Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026–2027 Adopted by European Commission

Work programs establish funding opportunities within the Horizon Europe framework.

A specific program within Horizon Europe is implemented through the following:

The main work program

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and research infrastructures under Pillar I
• All clusters under Pillar II
• European innovation ecosystems under Pillar III
• The part that expands participation and strengthens the European Research Area

Other work programs cover:

• European Research Council (ERC)
• Joint Research Centre (JRC)
• European Innovation Council (EIC)

A significant part of Horizon Europe Pillar II will be implemented through institutionalized partnerships, particularly in the areas of mobility, energy, the digital economy, and bio-based technologies, which will also have separate work programs.

The activities of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) are set out in separate programming documents.

Horizon Europe is also implemented through another specific program (the European Defence Fund) and is complemented by the Euratom Research and Training Programme. Each of these will also have its own work programme.

Available work programs

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - General introduction

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - MSCA

• The MSCA do not only have a positive impact on individual researchers, they also contribute to the development of excellent doctoral programmes, postdoctoral training programmes and collaborative research projects

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - Infrastructures

• The Research Infrastructure work program is structured around five destinations.

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - Cluster 1

• This Work Programme part is the final instalment for the Health Cluster under Horizon
  Europe (2021-2027).

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - Cluster 2

• Cluster 2, ‘Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society’ aims to meet EU goals and priorities on enhancing democratic governance and citizens participation, on the safeguarding and promotion of cultural heritage.

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - Cluster 3

• Cluster 3 provides a research and innovation response to a context of rapidly changing threats and challenges to internal security, the security of citizens, critical infrastructure and the security of society as a whole.

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - Cluster 4

• Cluster 4, ‘Digital, Industry and Space’ aims to shape competitive and trusted technologies for EU leadership in these technologies.

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - Cluster 5

• Cluster 5 supports the EU’s strategic objectives through activities included in this work
  programme and through the support of Institutional European Partnerships 6 which are implemented through dedicated structures.

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - Cluster 6

• Horizon Europe Cluster 6 will serve the new Commission priorities for 2024-2029 with a focus on 'Sustaining our quality of life: food security, water and nature' and 'A new plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness'.

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - European Innovation Ecosystems

• The European Union (EU) faces complex challenges, including the climate emergency, a relatively slow economic growth and a problematic geopolitical situation, particularly given the war of aggression in Ukraine. Among other factors, Europe’s ability to respond to these challenges is closely linked to its capacity to innovate and become more competitive. 

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - WIDERA

• This part of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027 addresses the area “Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area” (WIDERA). The work programme includes two components.

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - EU Missions

• EU Missions aim to address some of the greatest challenges facing our society.

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - NEB

• The New European Bauhaus (NEB) Facility is a multi-annual (2025-2027) and cross-cutting tool to revitalise European neighbourhoods.

Other programs of interest

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - Horizontal activities

Horizon Europe Work programme (2026-27) - General annexes