From Horizon Europe to FP10: What We Know So Far

The Next Chapter in EU Research Funding

Horizon Europe runs from 2021 to 2027, but planning for its successor is already underway. The European Commission has proposed a budget of EUR 175 billion for the next framework programme covering 2028–2034 — a significant increase from Horizon Europe's EUR 93.5 billion.

Source: European Commission — Horizon Europe overview

This article summarises what has been officially announced. We will update it as new details emerge.

What Has Been Announced

The Budget Proposal

The proposed EUR 175 billion budget would make the next framework programme the largest publicly funded R&I programme in the world by a considerable margin. For context:

• Horizon Europe (2021–2027): EUR 93.5 billion
• Horizon 2020 (2014–2020): EUR 80 billion (approximate)
• Proposed successor (2028–2034): EUR 175 billion

The proposed budget must still be negotiated and approved by the European Parliament and Council. The final amount may differ from the proposal.

The Three-Pillar Structure

While the detailed structure of the new programme has not yet been finalised, the European Commission has signalled continuity with Horizon Europe's three-pillar approach:

1. Excellent Science — fundamental research, researcher mobility, and research infrastructures
2. Global Challenges — collaborative research addressing societal challenges through thematic clusters
3. Innovative Europe — breakthrough innovation support through the EIC and related instruments

Source: European Commission — Horizon Europe overview

What This Means for Researchers

More Funding, Same Competition

A larger budget does not necessarily mean higher success rates. If the number of proposals grows proportionally (or faster), competition could remain intense. However, a larger budget does mean more funded projects overall and potentially larger individual grants.

Continuity Matters

Framework programmes have historically built on their predecessors. Skills and experience from Horizon Europe — consortium building, proposal writing, project management — will transfer directly to the next programme.

Start Building Track Record Now

If you are new to EU funding, the remaining Horizon Europe calls (2025–2027 work programmes) are an opportunity to:

• Build a track record of EU project participation
• Develop relationships with potential consortium partners
• Gain experience with the evaluation process and proposal structure
• Establish your credibility with evaluators for the next programme

Keep Working with Current Instruments

The transition between framework programmes is gradual. Horizon Europe projects started in 2026–2027 will run well into the next programme period. There is no need to "wait" for the new programme — funded projects demonstrate capability regardless of which programme funded them.

Key Dates and Timeline

Period	Event
2021–2027	Horizon Europe programme period
2024–2025	Commission proposals and stakeholder consultations
2025–2027	Negotiations between Parliament, Council, and Commission
2026–2027	Final Horizon Europe work programmes and calls
2028	Expected start of the new framework programme

Note: These dates are indicative. The legislative process may shift timelines.

What to Watch

Simplification

A consistent theme in discussions about the next programme is simplification of application and reporting processes. Stakeholders have long called for reduced administrative burden, and the Commission has signalled this as a priority.

Digital and Green Priorities

The EU's twin transitions — digital and green — are expected to remain central priorities. Clusters addressing climate, energy, digital technologies, and health are likely to receive significant funding.

Widening Participation

Efforts to ensure broader geographic participation across the EU are expected to continue and potentially expand. Instruments like Teaming, Twinning, and ERA Chairs may see increased funding.

Open Science

Open access requirements for publications and data are expected to strengthen. Researchers should plan for FAIR data management (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) from the outset.

Preparing for the Transition

For Experienced Applicants

• Continue applying to Horizon Europe calls through 2027
• Document your project outcomes and impact — this becomes your track record
• Monitor official announcements from the Commission for structural changes
• Attend stakeholder consultations if opportunities arise

For New Applicants

• Start with Horizon Europe's current calls to build experience
• Focus on understanding the evaluation criteria (Excellence, Impact, Implementation) — these fundamentals are unlikely to change dramatically
• Build your consortium network now — partner relationships take time to develop
• Study funded projects in your area to understand what evaluators have approved

You can explore funded Horizon Europe and H2020 projects by topic, cluster, and funding scheme in our Project Explorer to identify trends and potential partners.

Key Takeaways

1. EUR 175 billion proposed for 2028–2034 — subject to legislative negotiation
2. Three-pillar structure expected to continue
3. Current experience transfers — skills and networks built under Horizon Europe apply directly
4. Don't wait — use remaining Horizon Europe calls to build track record
5. Watch for simplification — reduced administrative burden is a stated priority

We will update this article as new details are officially announced. In the meantime, evaluate your proposal against funded projects to strengthen your next submission.