Draft Implementing Decision on Horizon Europe work programme 2026-2027 – Horizontal Activities

Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, NRFU, informs about the Draft Implementing Decision – Horizon Europe work programme 2026-2027– Horizontal Activities, released by the European Commission recently.

We should note that the Horizontal call – Bridging actions (pages 53-101) includes a series of topics aiming to facilitate a smooth transition between Horizon Europe 2021-2027 and the next EU R&I Framework Programme, Horizon Europe 2028-2034.

These actions will focus in particular on the “innovation to investment journey”, a seamless process from research to market deployment. This concept reflects the tight links that will exist between Horizon Europe 2028-2034 and the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). To prepare for this new approach, a horizontal call has been envisaged with a focus on “fit-for-deployment” projects, thereby creating a pipeline of innovations ready for market uptake.

In addition, the call seeks to address a number of strategic priorities in a horizontal manner, notably in relation to the Apply AI Strategy and the European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures, while also being relevant to sectoral frameworks such as the EU Adaptation Strategy and the EU Ports Strategy.