What Horizon Europe Covers
Horizon Europe is a European Union research and innovation programme.3 It operates through several distinct funding pillars, each targeting different stages of research and innovation.3
The EU brings together countries whose governments work together under political and economic agreements.9 Horizon Europe sits at the centre of that cooperation, channelling public funding into science and technology.3
Programme Structure
The programme includes the European Research Council (ERC), listed under its first pillar.3 The European Innovation Council (EIC) forms the programme's third pillar.3 A third strand covers wider societal challenges and industrial competitiveness.3
Thematic clusters cover areas such as digital technology, industry, and space.3 Food systems, bioeconomy, and natural resources form another cluster.3 Each cluster publishes its own calls and eligibility criteria.3
Applying for Funding
National Contact Points guide applicants through the process in each member country.3 France, for example, runs a dedicated national portal and hosts regular information sessions for prospective applicants.3
A work programme sets out priorities and budgets for each funding cycle.3 The 2026–2027 work programme has been published and is now open for applicants to review.3
Recent Developments
The European Commission presented new strategies in June 2026 dedicated to EU islands and coastal communities, a sign of how EU funding is broadening its geographic reach.5 Such initiatives can open additional Horizon Europe calls in under-served regions.5
Doctoral Networks represent one of the programme's newer instruments, with a 2026 information session already held for interested institutions.3 The EIC Accelerator also held a dedicated interview-stage webinar in June 2026.3
What to Watch Next
On 29 June 2026, the legal and financial National Contact Point will host a European Commission delegation focused on implementing Horizon Europe projects.3 That event signals continued attention to how funding actually reaches beneficiaries on the ground.3
The EU's strategic partnerships — such as the competitiveness partnership launched with South Korea in June 2026 — can shape future Horizon Europe priorities and open cross-border research opportunities.5