Skip to main content
European Research Executive Agency
  • News article
  • 21 May 2025
  • European Research Executive Agency
  • 4 min read

Horizon Europe 2025: €7.3 billion in EU funding to support research careers and competitiveness

Discover the funding opportunities managed by the European Research Executive Agency in the areas of security, culture, health and climate, and learn more about the topics, timelines and upcoming info days.

© European Union, 2025

The newly adopted Horizon Europe Work Programme for 2025 allocates €7.3 billion to support research and innovation that delivers on the EU’s ambitions to build a more competitive, fair and resilient Europe.

A substantial part of this funding will be dedicated to actions that support Europe’s green and digital transition, climate action and biodiversity preservation.

Reflecting the European Commission's priority to simplify EU procedures, the 2025 Work Programme introduces several important measures for applicants: open and less prescriptive topics; shorter topic descriptions; and increased use of lump sums, i.e. less focus on financial aspects and more on scientific-technical content of the projects.

Almost half of the available indicative budget for 2025 will be managed by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) under the following Horizon Europe’s programmes:

Culture, creativity and inclusive society

Budget: €275.10 million | Apply now for six calls for proposals with 32 topics

We are looking for R&I projects on countering disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference; addressing challenges related to migration, climate change, mental health, increased autonomy of people with disabilities, preserving cultural heritage, and more.

How to apply? | Watch the info day recordings

Civil security for society

Budget: €156 million | Five calls for proposals with 19 topics will be launched on 12 June 2025 

The newly available funding will support projects on better protecting EU citizens against crime and terrorism, managing EU external borders effectively, improving preparedness and disaster risk awareness, as well as developing common security solutions and innovative go-to-market strategies.

How to apply? | Info day and brokerage event on 11-12 June 2025 

Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment

Budget: €948.9 million | Apply now for 5 calls for proposals with 82 topics

We are looking for projects that work on ecosystem restoration, biodiversity preservation, a sustainable use of natural resources, polar observations, sustainable agriculture, food waste prevention, the health of our oceans, clean and healthy soils, and more.

Deadlines are closing between September 2025 and February 2026.

How to apply? | Watch the info day recordings

Funding opportunities on EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”

Budget: €121 million | Apply now for two calls for proposals with 13 topics

New funding is available for research on the impact of farming practices on soil health, citizen involvement in land management, soil salinity, and the development of soil-health data interfaces. Additionally, the EU will support living labs to improve soil health.

How to apply? | Watch the info day recordings

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Under the MSCA, the European Commission funds R&I projects to boost researchers’ careers through doctoral and postdoctoral programmes and collaborative R&I projects. The Commission is announcing €1.25 billion in funding to support cutting-edge research, along with a new ‘Choose Europe for Science’ pilot.

The newly available funding is divided into six calls:

How to apply? | MSCA Staff Exchanges call info day on 5 June 2025 | MSCA Doctoral Networks call info day on 24 June 2025.

Widening participation and spreading excellence

Budget €128 million I Apply now for three calls for proposals

The EU will fund projects that support research institutions from Widening countries in joining already ongoing R&I actions (Hop-on facility), as well as cooperation in alliances of higher education institutions (European Excellence Initiative). Individual fellowships will also be provided to researchers of any nationality willing to come to the EU or relocate to a Widening country.

How to apply? | Watch the info day recording

Reforming and enhancing the European R&I system

Budget: €44 million | Apply now for a call for proposals with 7 topics

We are looking for projects that strengthen access to excellence, advance reforms in research assessment, improve support for researchers’ careers, and provide clearer guidance on Open Access publishing - contributing to a more inclusive and effective European Research Area.

How to apply? | Watch the info day recording

Research Infrastructures

Budget €400.5 million | Apply now for a call for proposals with 18 topics

The EU will invest in projects that strengthen the capacities of research infrastructures, improve access to high-quality and secure services for researchers addressing major scientific and societal challenges, and develop tools, methods, and advanced digital solutions to allow researchers conduct groundbreaking research in the EU.

How to apply? | Watch the info day recordings

Horizon Europe at a glance

Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation designed to boost scientific excellence, drive innovation, and strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness.

It addresses major global challenges such as climate change, public health, security threats and the digital transformation.

By promoting collaboration across borders, Horizon Europe drives job creation, boosts economic growth, and empowers the EU's diverse talent pool.

Between 2021 and 2027, the European Research Executive Agency is responsible for managing 23% of Horizon Europe, helping to turn innovative research ideas into concrete solutions.

Read more

How to build a successful consortium for a Horizon Europe project - European Commission

Dissemination and exploitation - European Commission

Six things you should know before applying for EU funding | LinkedIn

Details

Publication date
21 May 2025
Author
European Research Executive Agency