The European Commission is investing over €7.3 billion through its new Horizon Europe work programme for 2025. This will drive groundbreaking research, accelerate the EUs green and digital transitions, and boost Europes competitiveness.
The programme will attract top researchers to Europe and provide support to those affected by war and displacement. The Commission is updating the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions to offer more support to Ukrainian scientists and launching a MSCA Choose Europe for Science pilot for young researchers.
This pilot is part of a €500 million package for 2025-2027 and the broader Choose Europe initiative, presented by President von der Leyen. It focuses on free science, investing in talent, and innovation in Europe.
Through the European Research Council (ERC), researchers in Europe receive additional funding beyond their grant. There are also new super grants for long-term support for top talent.
Key points of the Horizon Europe 2025 work programme:
Delivering on EU priorities: Research and innovation are crucial for EU priorities like competitiveness, defense, and security. The programme funds digital and space technologies, green projects, and sustainable development.
Accelerating climate and digital goals: With 35% of the budget aimed at climate goals, the EU strives for climate neutrality by 2050. €1.14 billion is allocated to climate, energy, and transport projects, and €833 million to food, bioeconomy, and environment.
Automotive research and innovation: The programme supports the transformation of the European automotive industry towards cleaner and more competitive transport solutions, such as electric vehicles and digital systems.
Simplifying application processes: A simplification effort has been initiated to make the programme more accessible with shorter descriptions and open topics.
Supporting talent: By investing in talent, the programme addresses brain drain and fosters a vibrant research landscape. The MSCA pilot will invest €22.5 million in young talents.
Revitalising European neighborhoods: The New European Bauhaus (NEB) Facility is a multi-year funding tool for innovative projects.
Supporting Ukrainian researchers: The programme encourages creating opportunities for scientists affected by the war. €10 million goes to Ukrainian researchers through MSCA4Ukraine.
Supporting Gazan researchers: The programme offers immediate support to Gazan researchers through a Virtual Research Collaboration Hub.
Next Steps
The first calls for proposals open on 15 May on the Funding and Tenders portal.
Further simplification of the Horizon Europe work programme is planned for 2026-27.
Background
Horizon Europe is the EUs €93.5 billion research and innovation programme running from 2021 to 2027. Most funding is awarded through competitive calls for proposals.
The 2025 Horizon Europe work programme is based on the strategic plan 2025-2027, co-designed with member states and more than 2,000 stakeholders.
For More Information
Funding & Tenders portal – funding opportunities