The European Commission has announced the Horizon Europe work programme for 2026–2027, unveiling a €14bn investment to accelerate research and innovation across the continent.
As the final programme of the 2021–2027 cycle, it sets the tone for Europe’s scientific priorities in the years ahead, from climate neutrality to safe artificial intelligence.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, commented: “We have listened to researchers and innovators and made Horizon Europe simpler and more accessible to SMEs, startups and newcomers.
“We are also expanding Choose Europe and making our continent even more attractive to researchers and innovators worldwide.”
A strategic push toward Europe’s 2030 goals
The new work programme is built on the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025–2027, adopted in March 2024 after extensive consultation with EU institutions, associated countries, and more than 2,000 stakeholders and citizens.
Reflecting the EU’s long-term priorities, the programme concentrates funding on climate action, digital transformation, and societal resilience.
Since its launch in 2021, Horizon Europe – the EU’s flagship €93.5bn research and innovation initiative – has operated through competitive calls that define objectives, themes, and eligibility rules.
The 2026–2027 programme continues that model but introduces significant updates intended to modernise funding processes and widen participation.
Horizontal calls: A new method to tackle complex challenges
A standout feature of the new programme is the introduction of horizontal calls, designed to break down silos between scientific fields and encourage cross-disciplinary breakthroughs.
One of the largest R&I in support of the Clean Industrial Deal receives €540m to speed up market-ready clean technologies and decarbonisation solutions. The call focuses on energy-intensive industries and adopts a bottom-up approach that allows companies to lead innovation pathways.
Artificial intelligence also receives substantial attention. A dedicated €90m AI in Science call will develop trustworthy AI applications across advanced materials, agriculture, healthcare and more.
The initiative aligns with Europe’s digital transition targets and reinforces European leadership in ethical, safe AI. It also contributes to the emerging Resource for AI Science in Europe initiative, which aims to strengthen the continent’s computational and data infrastructure.
In addition, the New European Bauhaus Facility will deploy more than €210m to support sustainable, inclusive neighbourhood regeneration through innovative design.
Choose Europe: Attracting global talent and boosting research capacity
Competition for top scientists is intensifying worldwide, and Horizon Europe aims to ensure Europe remains a magnet for research excellence.
The expanded Choose Europe initiative dedicates €50m to Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, including long-term fellowships, postdoctoral support, and relocation incentives that help global researchers build long-term careers in Europe.
Further investment includes:
- €50m for Research Infrastructures, improving access to world-class facilities and providing advanced training opportunities.
- €240m for European Research Area Chairs, geared toward attracting renowned researchers to regions with developing innovation ecosystems.
- Support for startups and scaleups through the European Startup and Scaleup Hubs, connecting research institutions with emerging companies across borders.
Together, these measures aim to strengthen Europe’s research workforce while closing regional innovation gaps.
A simpler, shorter and more accessible Horizon Europe
Responding to long-standing feedback from researchers, the 2026–2027 programme introduces major simplification measures designed to make applying for funding easier and less time-consuming.
The overall work programme is 33% shorter than its 2023–2024 predecessor and focuses on larger, higher-impact projects. A key reform is the broader use of lump-sum funding, now applied to half the call budget, significantly reducing paperwork and financial reporting requirements.
To expand participation, especially from newcomers and SMEs, the programme includes topics specifically tailored to these groups.
Meanwhile, 41 calls will use a two-stage evaluation, requiring only a short initial proposal. Full proposals are invited only from successful applicants, easing the burden on smaller organisations.
Additional improvements, such as anonymised evaluations in selected calls and streamlined templates, aim to cut red tape, reduce bias and shorten the overall time to grant.
Charting the future of European innovation
With its final work programme 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 renewed push for global talent, the EU hopes to accelerate breakthroughs in clean technology, AI, and sustainable development while ensuring Europe remains a world leader in research and innovation.
