Horizon Europe is the European Union’s primary funding initiative dedicated to research and innovation, with an indicative budget of EUR 93.5 billion for 2021-2027. The programme is designed to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, contribute to the achievement of the United Nations´ Sustainable Development Goals, and strengthen the European Union’s competitiveness at a global level. Horizon Europe encourages collaborative projects and supports the implementation of both European and international policies, aiming to foster the generation and widespread dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge and technologies.
Eligibility is broad, allowing legal entities from EU member states and associated countries to participate. The programme’s structure is organized around three central pillars: Excellent Science, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, and Innovative Europe. Each pillar encompasses targeted actions such as support for the European Research Council, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, research infrastructures, as well as thematic clusters covering health, digital technologies, culture, climate, energy, and food systems. A separate focus on ‘Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area’ seeks to bridge disparities across the continent, while additional instruments like the European Defence Fund and Euratom Research and Training Programme address strategic and nuclear research needs.
The European Commission has also presented a proposal for Horizon Europe’s next phase (2028–2034), suggesting an expanded €175 billion budget. This iteration promises support for ‘moonshot’ science-driven projects, especially in sectors such as clean aviation, the space economy, and next-generation Artificial Intelligence—reinforcing Europe’s ambition to become a frontrunner in strategic research domains. The programme’s mission-oriented approach sets clear targets in areas such as climate adaptation, cancer, ocean restoration, and smart cities, and is reinforced by robust structures for strategic planning, evaluation, and impact assessment. Horizon Europe further underpins European partnerships that pool resources and expertise from the EU, national authorities, and the private sector to address grand societal and technological challenges, ensuring the continent remains an attractive destination for top research talent and innovators globally.
