### the action may also be terminated where expected results have lost their relevance for the union due to scientific , technological or economic reasons , including in the case of eic and missions , their relevance as part of a portfolio of actions . ### the action may in exceptional cases also be terminated where expected results have lost their relevance for the union and / or the stakeholder due to scientific , technological or economic reasons , including in the case of missions , their relevance as part of a portfolio of actions . the commission shall undergo a scrutiny procedure with the action coordinator and stakeholders before it can decide to terminate an action . the approval to terminate will be taken by the programme committee .


### cluster ' climate , energy and mobility ' : fighting climate change by better understanding its causes , evolution , risks , impacts and opportunities , and by making the energy and transport sectors more climate and environment - friendly , more efficient and competitive , smarter , safer and more resilient . ### cluster ' climate , energy and mobility ' : fighting climate change by better understanding its causes , evolution , risks , impacts and opportunities , and by making the energy and transport sectors more climate and environment - friendly , more efficient and competitive , smarter , safer and more resilient ; promote the use of renewable energy sources and behavioural change .


### cluster ' food and natural resources ' ; ### cluster ' food , natural resources and environment ' ;


### affiliated entities are eligible for funding in an action if they are established in a member state , associated country , or in a third country identified in the work programme adopted by the commission . ### affiliated entities are eligible for funding in an action if they are established in a member state or associated country .


### to support the creation and diffusion of high - quality new knowledge , skills , technologies and solutions to global challenges ; ### to promote , spread and develop scientific excellence ; support the creation and diffusion of high - quality new knowledge , skills , technologies ; contribute to addressing global challenges ; and strengthen the european knowledge base ;


### entities shall be part of a consortium that shall include at least three independent legal entities each established in a different member state or associated country and with at least one of them established in a member state , unless : ### entities shall be part of a consortium that shall include at least three independent legal entities each established in a different member state or in an efta country , unless the action is one referred to in paragraphs 3 or 4 .


### open access to research data shall be the general rule under the terms and conditions laid down in the grant agreement , but exceptions shall apply if justified , taking into consideration the legitimate interests of the beneficiaries and any other constraints , such as data protection rules , security rules or intellectual property rights . ### with regard to the dissemination of research data , the grant agreement shall , in the context of fair open access to and the preservation of research data , lay down terms and conditions under which fair access to such results shall be provided , ensuring robust and simple opt - outs following the principle “as open as possible , as closed as necessary” . exceptions shall apply if justified , taking into consideration the legitimate interests of the beneficiaries and any other constraints , such as data protection rules , privacy , confidentiality , security rules , trade secrets , legitimate commercial interests or intellectual property rights or union’s external competitiveness .


### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 2016 , there is a need to evaluate this programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens , in particular on member states . these requirements , where appropriate , can include measurable indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the programme on the ground . ### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 2016 , there is a need to evaluate this programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens , in particular on member states and beneficiairies . these requirements , where appropriate , can include measurable indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the programme on the ground .


### actions awarded a seal of excellence certification , or which comply with the following cumulative , comparative , conditions : ### a seal of excellence is automatically assigned in all parts of the programme to any proposal which has passed all thresholds set out in the work programme and which has not been financed due to a lack of available resources . actions awarded a seal of excellence certification , or which comply with the following cumulative , comparative , conditions :


### in addition to the criteria set out in article 197 of the financial regulation , for beneficiaries with project - based remuneration , costs of personnel are eligible up to the remuneration that the person is paid for work in similar projects funded by national schemes . ### by derogation from the criteria set out in article 197 of the financial regulation , for beneficiaries with project - based remuneration , costs of personnel are eligible based on unique remuneration calculated at the european union level for researchers participating in the programme , in accordance with the principle ”equal pay for equal work” .


### in actions under the cluster ‘ inclusive and secure society’ , area of intervention ‘ protection and security’ , beneficiaries having received union funding shall also grant access to their results on a royalty - free basis to member states ' national authorities , for developing , implementing and monitoring their policies or programmes in that area . access shall be limited to non - commercial and non - competitive use and shall be granted upon bilateral agreement defining specific conditions aimed at ensuring that those rights will be used only for the intended purpose and that appropriate confidentiality obligations will be in place . the requesting member state , union institution , body , office or agency shall notify all member states of such requests . ### in actions under the cluster ‘ secure society’ , area of intervention ‘ protection and security’ , beneficiaries having received union funding shall also grant access to their results on a royalty - free basis to member states ' national authorities , for developing , implementing and monitoring their policies or programmes in that area . access shall be limited to non - commercial and non - competitive use and shall be granted upon bilateral agreement defining specific conditions aimed at ensuring that those rights will be used only for the intended purpose and that appropriate confidentiality obligations will be in place . the requesting member state , union institution , body , office or agency shall notify all member states of such requests .


