Specific programme implementing Horizon Europe framework programme for research and innovation 2028–2034

PURPOSE: to establish the specific programme implementing Horizon Europe - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2028-2034, laying down the rules for participation and dissemination under that Programme.

PROPOSED ACT: Decision of the Council.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the Council adopts the act after consulting the European Parliament but without being obliged to follow its opinion.

BACKGROUND: in accordance with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2028-2034 (Horizon Europe) is implemented through specific programmes which lay down the arrangements for its implementation, determine its duration and provide for the resources deemed necessary. Horizon Europe will be implemented through the specific programme established by this Council Decision.

CONTENT: the objective of this proposal is to implement Horizon Europe, the EU framework programme for research and innovation 2028-2034, as well as the relevant parts of the European Competitiveness Fund, dedicated to research and innovation.

Specific objectives

The specific programme will contribute to the achievement of the general and specific objectives set out in the Horizon Europe Regulation. It pursues the following operational objectives:

- foster the production of high-quality scientific research and leading research institutions;

- promote the mobility, training and career development of researchers;

- attract and retain excellent researchers in Europe;

- foster collaboration and multidisciplinarity, including with social sciences and humanities, to generate new knowledge;

- enhance knowledge valorisation;

- develop research and technology infrastructures across the European Research Area (ERA) to provide transnational access;

- support the creation and scaling up of deep tech and innovative start-ups;

- promote technology uptake and demonstration of disruptive innovation;

- increase the participation of research organisations from enlargement countries and transitioning countries;

- promote open science and ensure public visibility and free access to results wherever possible.

The specific programme also covers collaborative research activities carried out within the framework of the action strands of the European Competitiveness Fund.

Budget

The indicative financial envelope for the implementation of the specific programme for the period 2028-2034 would be set at EUR 175 002 000 000 in current prices.

Work programmes

The Commission will adopt, by means of implementing acts, separate work programmes for the implementation of actions under the following components:

- the European Research Council (ERC);

- the European Innovation Council (EIC),

- the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA);

- the Joint Research Centre (JRC).

European partnerships will follow a clear lifecycle approach, including their selection, implementation and monitoring. They will be selected following a competitive, open, non-discriminatory and transparent procedure, based on the areas proposed by the Commission.

Collaborative research

Collaborative research activities will include:

- research and innovation activities of the action areas described in the relevant chapters of the European Competitiveness Fund;

- activities aimed at achieving the priorities in the face of global societal challenges: a) strengthening democratic values and foundations, civic engagement, the rule of law and fundamental rights, b) promoting social inclusion, social and economic transformations, inclusive societies and social cohesion, c) promoting a competitive and values-based Europe by promoting future-ready skills;

- activities in support of EU missions;

- activities carried out within the framework of the mechanism for the New European Bauhaus, established within the framework of the Horizon Europe 2025-2027 strategic plan.

Innovation ecosystems

The specific programme will support:

- the establishment and support of connected hubs across the Union, enabling innovators, start-ups and scale-ups to access resources, services and partners;

- activities aimed at developing pan-European innovation ecosystems in key thematic areas and supporting the development of innovation skills and early-stage business creation;

- programmes aimed at helping SMEs, start-ups and innovative expanding companies to develop and access international markets.

The specific programme will support the construction, development and integration of research infrastructures of interest to the European Union.