Horizon Europe and EU Research Funding 2026: Explore European Commission Research, Innovation, Climate, Health and Regional Development Funding Opportunities
Overview
The European Union funds research, innovation, health, climate action and regional development through programmes managed or supported by the European Commission. Horizon Europe is the EU's main research and innovation programme for 2021 to 2027, with a budget of EUR 95.5 billion. It backs scientific excellence, technological development, innovation, economic growth, industrial competitiveness, climate action, sustainable development, policy development and international collaboration, and it supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the European Research Area. Funding can help turn research ideas into new technologies, discoveries, products, policy recommendations, demonstration projects and businesses.
Other programmes
The Commission also highlights several other instruments. EU4Health is the EU's fourth and largest health programme since 2003, with a budget of EUR 5.3 billion, run by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) to strengthen health systems, preparedness and resilience. The Cohesion Fund targets EU countries whose gross national income per inhabitant is under 90% of the EU average, aiming to reduce economic and social disparities and support sustainable development. The LIFE Programme 2021-2027 has four sub-programmes, including Nature and Biodiversity, which covers biodiversity protection and ecosystem conservation. Others named are the European Regional Development Fund, the Technical Support Instrument, the European Structural and Investment Funds and the Research Fund for Coal and Steel.
Who can apply
The funding landscape is relevant to universities, researchers, research organizations, businesses, public institutions and innovators working on societal and economic challenges. Each programme has its own purpose, target group, funding structure and eligibility rules, and EU4Health conditions depend on individual calls.
How to apply
Applicants should consult the official European Commission pages for each programme and call. No deadline is stated.