The main work programme of Horizon Europe for the period 2021-2022 has been adopted by the European Commission. The programme outlines the objectives and specific topic areas that will receive a total of €14.7 billion in funding. Further to help accelerating the green and digital transitions in Europe, these investments will contribute to a sustainable recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and to increase the resilience of the EU against future crises. European researchers will be supported through fellowships, training and exchanges. The funds aim at more connected and efficient European innovation ecosystems, encouraging participation across Europe and from around the world, while at the same time strengthening the European Research Area.
Horizon Europe: towards climate neutrality and digital leadership
A key objective of Horizon Europe is the green transition, with around €5.8 billion to be invested in research and innovation to support the European Green Deal and the Union's commitment towards carbon neutrality by 2050. The funds will be directed to projects and activities which contribute to advancements in climate change science, and that suport solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Another core objective of the Horizon Europe work programme is making this decade Europe's Digital Decade, with €4 billion dedicated to the development of core digital technologies over 2021-2022. These funds will help foster European digital leadership by maximising the full potential of digital tools and data-enabled research and innovation in healthcare, media, cultural heritage and creative economy, energy, mobility and food production.
Finally, around €1.9 billion will be directed towards the recovery from the immediate economic and social damage brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. In line with NextGenerationEU, the funding will contribute to building a post-coronavirus Europe that is greener, more digital as well as more resilient for the current and forthcoming challenges.
A bigger impact through international cooperation
International cooperation in research and innovation is of crucial importance to tackle global challenges and to enable Europe to access resources, know-how, scientific excellence, value chains and markets that are developing in other areas of the world. The Horizon Europe' work programme for 2021-2022 includes dedicated actions to support and strengthen international cooperation through multilateral initiatives in areas such as biodiversity and climate protection, environmental observations, ocean research or global health.
More information is available in the European Commission's press release.