Widening (in Horizon Europe)

“Widening” in the context of Horizon Europe refers to a set of measures and initiatives aimed at reducing disparities in research and innovation (R&I) performance across EU Member States (MS) and Associated Countries. A specific sub-programme of Horizon Europe targets a dedicated list of countries with lower R&I performance, known as “widening countries,” to enhance their participation and success in EU research funding programs.

The target region includes all Western Balkans (as they are all associated to Horizon Europe), as well as several MS (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia), all outermost regions as well as other associated countries with equivalent R&I performance (e.g. Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Tunesia, Türkiye, Ukraine, etc.).

The funding opportunities in the Widening Programme include instruments supporting networking, cooperation, capacity building, etc. in the target region. The instruments are called for example Twinning, Teaming, ERA Chairs, Pathways to Synergies, Excellence Hubs, etc.

For more information and the dedicated funding opportunities, consult the official website https://rea.ec.europa.eu/funding-and-grants/horizon-europe-widening-participation-and-spreading-excellence_en

The project POLICY ANSWERS which powers the Western Balkans Info Hub is also funded under the Widening Programme of Horizon Europe.