The European Commission has announced the Horizon Europe work program for 2026-2027, unveiling a €14 billion investment to accelerate research and innovation across the continent.
As the final program of the 2021-2027 cycle, it will set the tone for Europe’s scientific priorities in the coming years, from climate neutrality to safe artificial intelligence.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, commented:
“We will also expand Choose Europe and make the continent even more attractive to researchers and innovators from around the world.”
Strategic drive towards Europe’s 2030 goals
The new work program builds on the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027, adopted in March 2024 after extensive consultation with EU institutions, relevant countries and more than 2,000 stakeholders and citizens.
Reflecting the EU’s long-term priorities, the program focuses funding on climate action, digital transformation and social resilience.
Since its launch in 2021, Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship EUR 93.5 billion research and innovation initiative, has operated through a competitive call that defines its objectives, themes and eligibility criteria.
The 2026-2027 program continues that model, but introduces important updates aimed at modernizing the funding process and widening participation.
Horizontal calls: new ways to tackle complex challenges
A distinguishing feature of the new program is the introduction of horizontal calls aimed at breaking down silos between scientific disciplines and fostering breakthroughs across disciplines.
R&I, one of the largest backers of clean industry trade, has received €540 million to accelerate market-ready clean technology and decarbonization solutions. The call focuses on energy-intensive industries and takes a bottom-up approach that enables companies to lead the way in innovation.
Artificial intelligence is also attracting a lot of attention. The dedicated €90 million AI in Science call will develop trusted AI applications across advanced materials, agriculture, healthcare and more.
This initiative is in line with Europe’s digital transition goals and strengthens Europe’s leadership in ethical and safe AI. It will also contribute to a new initiative on resources for AI science in Europe, aimed at strengthening the continent’s computing and data infrastructure.
In addition, the new European Bauhaus facility will inject more than €210 million to support sustainable and inclusive neighborhood regeneration through innovative design.
Choose Europe: Attract global talent and grow research capabilities
As competition for top scientists intensifies around the world, Horizon Europe aims to ensure Europe remains a magnet for research excellence.
The expanded Choose Europe initiative will dedicate €50 million to Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, including long-term fellowships, postdoctoral support and relocation incentives to help researchers from around the world build long-term careers in Europe.
Further investments include:
50 million euros for research infrastructure. Improve access to world-class facilities and provide advanced training opportunities. 240 million euros for the European Research Area Chair. The aim is to attract prominent researchers to regions with developing innovation ecosystems. Start-up and scale-up support through the European Start-up and Scale-up Hub, which connects research institutions and start-ups across borders.
Together, these measures aim to strengthen Europe’s research talent pool while closing the regional innovation gap.
Simpler, shorter and more accessible Horizon Europe
In response to years of feedback from researchers, the 2026-2027 program introduces significant simplification measures designed to make funding applications easier and faster.
The overall work program is 33% shorter than its predecessor in 2023-2024 and focuses on larger, higher-impact projects. The key reforms include expanding the scope of lump sum funding, which now applies to half of the call budget, and significantly reducing paperwork and financial reporting requirements.
In order to increase the participation of new entrants and small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, the program includes topics specific to these groups.
On the other hand, 41 inquiries use a two-tiered evaluation and only require a short initial proposal. Full proposals are solicited only from successful applicants, reducing the burden on small organizations.
Additional improvements, such as anonymized ratings on selected calls and streamlined templates, aim to reduce red tape, reduce bias, and speed up overall time to authorization.
Charting the future of European innovation
With its final work program for the 2021-2027 cycle, Horizon Europe sets an ambitious course for the continent’s scientific and technological future.
By combining major strategic investments with simplified access and a new push for global talent, the EU wants to ensure that Europe remains a world leader in research and innovation, while accelerating breakthroughs in clean technology, AI and sustainable development.
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