### coordination and support actions may be implemented by one or more legal entities , which may be established in a member state , associated country or in another third country . ### support actions may be implemented by one or more legal entities , which may be established in a member state or associated country .


### open access to scientific publications resulting from research funded under the programme shall be ensured in accordance with article 35 . open access to research data shall be ensured in line with the principle ' as open as possible , as closed as necessary ' . open access to other research outputs shall be encouraged . ### open access to scientific publications resulting from research funded under the programme shall be ensured in accordance with article 35 . open access to research data shall be ensured in line with the principle ' as open as possible , as closed as necessary ' .


### to support the creation and diffusion of high - quality new knowledge , skills , technologies and solutions to global challenges ; ### to support the creation and diffusion of high - quality new fundamental and applied knowledge , skills , technologies and solutions to global societal challenges ;


### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and maximising benefits of their interactions , the programme should engage and involve citizens and civil society organisations in co - designing and co - creating responsible research and innovation agendas and contents , promoting science education , making scientific knowledge publicly accessible , and facilitating participation by citizens and civil society organisations in its activities . it should do so across the programme and through dedicated activities in the part ' strengthening the european research area ' . the engagement of citizens and civil society in research and innovation should be coupled with public outreach activities to generate and sustain public support for the programme . the programme should also seek to remove barriers and boost synergies between science , technology , culture and the arts to obtain a new quality of sustainable innovation . ### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and maximising benefits of their interactions , the programme should actively and systematically engage and involve citizens and civil society organisations in co - designing and co - creating responsible research and innovation agendas and contents , promoting science education , making scientific knowledge publicly accessible , and facilitating participation by citizens and civil society organisations in its activities . it should do so across the programme , through multi - actor approaches , and through dedicated activities in the part ' strengthening the european research area ' . the engagement of citizens and civil society in research and innovation should be coupled with public outreach activities to generate and sustain public support for the programme . the programme should also seek to remove barriers and boost synergies between science , technology , culture and the arts to obtain a new quality of sustainable innovation ;


### the pillar ' open innovation ' should establish a series of measures for integrated support to the needs of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship aiming at realising and accelerating breakthrough innovation for rapid market growth . it should attract innovative companies with potential for scaling up at international and at union level and offer fast , flexible grants and co - investments , including with private investors . these objectives should be pursued through the creation of a european innovation council . this pillar should also support the european institute of innovation and technology and european innovation ecosystems at large , notably through co - funding partnerships with national and regional innovation support actors . ### the pillar ' innovative europe ' should establish a series of measures for integrated support to the needs of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship aiming at realising and accelerating breakthrough innovation for rapid market growth as well as promoting eu’s technological autonomy in strategic areas . it should attract innovative companies , including smes and start - ups , with potential for scaling up at international and at union level and offer fast , flexible grants and co - investments , including with private investors . these objectives should be pursued through the creation of a european innovation council . this pillar should also support the european institute of innovation and technology and european innovation ecosystems at large , within the whole eu , notably through co - funding partnerships with national and regional innovation support actors .


### to optimise the programme ' s delivery for increased impact within a strengthened european research area . ### to optimise the programme ' s delivery for increased impact within a strengthened and balanced european research area ;


### appointment of external experts ### appointment of independent external experts


### be centered on ambitious but realistic research and innovation activities ; ### be centered on ambitious but realistic research and innovation activities , including a robust element of fundamental research ;


### the programme ' s general objective is to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact from the union ' s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the union and foster its competitiveness , including in its industry , deliver on the union strategic priorities , and contribute to tackling global challenges , including the sustainable development goals . ### the programme ' s general objective is to deliver scientific , technological , economic and societal impact from the union ' s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the union , and foster its competitiveness in all member states and the regions of the union , including in its industry , deliver on the union strategic priorities , contribute to tackling global societal challenges , as set out in the sustainable development goals , and achieve a balanced european research area .


### part ' strengthening the european research area ' , pursuing the specific objective set out in article 3 and also supporting the specific objectives set out in article 3 , and , with the following components : ### cross - cutting part ' strengthening the european research area ' , pursuing the specific objective set out in article 3 and also supporting the specific objectives set out in article 3 , , and , with the following components :


### the programme ' s general objective is to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact from the union ' s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the union and foster its competitiveness , including in its industry , deliver on the union strategic priorities , and contribute to tackling global challenges , including the sustainable development goals . ### the programme ' s general objective is to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact from the union ' s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the union and foster its competitiveness in all member states , including in its industry , deliver on the union strategic priorities , and contribute to tackling global challenges , as embedded in the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals .


