The European Commission has announced its proposal to double the budget for its flagship research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe, in the next long-term EU budget cycle from 2028 to 2034
With a new funding target of €175 billion, the redesigned programme aims to enhance Europe’s global competitiveness, accelerate innovation, and deliver real-world solutions across multiple sectors.
A faster programme
The upcoming Horizon Europe will be bigger and also more efficient. Simplified processes, fewer topics, and shorter timeframes from application to grant signature will make participation easier and faster. The programme is built around four key pillars that reflect its strategic priorities, from excellence in science to transforming innovation into market-ready solutions.
The four main pillars for impact
Pillar I: Excellent Science will continue to support world-class research by expanding the European Research Council (ERC), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and the Joint Research Centre. The goal is to attract top global talent and boost frontier research under a “Choose Europe” approach that enhances the EU’s appeal to leading researchers.
Pillar II: Competitiveness and Society focuses on collaborative research that addresses both global and European challenges. Priorities include the green and digital transitions, security, space, and industrial leadership. This pillar will work closely with the European Competitiveness Fund and integrate EU missions and initiatives, such as the New European Bauhaus.
Pillar III: Innovation focuses on the development of breakthrough products, services, and technologies. The European Innovation Council (EIC) will play a central role, with enhanced funding for high-risk, high-reward projects, particularly those in defence and dual-use technologies.
Pillar IV: The European Research Area (ERA) aims to build a more unified and effective European Research and Innovation (R&I) ecosystem. This includes promoting excellence across all regions, reforming and widening participation, and investing in cutting-edge research infrastructure.
Bridging visions to reality
One of the programme’s most exciting features is the development of “moonshot projects”, large-scale initiatives that move beyond the lab to real-world deployment. These will be co-funded by Horizon Europe, the European Competitiveness Fund, and public and private partners. The aim is to establish Europe as a global leader in key strategic areas such as:
- Clean aviation and fusion energy
- Quantum computing and next-gen AI
- Circular economy and zero water pollution
- Regenerative therapies and data sovereignty
- Automated transport and the space economy
These high-impact initiatives are expected to promote transformative change in sectors vital to Europe’s future.
The proposal follows a series of influential reports emphasising the importance of integrating research and innovation into the EU’s economic and strategic agendas. Horizon Europe’s interim evaluation revealed strong returns on investment, with each euro spent estimated to generate up to €11 in GDP by 2045. As of early 2025, over 15,000 projects worth more than €43 billion have been funded by the programme.
What comes next?
Negotiations between the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council will determine the final shape of the programme. However, Horizon Europe is set to become a cornerstone of Europe’s future, more impactful, globally competitive, and better equipped to turn innovation into societal progress.
