European Union's Horizon Europe

European Union's Horizon Europe
Name	Horizon Europe
Predecessor	Horizon 2020
Formation	2021
Type	Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development
Headquarters	Brussels, Belgium
Parent organization	European Commission

European Union's Horizon Europe is the European Union's flagship research and innovation funding programme, succeeding the highly successful Horizon 2020 framework. Running from 2021 to 2027, it is designed to strengthen the EU's scientific and technological bases, boost industrial competitiveness, and implement the Sustainable Development Goals. The programme is a central pillar of the European Research Area and supports collaboration across member states and associated countries.

Overview

Adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, Horizon Europe builds upon the legacy of previous Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development. It is strategically aligned with broader European Union priorities such as the European Green Deal and a Europe fit for the Digital Age. The programme is implemented primarily through the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, with significant involvement from the European Research Council and the European Innovation Council.

Objectives and structure

The core objectives of the programme are to foster scientific excellence, tackle global challenges, and stimulate innovation-led growth. Its structure is organized around three key pillars designed to create a continuum from fundamental science to market deployment. This design aims to enhance the European Union's resilience and strategic autonomy in key technologies, responding to initiatives like the COVID-19 pandemic and competition from global actors like the United States and China. The structure also facilitates missions inspired by the Apollo program to achieve ambitious goals.

Key pillars and components

The first pillar, **Excellent Science**, is anchored by the European Research Council for frontier research and includes the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions for researcher mobility and support for Research Infrastructures. The second pillar, **Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness**, funds collaborative research across six thematic clusters, including Health, Digital, Industry and Space, and Climate, Energy and Mobility. The third pillar, **Innovative Europe**, is spearheaded by the newly established European Innovation Council to support breakthrough technologies and includes the European Institute of Innovation and Technology and actions to strengthen the European innovation ecosystem.

Budget and funding

With a total financial envelope of approximately €95.5 billion for 2021-2027, the programme represents a significant increase over its predecessor, Horizon 2020. This budget is part of the broader Multiannual Financial Framework and is supplemented by NextGenerationEU, the European Union's recovery instrument. Funding is allocated through a combination of grants, prizes, and financial instruments, with calls for proposals managed by the European Commission and executive agencies like the European Research Executive Agency.

Implementation and governance

The programme is governed by the European Commission, with strategic guidance provided by member states through the Strategic Configuration of the Competitiveness Council. Day-to-day implementation involves various bodies, including the European Research Council Executive Agency and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency. The programme's strategic planning is outlined in multiannual work programmes, and its operations are supported by a network of National Contact Points across participating countries, which include associated nations like Switzerland and Israel.

Impact and evaluation

Horizon Europe is subject to continuous monitoring and evaluation to assess its scientific, societal, and economic impact. Key performance indicators track contributions to publications in journals like *Nature* and *Science*, patent filings with the European Patent Office, and the growth of startups. The programme aims to generate breakthroughs in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and renewable energy, thereby reinforcing the position of institutions like CERN and ITER while addressing grand challenges outlined by the United Nations.

Category:European Union programmes