### eur 52 700 000 000 for pillar ii ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' for the period 2021 - 2027 , of which ### eur 62 700 000 000 for pillar ii ' global challenges and european industrial competitiveness ' for the period 2021 - 2027 , of which


### pillar i ' open science ' , pursuing the specific objective set out in article 3 and also supporting specific objectives set out in article 3 and , with the following components : ### pillar i ' excellent science ' , pursuing the specific objective set out in article 3 and also supporting specific objectives set out in article 3 and , with the following components :


### pillar iii ' open innovation ' ### pillar iii ' innovative europe '


### cluster ' food and natural resources ' ; ### cluster ' agriculture , food and natural resources ' ;


### cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' : strengthening european democratic values , including rule of law and fundamental rights , safeguarding our cultural heritage , and promoting socio - economic transformations that contribute to inclusion and growth , while responding to the challenges arising from persistent security threats , including cybercrime , as well as natural and man - made disasters . ### cluster ' inclusive educated and creative society ' : strengthening european democratic values , including rule of law and fundamental rights , enhancing citizens ' participation by promoting e - democracy tools and media literacy initiatives , developing and safeguarding our culture and cultural heritage , supporting in particular research and innovation activities for the development of artistic research in the digital field , of ict technologies for the preservation and digitisation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well , exploring the potential of cultural and creative sectors and promoting sustainable socio - economic transformations that contribute to accessibility , inclusion and growth including research related to migration management and integration of migrants .


### to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , and support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges ; ### to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , and support the uptake of innovative new solutions in industry and of modes of knowledge and of sharing scientific culture in society to address global challenges ;


### eur 2 800 000 000 for cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' ; ### eur 1 800 000 000 for cluster ' inclusive and creative society ' ;


### by derogation from article 237 of the financial regulation , external experts may be selected without a call for expressions of interest , if justified and the selection is carried out in a transparent manner . ### by derogation from article 237 of the financial regulation , independent external experts may exceptionally be selected without a call for expressions of interest , if justified and the selection is carried out in a transparent manner . such experts will need to prove their independence and capacity to support the european long - term rdi objectives .


### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and maximising benefits of their interactions , the programme should engage and involve citizens and civil society organisations in co - designing and co - creating responsible research and innovation agendas and contents , promoting science education , making scientific knowledge publicly accessible , and facilitating participation by citizens and civil society organisations in its activities . it should do so across the programme and through dedicated activities in the part ' strengthening the european research area ' . the engagement of citizens and civil society in research and innovation should be coupled with public outreach activities to generate and sustain public support for the programme . the programme should also seek to remove barriers and boost synergies between science , technology , culture and the arts to obtain a new quality of sustainable innovation . ### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and maximising benefits of their interactions , the programme should work to address and overcome barriers to societal engagement and actively engage and involve citizens , academia and civil society organisations in co - designing and co - creating responsible research and innovation agendas and contents , promoting science education , making scientific knowledge publicly accessible , and facilitating participation by citizens and civil society organisations in its activities . it should do so across the programme and through dedicated activities in the part ' strengthening the european research area ' . the engagement of citizens and civil society in research and innovation should be coupled with public outreach activities to generate and sustain public support for the programme . the measures taken to improve the involvement of citizens and civil society will be reported on in horizon europe annual reports . the programme should also seek to remove barriers and boost synergies between science , technology , culture and the arts to obtain a new quality of sustainable innovation .


### pillar ii ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' , pursuing the specific objective set out in article 3 and also supporting the specific objectives set out in article 3 and , with the following components : ### pillar ii ' global challenges and european industrial competitiveness ' , pursuing all the specific objectives set out in article 3with the following components :


### to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact in pursuit of this general objective , the union should invest in research and innovation through horizon europe - a framework programme for research and innovation 2021 - 2027 to support the creation and diffusion of high - quality knowledge and technologies , to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , to support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges and promote industrial competitiveness ; to foster all forms of innovation , including breakthrough innovation , and strengthen market deployment of innovative solutions ; and optimise the delivery of such investment for increased impact within a strengthened european research area . ### to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact in pursuit of this general objective and maximize the eu added value of its rdi investments , the union should invest in research and innovation through horizon europe - a framework programme for research and innovation 2021 - 2027 to support the creation , diffusion and transfer of high - quality knowledge and technologies in the union , to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in addressing global societal challenges as defined by the sustainable development goals , and in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , to support the uptake of innovative sustainable solutions in the union’s industry and society to improve people’s well - being and promote its industrial competitiveness ; to foster all forms of innovation , including breakthrough innovation , and strengthen market deployment of innovative solutions ; and optimise the delivery of such investment for increased impact within a strengthened european research area .


