Researchers, universities and innovation institutions across Europe can now apply for €22 million in new Horizon Europe funding under three newly launched calls focused on strengthening research capacity in underperforming regions.
The European Commission recognized this opportunity as part of its “Increasing Participation and Diffusion of Excellence” program.
The new Horizon Europe funding package includes support for postdoctoral fellowships, collaboration between Centers of Excellence and the development of research management infrastructure.
The deadline for applications is September 2026, and the funding will support both individual researchers and partnerships of institutions across the EU.
The result is a major boost for organizations in so-called “enlargement countries” whose research and innovation performance has historically lagged behind the EU average.
Officials hope the call will improve long-term competitiveness, attract international talent and strengthen Europe’s scientific ecosystem.
What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s flagship research and innovation program, with a total budget of over €93.5 billion and running from 2021 to 2027.
The program funds scientific research, technological development and cross-border innovation projects across EU member states and associated countries.
The main objective of Horizon Europe funding is to reduce disparities in research output between European regions.
Through the pillar ‘Greater Participation and Greater Excellence’, the EU aims to help institutions in emerging research ecosystems compete more effectively for international talent, partnerships and investment.
The newly announced call strengthens that strategy by directing targeted support to research mobility, inter-institutional cooperation and capacity building across Europe.
Three new funding opportunities announced at Horizon Europe
The largest allocation in the latest Horizon Europe funding round is for the ERA Fellowship scheme, with a budget of €8 million. Around 50 projects are expected to secure funding by the September 9, 2026 deadline.
This program is related to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 activity and is targeted at host institutions in a growing number of countries. Researchers can apply regardless of their nationality if they move to or within the EU to take part in a project hosted in an eligible country.
The second call, Teaming Synergies, has been allocated €7 million and is expected to support one large-scale project. Applications close on September 24, 2026.
The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between existing and emerging centers of excellence, with the goal of increasing long-term sustainability and regional impact.
The third opportunity, the Research Management Facility, also has a budget of €7 million and has the same deadline in September. The scheme provides tailored organizational support for organizations seeking to improve their research management systems and management capabilities.
Strengthening the European research environment
The latest Horizon Europe funding call underlines the EU’s increasing focus on closing Europe’s research and innovation gap by directly investing in talent, institutional expertise and cross-border collaboration.
The €22 million program, currently available, will offer universities, research centers and public institutions in enlarged countries a huge opportunity to strengthen their international standing, attract skilled researchers and build more competitive innovation ecosystems ahead of future EU funding rounds.
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