Horizon Europe outlines its 2023-24 work programme

Europe’s flagship innovation support programme will allocate €13.500 millions to tackle the energy, digital, environmental and geopolitical challenges of the years to come

The most eagerly awaited announcement by thousands of innovators across Europe is here: the EU’s main funding programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe, has adopted its work programme for 2023 and 2024 with a budget of €13.500 millions (down from the previous work programme for 2021-22 with €14.700 millions).

This large financial envelope will support projects that contribute to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, as well as energy and economic resilience on the path to recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The geopolitical situation is also present in this work programme, with specific actions to support Ukrainian researchers in their access to European technologies.

Horizon Europe’s focus on climate

The largest budget allocation in the new work programme will go towards achieving key climate action objectives. 5.670 millions will be invested in innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. In addition, EUR 1.670 millions has been earmarked to support biodiversity.

The second major item is to support the digital transition in the EU. More than EUR 4.500 millions will be earmarked for developing essential digital technologies and promoting their integration into our lives.

The third major item is the Next Generation EU funds, with over EUR 1.000 millions to boost Europe’s recovery from the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic. 336 million will also be invested to better respond to health emergencies under the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).

Energy transition is also on the agenda

Horizon Europe’s new work programme for 2023-34 endorses the REPowerEU plan, a set of initiatives adopted in 2022 to eliminate Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels. This will invest almost €970 million to increase Europe’s energy independence on unreliable suppliers.

600 million will continue to support the work of the five EU missions, a new feature of Horizon Europe, which aims to find practical solutions to global challenges in close contact with society. Among the initiatives to be funded are the optimisation of cancer diagnostic interventions, the restoration of 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers, the better preparedness of local and regional administrations for climate-related risks, and the drafting of City Climate Contracts with 100 European cities.

Another of Horizon Europe’s innovative initiatives, the New European Bauhaus, is also strengthened in this work programme. It is a creative and interdisciplinary approach that connects the European Green Deal with inclusive, enriching and sustainable everyday initiatives.

The international side of Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe’s work programme actions for the next two years are not limited to the European level, as it will also financially support two very important international initiatives: ‘Africa Initiative’ and ‘Mediterranean Initiative’.

The aim is to strengthen cooperation with African and non-EU Mediterranean countries in order to find local solutions to global challenges.

Cooperation with China will also be present with two research projects on climate change and biodiversity and food, agriculture and biotechnology.

In conclusion, many projects and initiatives to continue along the path of sustainability and collaboration set out by the European Union.