### unless the work programme provides otherwise , proposals shall include a plan for the exploitation and dissemination of the results . if the expected exploitation entails developing , creating , manufacturing and marketing a product or process , or in creating and providing a service , the plan shall include a strategy for such exploitation . if the plan provides for exploitation primarily in non - associated third countries , the legal entities shall explain how that exploitation is still in the union interest . ### unless the work programme provides otherwise , proposals shall include a plan for the exploitation and dissemination of the results . if the expected exploitation entails developing , creating , manufacturing and marketing a product or process , or in creating and providing a service , the plan shall include a strategy for such exploitation . if the plan provides for exploitation primarily in non - associated third countries , the legal entities shall justify how that exploitation is still in the union interest . if the beneficiary fails to provide such justification , a non - exclusive licence may be granted to other legal entities seeking to exploit the results in the union or associated third countries . for the purposes of locating and selecting the candidates , the online platform referred to in article 35 shall be used .


### entities are eligible for funding if they are established in a member state or associated country . ### entities are eligible for funding if they are established in a member state or associated country as defined in article 12 .


### cluster ' food and natural resources ' : protecting , restoring , sustainably managing and using natural and biological resources from land and sea to address food and nutrition security and the transition to a low carbon , resource efficient circular economy . ### cluster ' food , environment and natural resources ' : protecting , restoring , sustainably managing and using natural and biological resources from land and water sea to address food and nutrition security and the transition to a low carbon , resource efficient circular economy


### horizon europe blended finance may be awarded to a programme co - fund where a joint programme of member states and associated countries provides for the deployment of financial instruments in support of selected actions . the evaluation and selection of such actions shall be made in accordance with articles 19 , 20 , 23 , 24 , 25 and 26 . the implementation modalities of the horizon europe blended finance shall comply with article 29 , by analogy article 43 and with additional conditions defined by the work programme . ### horizon europe blended finance may be awarded to a programme co - fund where a joint programme of member states and associated countries provides for the deployment of financial instruments in support of selected actions . the evaluation and selection of such actions shall be made in accordance with articles 19 , 20 , 23 , 24 and 25 . the implementation modalities of the horizon europe blended finance shall comply with article 29 , by analogy article 43 and with additional and justified conditions defined by the work programme .


### the programme should promote and integrate cooperation with third countries and international organisations and initiatives based on common interest , mutual benefit and global commitments to implement the un sdgs . international cooperation should aim to strengthen the union ' s research and innovation excellence , attractiveness and economic and industrial competitiveness , to tackle global challenges , as embodied in the un sdgs , and to support the union ' s external policies . an approach of general opening for international participation and targeted international cooperation actions should be followed , including through appropriate eligibility for funding of entities established in low to middle income countries . at the same time , association of third countries to the programme should be promoted . ### the programme should promote and integrate cooperation with third countries and international organisations and initiatives based on union’s interest , reciprocity and mutual benefits and global commitments to implement the un sdgs . international cooperation should aim to strengthen the union ' s excellence in research and innovation , attractiveness and economic and industrial competitiveness , to tackle global societal challenges , as embodied in the un sdgs , and to support the union ' s external policies . an approach of general opening for reciprocal international participation and targeted international cooperation actions should be followed , appropriate eligibility criteria , considering different levels of r&i capacities , for funding of entities established in low to middle income countries need to be applied . at the same time , association of third countries to the programme could be promoted where relevant and where reciprocity is guaranteed for the access of eu entities access to similar funding programmes of the third country .


### only the criterion referred to in point of paragraph 1 shall apply to proposals for erc frontier research actions . ### only the criterion referred to in point of paragraph 1 shall apply to proposals for erc frontier research actions . only in cases when two or more excellent projects obtain the same ranking , the differentiation is made by applying the criteria referred to in point or point of paragraph 1 .


