Horizon Europe

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Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s main funding programme for research and innovation.

What is the aim?

Horizon Europe supports research and innovation that helps:

strengthen Europe’s science and technology
boost competitiveness, innovation, and job creation
address societal challenges and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
strengthen the European Research Area (ERA), a shared space for scientific excellence and collaboration across Europe

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What does it fund?

Horizon Europe is built around three main pillars and one horizontal programme:

Pillar 1: Excellent Science‍

Supports cutting-edge research and talent development.
Includes Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), which fund high-quality doctoral and postdoctoral training and collaborative research projects.

Pillar 2: Global Challenges & European Industrial Competitiveness‍

Funds research on key societal issues like climate, health, and democracy.
Organised into seven thematic clusters, this pillar also supports European industrial innovation.

Pillar 3: Innovative Europe‍

Aims to position Europe as a global leader in innovation.
Includes the European Innovation Council, which backs breakthrough technologies and market-creating innovations.

Widening Participation & Strengthening the European Research Area (ERA)‍

This cross-cutting programme helps less-represented EU countries and regions build their research capacity and engage more in EU-funded research.

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Who can apply?

Universities and research institutes
Researchers and academics
Public sector bodies (local, regional, or national)
Companies and private sector organisations
Nonprofits and NGOs, especially those supporting research on social impact and citizen engagement

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Why does the EU fund research and innovation?

Learn more about EU policy on research and innovation.
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Budget

The programme has a total budget of €95.5 billion for 2021-2027.
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Project Example

INVOLVE - For trustful, participatory and inclusive public policies

Focus Ireland is a partner in the Horizon Europe-funded project “INVOLVE - For trustful, participatory and inclusive public policies.” Delivered by 11 partners in 8 EU countries, the INVOLVE project’s main objective is to explore political participation and trust in public service through quantitative and qualitative research. Visit the INVOLVE project’s website to learn more.‍

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