Search
The newly adopted Horizon Europe Work Programme for 2026 and 2027 provides €14 billion to support research and innovation aligned with the EU’s objectives of building a more sustainable, competitive and resilient Europe.
The European Research Executive Agency (REA) will manage nearly half of the 2026 indicative budget, with a strong focus on strengthening Europe’s global leadership in research and innovation, particularly through investment in research careers and infrastructure. For instance, the new Choose Europe for Science initiative under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) allocates €50 million to attract, support and retain international talent. In addition, €50 million is dedicated to Research Infrastructures to enhance transnational access and training. In line with the European Commission’s commitment to simplifying EU procedures, the 2026 Work Programme introduces measures to make the application process faster and more user-friendly.
Below, you can find an overview of REA’s Horizon Europe programmes for 2026 and guidance on how to apply. The 2026 Horizon Europe calls provide substantial funding across key thematic areas.
The 2026 Horizon Europe calls offer major funding opportunities across several thematic areas.
Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society (€298.5 million) will launch one call with three destinations on 12 May 2026. It targets projects on post-conflict democracy, child poverty and safeguarding cultural content in the AI era. An Info Day takes place on 26 March 2026.
Civil Security for Society (€131 million) will open one call with five destinations on 6 May 2026, supporting crime prevention, border management, disaster preparedness and security innovation. The Info Day is scheduled for 4 March 2026.
The largest budget is under Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (€676.4 million), with seven calls covering 57 topics. Calls open between January and February 2026, with deadlines running from April to November 2026. A Brokerage Event took place on 21 January 2026, followed by Info Days on 22–23 January 2026.
The EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” (€81 million) will open two calls in February 2026 (one single-stage, one two-stage). Info Days are on 20–21 January 2026, and the Brokerage Event on 28–29 January 2026.
Under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) (€1.25 billion), calls open as follows:
- Staff Exchanges and COFUND: 16 December 2025
- Postdoctoral Fellowships: 9 April 2026
- Doctoral Networks: 28 May 2026
- Choose Europe for Science: 8 December 2026
The Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence programme (€416.5 million) will launch six calls between January and September 2026, with an Info Day on 22 January 2026.
Reforming and Enhancing the European R&I System (€52 million) includes a call with eight topics currently open; applicants can watch the recorded Info Day online.
Research Infrastructures (€294.9 million) will open a call with 12 topics on 10 March 2026, with an Info Day on 18 March 2026.
All applications must be submitted through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, where full call texts, deadlines and submission guidelines are available.