### open access to research data shall be the general rule under the terms and conditions laid down in the grant agreement , but exceptions shall apply if justified , taking into consideration the legitimate interests of the beneficiaries and any other constraints , such as data protection rules , security rules or intellectual property rights . ### with regard to the dissemination of research data , the grant agreement shall , in the context of fair open access to and the preservation of research data , lay down terms and conditions under which fair access to such results shall be provided , ensuring robust and simple opt - outs following the principle “as open as possible , as closed as necessary” . exceptions shall apply if justified , taking into consideration the legitimate interests of the beneficiaries and any other constraints , such as data protection rules , privacy , confidentiality , security rules , trade secrets , legitimate commercial interests or intellectual property rights or union’s external competitiveness .


### the programme shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality and the gender dimension in research and innovation content . particular attention shall be paid to ensuring gender balance , subject to the situation in the field of research and innovation concerned , in evaluation panels and in bodies such as expert groups . ### the programme shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality , inter alia through enabling a better family / work life balance , and the gender dimension in research and innovation content . particular attention shall be paid to ensuring accessibility and gender balance , subject to the situation in the field of research and innovation concerned , across the various parts of the programme , and notably in evaluation panels and in bodies such as expert groups .


### the contract for the selected action shall establish specific milestones and the corresponding pre - financing and payments by instalments of the eic blended finance . ### the contract for the selected action shall establish specific measurable milestones and the corresponding pre - financing and payments by instalments of the eic blended finance .


### commitment to a rules - based open market economy , including fair and equitable dealing with intellectual property rights , backed by democratic institutions ; ### commitment to a rules - based open market economy , including fair and equitable dealing with intellectual property rights , respect of human rights , backed by democratic institutions ;


### in order to respond to unforeseen situations or to new developments and needs , the commission may , within the annual budgetary procedure , deviate from the amounts referred to in paragraph 2 up to a maximum of 10% . no such deviation shall be allowed in respect of the amounts referred to in points of paragraph 2 of this article and the total amount set out for part ' strengthening the european research area ' of paragraph 2 of this article . ### in order to respond to unforeseen situations or to new developments and needs , the commission may , within the annual budgetary procedure , deviate from the amounts referred to in paragraph 2 up to a maximum of 5% , including the allocation of the contributions from associated countries . no negative deviation shall be allowed in respect of the amounts referred to in points and of paragraph 2 of this article and the total amount set out for part ' strengthening the european research area ' of paragraph 2 of this article .


### open science practices beyond open access to research outputs and responsible management of research data shall be promoted . ### fair open science practices beyond open access to research outputs and responsible management of research data shall be promoted in the union and internationally .


### the programme may provide funding to indirect actions in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation , in particular grants , prizes and procurements it may also provide financing in the form of financial instruments within blending operations . ### the programme may provide funding to indirect actions in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation , in particular grants which should be the main form of support under the programme , prizes and procurements . it may also provide financing in the form of financial instruments within blending operations .


### to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , and support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges ; ### to strengthen the eu added value of rdi funding , the impact of research and innovation for the union in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , and support the uptake of innovative solutions in european industry and society to improve people’s well - being ;


### it is the union ' s objective to strengthen its scientific and technological bases and encourage its competitiveness , including in its industry , while promoting all research and innovation activities to deliver on the union ' s strategic priorities , which ultimately aim at promoting peace , the union ' s values and the well - being of its peoples . ### it is the union ' s objective to strengthen its scientific and technological bases by achieving a balanced european research area in which researchers , scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely , and encouraging it to become more competitive , including in its industry , while promoting all research and innovation activities to deliver on the union ' s strategic priorities and commitments , which ultimately aim at promoting peace , tackling climate change , sustainable development , the union ' s values and the well - being of its peoples .


### the beneficiaries shall further develop the plan during and after the end of the action . ### the beneficiaries may further detail the plan during the action .


### cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' : strengthening european democratic values , including rule of law and fundamental rights , safeguarding our cultural heritage , and promoting socio - economic transformations that contribute to inclusion and growth , while responding to the challenges arising from persistent security threats , including cybercrime , as well as natural and man - made disasters . ### cluster ' inclusive and creative society ' : strengthening european democratic values , including rule of law and fundamental rights , safeguarding our cultural heritage , exploring the potential of cultural and creative industries , and promoting socio - economic transformations that contribute to inclusion and growth , including migration management and integration of migrants .


