Navigating European funding opportunities can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the wide variety of grants available. It may seem like a complex web of options, and it’s easy to feel like you stumble upon the right one by chance. This article aims to clarify the landscape and offer an overview of the four main pillars that form the foundation of European funding. While there are many more European and national funding options, this article focuses on the most prominent ones.
1. EU Framework Programs for Research and Innovation
These are the EU’s Research, Development and Innovation (R&D&I) programs that aim to maintain and increase Europe’s competitiveness in the world by boosting R&D&I in many different areas. The Framework Programs (FPs) are always established for seven years. The current FP is Horizon Europe (H-Europe (2021-2027)). Its predecessors were PF 1 to 7 and Horizon 2020 (FP8). Within these FPs, multiple initiatives are designed to streamline EU funding and ensure that the best projects receive support.
Within these programs, multiple initiatives are designed to streamline EU funding and ensure that the best projects receive support.
Partnerships:
Under the Framework Programs so called Partnerships are established:
- Joint Undertakings: Among others, various Joint Undertakings (JUs) have been set up with very various focus areas. Links to JUs valid for the duration of Horizon Europe can be found below. As with all EU subsidy programs, JUs aim to specifically support SMEs.
- European Innovation Council (EIC): The European Innovation Council is another funding instrument under Horizon Europe. The focus here is on breakthrough, deep-tech and disruptive innovation with a particular focus on innovations that create new markets. You can find more on the EIC´s policy and funding opportunities here.
2. European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is an independent body of the EU. Its goal is to increase Europe’s innovation power by supporting entrepreneurial talent, among other things. The EIT does this through the ‘KICs’ (Knowledge and Innovation Communities) set up by the EIT, which collectively cover a multitude of topics. The ‘Main Fields on the Programme’ can be found here.
3. Digital Europe Programme
The Digital Europe Programme is a fundiung program that aims to promote and make innovation in digital technology accessible to business, citizens and governments alike. In particular, it supports projects on supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and increasing digital ‘skills’ among different types of users.
4. Eureka
Eureka (https://eurekanetwork.org/ ) is a funding program initiated by European countries; not by the EU. It is therefore not an EU grant either. Participating countries are many European countries including all EU members, but also, for example, Canada, the UK, Turkey, South Africa, South Korea, Israel and Signapore.
Of course, many of the Eureka activities do have a strong relationship with EU initiatives and several initiatives are also addressed jointly with the EU. It includes several programs with many technology focus areas, such as the “Clusters “ and the EU-cofunded programs Eurostars and the SMEs focussed Innowwide.
Conclusion
While European funding options may seem overwhelming at first glance, they are organized into several structured programs, each targeting specific sectors and goals. Whether you are interested in research, innovation, digital transformation, or international collaboration, there is likely a funding opportunity that suits your needs.
If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out. With the right information, you can quickly navigate the European funding landscape and find the perfect program for your project.
Luuk van der Laan (laan@liance.law)
Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe
- Chips Joint Undertaking (CHIPS JU) (f.k.a. KDT JU): Focuses on enhancing Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem by supporting the development and adoption of advanced chip technologies. https://www.chips-ju.europa.eu/
- Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (CH JU): Aims to accelerate the development and deployment of clean hydrogen technologies across Europe. https://www.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu/
- Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU): Dedicated to improving health through innovative research and development in the health sector. https://www.ihi.europa.eu/
- Global Health EDCTP3 europe Joint Undertaking (GH EDCPT JU) aims to contribute to the development of new or improved health technologies for the identification, treatment and prevention of neglected and poverty-related infectious diseases https://www.global-health-edctp3.europa.eu/index _
- Single European Sky ATM Research Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU): Seeks to modernize and harmonize air traffic management across Europe. https://www.sesarju.eu/
- Europe´s Rail Joint Undertaking (ER JU): Works towards the development of a more competitive and resource-efficient European rail system. https://rail-research.europa.eu/
- Clean Aviation Undertaking (CA JU): Focuses on developing innovative technologies to reduce the environmental impact of air transport. https://www.clean-aviation.eu/
- Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBBE JU): Promotes the development of a sustainable bio-based industry sector in Europe. https://www.cbe.europa.eu/
- Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU): Aims to ensure industrial leadership for Europe in 5G and 6G. https://smart-networks.europa.eu/
