What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. Following the Multiannual Financial Framework Midterm Review (MTR) decision, the indicative funding amount for Horizon Europe for the period 2021-2027 is EUR 93.5 billion.
It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth.
The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. It supports creating and better dispersing of excellent knowledge and technologies.
It creates jobs, fully engages the EU’s talent pool, boosts economic growth, promotes industrial competitiveness and optimises investment impact within a strengthened European Research Area.
Legal entities from the EU and associated countries can participate.
More information
Presentation outlining Horizon Europe in 23 languages
How the Horizon Europe programme was developed
International cooperation in the programme
Horizon Europe 2028-2034: a framework for excellence, innovation and competitiveness
On 16 July 2025, the European Commission put forward its proposal for the Horizon Europe Framework Programme (2028–2034). With a proposed € 175 billion budget, the programme will boost Europe’s productivity and competitiveness, while also improving the well-being of millions of people across the continent. Next steps: Interinstitutional negotiations between the European Parliament, Council and Commission will now take place on the proposal.
The programme will allow to launch ‘moonshot' scientific-driven projects. Designed to position Europe as a global leader in strategic fields, these moonshot projects would drive progress in areas such as clean aviation, the space economy, and next-generation AI.
Horizon Europe (2028-2034) will build on the achievements of its predecessors, scaling what works, simplifying what is possible, and focusing investment where Europe needs it most. It will be tightly connected to the European Competitiveness Fund.
Overview of possible moonshot projects for the EU long-term budget 2028-2034.
Strategic plan and work programmes
The content of work programmes for Horizon Europe is prepared by strategic planning and the resultant strategic plan.
Funding opportunities under Horizon Europe are set out in work programmes. Download available work programmes.
Horizon Europe programme structure
Specific programme implementing Horizon Europe and EIT
Exclusive focus on civil applications
| Pillar I | Pillar II | Pillar III |
|---|---|---|
Excellent Science
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions
| Global Challenges and European Industrial CompetitivenessClusters | Innovative Europe
European Innovation Ecosystems
European Institute of Innovation and Technology
|
Part: Widening participation and strengthening the European Research AreaWidening participation and spreading excellence Reforming and enhancing the European Research and Innovation system |
Specific programme: European Defence Fund
Exclusive focus on defence research and development
Complementary programme: Euratom Research and Training Programme
Focus on nuclear fusion and fission research and training
Euratom Research and Training Programme
Missions
Horizon Europe incorporates research and innovation missions to increase the effectiveness of funding by pursuing clearly defined targets.
The Commission engaged policy experts to develop studies, case studies and reports on how a mission-oriented policy approach will work.
Read more about the mission approach
5 missions have been identified.
European partnerships
Horizon Europe supports European partnerships in which the EU, national authorities and/or the private sector jointly commit to support the development and implementation of a programme of research and innovation activities.
The goal of European partnerships is to contribute to the achievement of EU priorities, address complex challenges outlined in Horizon Europe and strengthen the European Research Area (ERA).
Read more about the different kinds of partnerships
Partnership and contact details are available to view grouped in the themes below.
Programme evaluation, impact assessment and monitoring
The Commission evaluates and monitors its funding programmes to assess the progress towards achieving the programmes' objectives and build an evidence base to improve their implementation.
Horizon Europe programme analysis and outline of the monitoring approach
Documents
With a wealth of stable and predictable funding opportunities and cutting-edge facilities, the European Union is an ideal environment to advance your career.
Europe offers excellent working conditions and quality of life, including affordable healthcare, education and strong social security for you and your family. You'll also enjoy freedoms and protections based on our values.
Contact
You can contact the research enquiry service to find out more about research in Europe, the EU's research and innovation funding programmes as well as calls for proposals and project funding.
Latest
Today, the Republic of Korea has officially become the first Asian country to associate with Horizon Europe, the EU's multibillion research and innovation programme.
Research and innovation news alert: As part of the next long-term EU budget 2028-2034, the Commission is proposing to double the budget of the research and innovation framework programme to €175 billion.
Research and innovation news alert: The European Union is stepping up to become the world’s most attractive destination for researchers and innovators.