### areas of intervention : democracy ; cultural heritage ; social and economic transformations ; disaster - resilient societies ; protection and security ; cybersecurity ### areas of intervention : democracy , e - democracy and fundamental rights ; culture and cultural heritage ; media literacy ; education ; social and economic transformations ; cultural and creative industries and sectors ; accessibility for persons with disabilities to all products and services


### the key elements of the proposal evaluation and selection system of the predecessor programme horizon 2020 with its particular focus on excellence should be maintained . proposals should continue to be selected based on the evaluation made by independent experts . where relevant , the necessity to ensure the overall coherence of the portfolio of projects should be taken into account . ### the key elements of the proposal evaluation and selection system of the predecessor programme horizon 2020 with its particular focus on excellence should be maintained while ensuring broader geographical representation of all member states in the peer - review panels and the evaluation of the programme . proposals should continue to be selected based on the evaluation made by independent experts stemming from as many member states as possible . where relevant , the necessity to ensure the overall coherence of the portfolio of projects should be taken into account by independent experts .


### in line with the objectives of international cooperation as set out in articles 180 and 186 tfeu , the participation of legal entities established in third countries and of international organisations should be promoted . the implementation of the programme should be in conformity with the measures adopted in accordance with articles 75 and 215 tfeu and should be in compliance with international law . for actions related to union strategic assets , interests , autonomy or security , the participation to specific actions of the programme may be limited to entities established in member states only , or to entities established in specified associated or other third countries in addition to member states . ### in line with the objectives of international cooperation as set out in articles 180 and 186 tfeu , the participation of legal entities established in third countries and of international organisations should be promoted in the union’s interest . the implementation of the programme should be in conformity with the measures adopted in accordance with articles 75 and 215 tfeu and should be in compliance with international law . for actions related to union strategic assets , interests , autonomy or security , the participation to specific actions of the programme may be limited to entities established in member states only , or to entities established in specified associated or other third countries in addition to member states .


### the action may also be terminated where expected results have lost their relevance for the union due to scientific , technological or economic reasons , including in the case of eic and missions , their relevance as part of a portfolio of actions . ### following consultation with independent experts and provided sufficient notice is given to beneficiaries , the action may also be terminated where expected results have lost their relevance for the union due to scientific , technological or economic reasons , including in the case of eic and missions , their relevance as part of a portfolio of actions .


### it is important to support industry to stay or become world leader in innovation , digitisation and decarbonisation , notably through investments in key enabling technologies that will underpin tomorrow ' s business . the programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . this will ensure consistency between the actions of the programme and eu state aid rules , avoiding undue distortions of competition in the internal market . ### it is important to support industry to stay or become world leader in innovation , digitisation and decarbonisation , notably through investments in key enabling technologies that will underpin tomorrow ' s business as well as the well - being of union citizens . the programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . this will ensure consistency between the actions of the programme and eu state aid rules , avoiding undue distortions of competition in the internal market .


### coordination and / or joint activities with other relevant research and innovation initiatives ensuring effective synergies ; ### coordination and / or joint activities with other relevant research and innovation initiatives to secure optimum level of interconnections and ensure effective synergies ;


### programme evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision - making process on the programme , its successor and other initiatives relevant to research and innovation . ### the commission shall ensure regular monitoring and external evaluation of the programme . it shall monitor the programme performance annually , tracking performance indicators in accordance with article 45 , paragraph 1 .


### beneficiaries having received union funding shall use their best efforts to exploit their results , in particular in the union . exploitation may be done directly by the beneficiaries or indirectly in particular through the transfer and licensing of results in accordance with article 36 . ### beneficiaries having received union funding shall use their best efforts to exploit their results , by priority in the union . exploitation may be done directly by the beneficiaries or indirectly in particular through the transfer and licensing of results in accordance with article 36 .


### the activities developed under the programme should aim at eliminating gender inequalities and promoting equality between women and men in research and innovation , in compliance with articles 2 and 3 of the treaty on european union and article 8 of the tfeu . the gender dimension should be adequately integrated in research and innovation content and followed through at all stages of the research cycle . ### the activities developed under the programme should aim at eliminating gender inequalities and promoting equality between women and men in research and innovation , in compliance with articles 2 and 3 of the treaty on european union and article 8 of the tfeu . the gender dimension should be adequately integrated in research and innovation content and followed through at all stages of the research cycle . while excellence remains the sole principle of granting funds under horizon europe , the eu and member states shall step up their efforts in order to reduce the gender gap in science and research and thus raise the share of female researchers awarded with funding under the eu programmes . in the framework of this regulation , particular importance should be given to ensure gender balance , subject to the situation in the field of research and innovation concerned , in evaluation panels and in other relevant advisory and expert bodies .


