The European Commission has announced an investment exceeding €7.3 billion through the Horizon Europe 2025 work programme. This ambitious funding initiative is designed to bolster Europe’s competitiveness, accelerate its green and digital transitions and foster a dynamic research and innovation environment. By targeting strategic areas including climate action, digital transformation, mobility and talent retention, the programme aims to address pressing global and regional challenges while reinforcing Europe’s position as a global leader in science and innovation.
Fostering Climate, Digital and Industrial Innovation
The Horizon Europe 2025 work programme reinforces the European Union’s commitment to addressing climate change and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. With 35% of its funding dedicated to climate action and an additional 8.8% allocated to biodiversity, the programme supports a wide range of initiatives. These include projects focused on energy, transport, agriculture, food systems and natural resources. Notably, over €1.14 billion is earmarked for climate, energy and mobility, while €833 million supports the bioeconomy and environmental sectors.
Simultaneously, the programme propels the EU’s digital transformation goals. A substantial €1.6 billion will fund developments in artificial intelligence and digital technologies. This dual emphasis on climate and digital objectives ensures that the EU not only responds to global environmental challenges but also maintains technological sovereignty in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The automotive sector is a key focus, with funding aimed at advancing electric vehicle technologies, enhancing component manufacturing and integrating circular economy practices. The goal is to promote cleaner, more competitive and resilient mobility systems while securing Europe's industrial leadership in transport innovation.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
A central pillar of the Horizon Europe 2025 strategy is the cultivation and retention of scientific talent across the continent. The ‘Choose Europe for Science’ pilot, launched under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is a €22.5 million investment that provides early-career researchers with competitive allowances and longer-term contracts. This initiative addresses concerns of brain drain and seeks to position Europe as an attractive destination for young scientists by offering high-quality training, research and teaching opportunities.
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In addition, the European Research Council (ERC) is enhancing its support for top researchers relocating to Europe by doubling top-up grants and introducing long-term ‘super grants’. These measures signal a robust effort to create a vibrant, inclusive and competitive research ecosystem.
The programme also supports researchers affected by conflict and displacement. Ukrainian scientists benefit from initiatives like MSCA4Ukraine, which channels €10 million into their research continuity and reintegration. In parallel, the newly launched Virtual Research Collaboration Hub provides mentorship and academic resources to Gazan researchers, fostering resilience through scientific collaboration.
Strengthening Communities and Simplifying Access
Beyond advancing science and technology, the Horizon Europe 2025 programme contributes to community revitalisation and societal well-being. The New European Bauhaus (NEB) Facility exemplifies this by promoting sustainable and inclusive living environments. With a dedicated €118.4 million budget, it funds both demonstrator projects that apply regenerative design principles at the local level and fundamental research to explore the broader implications of these innovations.
Accessibility and usability are key themes in the 2025 programme. The European Commission has implemented simplification measures to make the application process more efficient. These include shorter topic descriptions, more open-ended calls and expanded use of lump sum grants to reduce financial reporting burdens. A two-stage proposal process will also be adopted for 29 topics, allowing researchers to submit initial outlines before preparing detailed applications, thus streamlining the funding pipeline and encouraging broader participation.
These changes reflect an overarching aim to make Horizon Europe more responsive to researchers’ needs, improve administrative efficiency and enhance inclusivity across sectors and member states.
The Horizon Europe 2025 work programme sets the stage for an ambitious and forward-looking research agenda. By combining strategic investments in climate, digital innovation, industrial transformation and scientific talent, the European Union is laying the groundwork for a resilient, competitive and inclusive knowledge economy. The programme not only accelerates technological and ecological progress but also strengthens Europe’s global position as a leader in open, collaborative and impactful science. With its broad scope, simplified processes and targeted support for researchers at all career stages and circumstances, Horizon Europe 2025 reaffirms the EU’s commitment to sustainable innovation and scientific excellence.
Source: European Commission
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