The Horizon Europe program, the European Union's primary instrument for research and innovation, will see its budget for 2026 and 2027 enhanced by €500 million. This increment raises the total available funding to approximately €14.8 billion, earmarked to support research and innovation projects over the next two years.
The update to the 2026-2027 Work Programme also introduces two new cross-cutting calls, with a combined funding of nearly €500 million. These initiatives target crucial areas such as biodiversity, the development of advanced technologies, and the valorization of research and innovation outcomes.
One of the new calls, titled 'Transformative Change Towards a Nature-Positive Economy and Society,' will allocate €237 million to 11 actions focused on the transition to an economy more aligned with nature. Topics include the importance of biodiversity for European competitiveness and resilience, as well as its interconnection with clean and digital industries. This initiative will also support the objective of dedicating 10% of Horizon Europe expenditure to biodiversity, as outlined in the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.
The second call, 'Bridging Actions 2027,' has a budget of €260 million and aims to strengthen the link between research, innovation, investment, and the market. It also seeks to prepare for the transition to the next European research and innovation program, covering the period from 2028 to 2034. Sixteen actions are planned, focusing on cutting-edge technologies with high market potential, including artificial intelligence, autonomous mobility, research and technology infrastructures, and the New European Bauhaus initiative, with an emphasis on qualifying professionals in the construction sector.
Since the launch of Horizon Europe in 2021, €61 billion in grants and €1.3 billion in equity have already been awarded, supporting approximately 23,000 projects involving over 34,000 organizations. The private sector has benefited significantly, receiving more than €11 billion. Portugal, in particular, has secured over €1.6 billion in funding through this program.
Horizon Europe is the European Union's framework program for Research and Innovation for 2021-2027, with an overall budget of €93.5 billion. The National Innovation Agency (ANI) plays a crucial role as the National Contact Point (NCP) for Pillars II and III of the program, providing technical support and strategic guidance to entities interested in participating.