### eur 13 500 000 000 for pillar iii ' open innovation ' for the period 2021 - 2027 , of which ### eur 13 800 000 000 for pillar iii ' innovative europe ' for the period 2021 - 2027 , of which


### european free trade association members which are members of the european economic area , in accordance with the conditions laid down in the eea agreement ; ### european economic area members , in accordance with the conditions laid down in the eea agreement including those conditions concerning the level of their financial contribution , or european free trade association members in accordance with the specific conditions laid down in agreements between the union and those countries ;


### the programme ' s general objective is to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact from the union ' s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the union and foster its competitiveness , including in its industry , deliver on the union strategic priorities , and contribute to tackling global challenges , including the sustainable development goals . ### the general objective of the programme shall be to deliver scientific , economic , cultural and societal impact from the union ' s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the union and foster its competitiveness , including in its industry , deliver on the union strategic priorities , and contribute to tackling global challenges , including the sustainable development goals .


### the action may also be terminated where expected results have lost their relevance for the union due to scientific , technological or economic reasons , including in the case of eic and missions , their relevance as part of a portfolio of actions . ### the action may in exceptional cases also be terminated where expected results have lost their relevance for the union due to scientific , technological or economic reasons , including in the case of missions , their relevance as part of a portfolio of actions .


### the grant agreement may establish milestones and related pre - financing installments . if milestones are not met , the action may be suspended , amended or terminated . ### the grant agreement shall establish milestones and related pre - financing instalments . if milestones are not met , the action may be suspended , amended or terminated .


### ' open access ' means the practice of providing online access to research outputs resulting from actions funded under the programme , in particular scientific publications and research data , free of charge to the end - user ; ### ' open access ' means the practice of providing online access to research outputs resulting from actions funded under the programme , in particular scientific publications and research data free of charge to the end - user . with regard to research data , relevant privacy and security interests , as well as intellectual property rights , confidentiality , european union global economic competitiveness and other legitimate interests need to be addressed in accordance with the principle “as open as possible , as closed as necessary” and according to the “robust opt - outs” ;


### the programme shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality and the gender dimension in research and innovation content . particular attention shall be paid to ensuring gender balance , subject to the situation in the field of research and innovation concerned , in evaluation panels and in bodies such as expert groups . ### the programme shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality , inter alia through enabling a better family / work life balance , and the gender dimension in research and innovation content . particular attention shall be paid to ensuring accessibility and gender balance , subject to the situation in the field of research and innovation concerned , across the various parts of the programme , and notably in evaluation panels and in bodies such as expert groups .


### the contractor generating results in pre - commercial procurement shall own at least the attached intellectual property rights . the contracting authorities shall enjoy at least royalty - free access rights to the results for their own use and the right to grant , or require the participating contractors to grant , non - exclusive licences to third parties to exploit the results for the contracting authority under fair and reasonable conditions without any right to sub - license . if a contractor fails to commercially exploit the results within a given period after the pre - commercial procurement as identified in the contract , the contracting authorities can require it to transfer any ownership of the results to the contracting authorities . ### the contractor generating results in pre - commercial procurement shall own the attached intellectual property rights . the contracting authorities shall enjoy royalty - free access rights to the results for their own use and the right to grant , or require the participating contractors to grant , non - exclusive licences to third parties to exploit the results for the contracting authority under fair and reasonable conditions without any right to sub - license . if a contractor fails to commercially exploit the results within a given period after the pre - commercial procurement as agreed in the contract , the contracting authorities can require it to transfer any ownership of the results to the contracting authorities .


### eur 52 700 000 000 for pillar ii ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' for the period 2021 - 2027 , of which ### eur 62 700 000 000 for pillar ii ' global challenges and european industrial competitiveness ' for the period 2021 - 2027 , of which


### the commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations , to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions . ### the commission shall communicate and present the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations , to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions .


### in accordance with article 237 and 237 of the financial regulation , external experts shall be remunerated based on standard conditions . if justified , an appropriate level of remuneration beyond the standard conditions based on relevant market standards , especially for specific high level experts , may be granted . ### in accordance with article 237 and 237 of the financial regulation , independent external experts shall be remunerated based on standard conditions .


