and innovation, boasting a significant budget of €95.5 billion. This initiative not only confronts the challenges of climate change and aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, but also fosters the EU’s competitive edge and economic growth. By promoting collaboration, Horizon Europe amplifies the impact of research and innovation on both EU policy implementation and global problem-solving, while also facilitating the dissemination of valuable knowledge and pioneering technologies.
Beyond its financial backing, Horizon Europe plays a pivotal role in job creation, harnessing the talents within the EU and associated countries. This dynamic ecosystem stimulates economic expansion, bolsters industrial competitiveness, and maximizes the returns on investment, all within the framework of a fortified European Research Area. As the program welcomes participation from legal entities spanning the EU and its affiliated nations, it embodies a collective endeavor to drive progress and innovation on a broader scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the EU’s funding programme for research and innovation, running from 2021 to 2027. It has a budget of €95.5 billion and supports projects that address major challenges such as climate change, health, and new technologies. The programme also aims to support Europe’s long-term growth, competitiveness, and resilience.
The key goals for 2025–2027 are to:
- Speed up the transition to a greener world
- Improve digital technologies and tools
- Build a strong, fair, and inclusive society
At least 35% of the funding supports climate-related action, and 10% of the budget for these years is dedicated to biodiversity, including plants, animals, and nature.
Who can apply for Horizon Europe funding and grants?
A wide range of organisations can apply for Horizon Europe grants. These include universities and schools, research laboratories, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large companies, non-profit organisations, and local or regional authorities.
Full EU grant funding is generally available to organisations based in EU countries or in around 20 associated (partner) countries. Examples include:
- Norway, Iceland, and the UK (not all programme parts)
- Ukraine, Israel, Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia
- Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea (for certain calls)
Organisations from other countries can also take part in projects and may receive funding in specific cases, particularly if they are based in low- or middle-income countries.
How do I apply for Horizon Europe grants?
Applications are submitted through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Applicants should:
- Search for open calls
- Read the call conditions and rules
- Submit their proposal online
Most Horizon Europe projects require a consortium of at least three organisations from three different countries, with at least one from an EU Member State. The application process has been simplified, and many calls now use a short first-stage proposal or offer lump-sum funding.
What types of funding and grants are available in Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe supports projects from early research through to market-ready solutions. Common funding types include:
- Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) – fund up to 100% of eligible research costs
- Innovation Actions (IA) – support the development of new products or services, typically funding 70–100% of costs
- Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) – fund networking, coordination, and knowledge-sharing activities
Special schemes also include:
- Grants for leading researchers from the European Research Council
- Training and mobility funding through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Startup and scale-up support from the European Innovation Council
What is the focus and budget for Horizon Europe in 2025–2027?
In recent years, Horizon Europe has focused strongly on green and digital transitions, as well as strengthening Europe’s resilience. The 2025 work programme had a budget of about €7.3 billion, while the 2026–2027 work programme has a budget of around €14 billion.
Key priority areas include:
- Reducing climate impacts and protecting nature
- Advancing AI, clean energy, health solutions, and new technologies
- Increasing support for SMEs, startups, and international talent
Overall, the programme aims to deliver real impact through simpler rules and easier access to funding.
Can non-EU countries or organisations get Horizon Europe funding?
Yes. Organisations from outside the EU are welcome to participate in Horizon Europe projects. Organisations from associated countries can receive funding on the same basis as EU organisations. Low- and middle-income countries are often eligible for EU funding. Other non-EU organisations can also join project consortia, which can strengthen an application, but they usually need to cover their own costs unless the call specifically allows EU funding.