Horizon Europe Programme (hereinafter referred to as the Programme) –  European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation – derives its foundation from the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (consolidated version, hereinafter referred to as the TFEU or Treaty) within the Titles delineated as “Industry” and “Research and Technological Development and Space”, specifically articulated in Articles 173, 182, 183, and 188 of the Treaty.

Owing to its robust endorsement of innovation, the Specific Programme operationalising Horizon Europe is presently grounded in the Titles “Industry” and “Research and Technological Development and Space” as defined by Articles 173 and 182 of the TFEU. This alignment extends to the specific programme addressing defense research.

The establishment of the European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT) emanates from the provisions set forth within the TFEU’s “Industry” Title, with its sustained financial support ensconced in the ongoing funding emanating from Horizon Europe.

The proposition for the Euratom research and training programme is predicated upon the stipulations elucidated in Article 7 of the Treaty on the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom Treaty).

Horizon Europe, designated as the premier research and innovation initiative of the European Union, is slated for execution within the temporal framework of 2021–2027. The operational parameters and financial modalities of this Programme are mapped out by a number of international documents .

The key international legal instruments that constitute the Programme’s regulatory framework include:

Participation Rules formalised in Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated April 28, 2021, establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination. The said Regulation outlines the overarching objectives of Horizon Europe, which include promoting excellence in research and innovation, addressing societal challenges, and fostering industrial competitiveness.

In particular, the key issues addressed by the Regulation include the following:

• allocation of the budgetary funds of the Programme, establishing the financial resources available for research and innovation activities within the Programme;
• establishing the structure of the Programme, covering various clusters and pillars within which research and innovation activities will be organised;
• setting out the rules for participation in the Programme, including eligibility criteria for applicants, cooperation requirements, and measures to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process, etc.

Another important legislative act of the EU that is related to participation in the Horizon Europe Programme is known as the Financial Regulation officially known as Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated July 18, 2018, on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union. This document stipulates all the EU budgetary rules, notably for funding through the Framework Programme, with many relevant concepts and definitions.