Research heads relaxed about Horizon Europe rollout

Publication of first calls and model grant agreement expected after mid-April

Research managers are feeling positive about the start of Horizon Europe, the 2021-27 EU R&D programme, despite delays caused by a political impasse over the EU budget that was only resolved in December.

Research Europe understands the European Commission plans to approve the first two-year work programme for Horizon Europe around mid-April, with the first funding calls due soon after. Specific work programmes for the European Research Council and European Innovation Council, which fund bottom-up research and small businesses, may be adopted earlier. A model grant agreement detailing how grants will work in practice will be published alongside the first calls.