- Initiative type
- EU Funding Programmes
- Target beneficiary
- SMEs and micro companies
- Large enterprises
Horizon Europe (2021–2027) features as a central EU initiative for research and innovation, deploying a budget of approximately EUR 95.5 billion to support the continent’s transition to a green and digital future. Among its thematic pillars, Cluster 5, focuses on Climate, Energy, and Mobility, supporting innovations that advance clean energy technologies, climate resilience, and sustainable transport systems, with a budget of EUR 10.8 billion.
Relevant to net-zero and decarbonisation of energy intensive industry is also Cluster 6 targets Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment, aiming to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystems, ensure food security, and foster circularity and biodiversity.
Cluster 4 – Digital, Industry and Space supports the development of low-carbon, circular, and digitally enabled industrial systems. It funds R&I in advanced manufacturing, clean industrial processes, sustainable raw materials, and enabling technologies such as AI, robotics, quantum, and advanced materials. Its goal is to strengthen Europe’s industrial leadership while reducing emissions and resource use across value chains—making it directly relevant to the net-zero transition in manufacturing and heavy industry.
How to apply
The European Commission publishes calls for proposals based on the Horizon Europe work programmes. The calls for proposals are grouped by subject areas – so-called 'destinations'. The destinations are based on the EU’s policy priorities and the desired impact of the EU’s funding.
All calls for proposals, the specific call topics, the deadlines and application forms can be found on the Funding and Tenders Portal.