Support and internal rules

The next framework programme: Horizon Europe

The EU’s next framework programme, Horizon Europe, will start in 2021. You can learn more about the upcoming framework programme, and what it will mean for researchers and administrators, in Horizon Europe – the next EU research and innovation framework programme 2021-2027 (PDF 329kB, new window).

Read more about internal support for EU applications

Funding & tender opportunities portal

On the EU’s Funding & tender opportunities portal website you will find all information on the programme and its calls for applications. 

• Read more on the Funding & tender opportunities portal
• Study the calls for applications (Work Programme)
• Read more about the application procedure in the H2020 manual

1. Excellent Science

The programme is an initiative to reinforce the EU’s global position within research and innovation. It includes the following sub-programmes (links will lead you to webpages within EU).

ExcellentScience

• European Research Council (ERC) – individual grants to outstanding junior and senior researchers
• Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) – collaborative research within new research fields
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – mobility programme
• European Research Infrastructures including e-Infrastructures – provides access to European research infrastructure

2. Industrial Leadership

This priority area aims to make Europe more attractive to investments in research and innovation, to increase growth and create job opportunities. It includes the following sub-programmes (links will lead you to webpages within EU).

Industrial Leadership

• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
• Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, and Biotechnology
• Space

3. Societal Challenges

This priority area focuses on the major societal challenges facing the EU and the rest of the world. In many cases, it requires interdisciplinary collaboration involving social sciences and humanities. It includes the following sub-programmes (links will lead you to webpages within EU).

Societal Challenges

• Health, Demographic Change and Well-being
• Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Marine, Maritime and Inland Water Research and the Bioeconomy
• Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy
• Smart, Green and Integrated Transport
• Climate Action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials
• Europe in a changing world ‒ Inclusive, innovative and reflective societies
• Secure societies – Protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens

About Brexit

The UK has left the EU with a withdrawal agreement. The transition period began on 1 February 2020 and will end on 31 December 2020. During the transition period, the rules will be essentially the same as before the UK left. Read more about what this means for e.g. funding of research projects and applications. 

Third country participation in H2020

Applicants from non-EU countries (third countries) are always free to take part in Horizon 2020 programmes – even if the call for proposals or topic text do not state this explicitly. Associated countries and specified third countries are automatically entitled to funding. Others, including industrialised countries and the BRIC countries, may only be granted funding if:

• Funding is provided for in a bilateral scientific/technological agreement or similar arrangement between the EU and the country where the applicant is based.
• The call for proposals clearly states that applicants based in such countries are eligible for funding.
• Their participation is deemed essential for carrying out the action by the Commission or the relevant funding body (if one or several of the following conditions are met: 1) funding is provided for in a bilateral scientific/technological agreement or similar arrangement between the EU and the country where the applicant is based, 2) the call for proposals clearly states that applicants based in such countries are eligible for funding, 3) their participation is deemed essential for carrying out the action by the Commission or the relevant funding body).