The European Commission has launched a transformative €7.3bn investment through the 2025 Horizon Europe work programme, aimed at propelling Europe to the forefront of global research, innovation, and sustainability.
This ambitious funding plan is set to drive scientific excellence, speed up the green and digital transitions, and boost Europe’s economic resilience in an increasingly competitive world.
The 2025 programme forms a key part of Horizon Europe — the EU’s flagship €93.5bn research and innovation initiative running until 2027.
With a renewed focus on talent, climate action, digital leadership, and global collaboration, the updated work programme reflects the EU’s strategic priorities while simplifying access for researchers and innovators across the continent and beyond.
Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, added: “Research and innovation are at the heart of European competitiveness.
“With this €7.3bn investment through Horizon Europe for 2025, we will boost European prosperity and competitiveness, address key challenges in security and defence, and facilitate the clean transition.”
A strategic roadmap for research and innovation
The Horizon Europe work programme for 2025 is built upon the EU’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2027, which was co-created with EU institutions, Member States, associated countries, and over 2,000 stakeholders.
This comprehensive framework guides funding priorities and outlines how Horizon will achieve its ambitious objectives.
Through competitive calls for proposals, the work programme sets detailed goals and outlines eligibility and award criteria.
These funding mechanisms ensure resources are allocated to the most promising and impactful research and innovation projects across Europe.
Simplifying access and expanding participation
To encourage broader participation and reduce administrative barriers, the 2025 Horizon Europe work programme introduces key simplifications.
Applicants will benefit from shorter topic descriptions and more flexible funding pathways through open-topic calls.
The adoption of lump-sum grants – now representing 35% of the total budget – eliminates complex financial reporting requirements. Additionally, 29 two-stage application topics allow researchers to submit shorter initial proposals, only preparing full proposals if shortlisted, saving time and effort.
Fuelling the green and digital transitions
A central pillar of the 2025 work programme is climate action. In pursuit of the EU’s goal to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, 35% of the Horizon Europe budget is dedicated to climate-related initiatives.
This includes €1.14bn for energy, transport, and climate resilience, alongside €833bn for projects focused on food, agriculture, and biodiversity.
The digital transformation also receives robust support, with 36% of the Horizon Europe funding allocated to digital innovation.
The programme earmarks €1.6bn for technologies such as artificial intelligence, data security, and smart infrastructure – all critical to maintaining Europe’s technological edge.
Supporting innovation in the automotive sector
As part of its green and digital ambitions, the 2025 Horizon Europe work programme targets the transformation of Europe’s automotive industry.
Funding will go toward next-generation electric vehicle development, advanced manufacturing methods, cybersecurity, and the integration of circular economy principles. The aim is to create cleaner, smarter, and more competitive mobility systems across the continent.
Investing in people: The ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative
Talent retention and attraction lie at the heart of the Horizon Europe work programme. The new ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative, backed by €500m through to 2027, is designed to make Europe a top destination for researchers.
A pilot under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) will invest €22.5m in early-career support, offering improved allowances, longer contracts, and co-funded postdoctoral fellowships.
The European Research Council (ERC) is also boosting its support with enhanced top-up grants for researchers relocating to Europe and introducing long-term ‘super grants’ to fund high-risk, high-reward research over seven years.
Aiding researchers in crisis zones
Demonstrating solidarity and global responsibility, the Horizon Europe work programme offers targeted aid to researchers affected by war and conflict.
The MSCA4Ukraine initiative will channel €10m to Ukrainian scientists, while continued support for the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine helps sustain collaboration and access to EU research funding.
In Gaza, a new Virtual Research Collaboration Hub will provide mentorship and resources to local researchers, connecting them with regional partners and enabling continued scientific work despite current challenges.
Revitalising communities through the New European Bauhaus
For 2025, the Horizon Europe work programme includes €118.4m to fund the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Facility.
This pioneering initiative backs sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetic transformation of urban environments.
Half of the funding will go to demonstrator projects applying NEB principles in local settings, while the remainder supports fundamental research and related initiatives.
Calls for proposals now open
The first calls for proposals under the 2025 Horizon Europe work programme are now live via the European Commission’s Funding and Tenders portal.
As the EU looks toward 2026–2027, further simplification and strategic alignment of Horizon Europe will continue, reinforcing its role as a driver of innovation, sustainability, and global research excellence.
By investing in cutting-edge science and empowering researchers across all stages of their careers, the European Commission is turning research policy into real-world progress – from laboratories to communities across the continent and beyond.