### a proposal shall be evaluated on the basis of the following award criteria : ### the anonymous projects shall be evaluated by eu independent external experts on the basis of the following criteria :


### the programme should promote and integrate cooperation with third countries and international organisations and initiatives based on common interest , mutual benefit and global commitments to implement the un sdgs . international cooperation should aim to strengthen the union ' s research and innovation excellence , attractiveness and economic and industrial competitiveness , to tackle global challenges , as embodied in the un sdgs , and to support the union ' s external policies . an approach of general opening for international participation and targeted international cooperation actions should be followed , including through appropriate eligibility for funding of entities established in low to middle income countries . at the same time , association of third countries to the programme should be promoted . ### the programme should promote and integrate cooperation with third countries and international organisations and initiatives based on union’s interest , reciprocity and mutual benefits and global commitments to implement the un sdgs . international cooperation should aim to strengthen the union ' s excellence in research and innovation , attractiveness and economic and industrial competitiveness , to tackle global societal challenges , as embodied in the un sdgs , and to support the union ' s external policies . an approach of general opening for reciprocal international participation and targeted international cooperation actions should be followed , appropriate eligibility criteria , considering different levels of r&i capacities , for funding of entities established in low to middle income countries need to be applied . at the same time , association of third countries to the programme could be promoted where relevant and where reciprocity is guaranteed for the access of eu entities access to similar funding programmes of the third country .


### be bold and inspirational , and hence have wide societal or economic relevance ; ### be bold and inspirational , and thus have wide political , diplomatic , societal and economic relevance ; ;


### –impact ; ### –societal , scientific , environmental and / or economic impact for the union and / or in line with the union’s political priorities ;


### the programme ' s general objective is to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact from the union ' s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the union and foster its competitiveness , including in its industry , deliver on the union strategic priorities , and contribute to tackling global challenges , including the sustainable development goals . ### the programme ' s general objective is to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact from the union ' s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the european research area and foster its competitiveness , including in its industry , research excellence and fundamental research , deliver on the union strategic priorities , and contribute to tackling global challenges , including the sustainable development goals .


### by derogation from article 237 of the financial regulation , external experts may be selected without a call for expressions of interest , if justified and the selection is carried out in a transparent manner . ### by derogation from article 237 of the financial regulation , independent external experts may exceptionally be selected without a call for expressions of interest , if justified and the selection is carried out in a transparent manner . such experts will need to prove their independence and capacity to support the european long - term rdi objectives .


### the work programme may provide for additional obligations to use the european open science cloud for storing and giving access to research data . ### the work programme may provide for additional incentives to use the european open science cloud for storing and giving access to research data .


### be centered on ambitious but realistic research and innovation activities ; ### be selected in a transparent manner and be centered on ambitious but realistic research and innovation activities ;


### –identification of measurable expected outcomes , deliverables and impacts within specific timeframes , including key economic value for europe ; ### –identification of measurable expected outcomes , deliverables and impacts within specific timeframes , including key economic value for eu ;


### “background” means any data , know - how or information whatever its form or nature , tangible or intangible , including any rights such as intellectual property rights , that is : held by beneficiaries prior to their accession to the action ; identified by the beneficiaries in writing in any manner as needed for implementing the action or for exploiting its results ; ### “background” means any data , know - how or information whatever its form or nature , tangible or intangible , including any rights such as intellectual property rights , that is : held by beneficiaries prior to their accession to the action ; and identified by the beneficiaries in a written agreement as needed for implementing the action or for exploiting its results ;


### if despite a beneficiary ' s best efforts to exploit its results directly or indirectly no exploitation takes place within a given period as identified in the grant agreement , the beneficiary shall use an appropriate online platform as identified in the grant agreement to find interested parties to exploit those results . if justified on the basis of a request of the beneficiary , this obligation may be waived . ### if despite a beneficiary ' s best efforts to exploit its results directly or indirectly no exploitation takes place within a given period as identified in the grant agreement , the beneficiary shall use all appropriate online platforms as identified in the grant agreement to find interested parties to exploit those results on the eu territory first . if justified on the basis of a request of the beneficiary , this obligation may be waived .


### to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , and support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges ; ### to strengthen the eu added value of rdi funding , the impact of research and innovation for the union in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , and support the uptake of innovative solutions in european industry and society to improve people’s well - being ;


### adhere to the principles of union added value , transparency , openness , impact , leverage effect , long - term financial commitment of all the involved parties , flexibility , coherence and complementarity with union , local , regional national and international initiatives ; ### adhere to the principles of union added value , transparency , fair openness , impact within and for the union , strong leverage effect , long - term financial commitment of all the involved parties , flexibility , coherence and complementarity with union , local , regional national and international initiatives ;


### the programme should seek synergies with other union programmes , from their design and strategic planning , to project selection , management , communication , dissemination and exploitation of results , to monitoring , auditing and governance . with a view to avoiding overlaps and duplication and increasing the leverage of union funding , transfers from other union programmes to horizon europe activities can take place . in such cases they will follow horizon europe rules . ### the programme should seek synergies with other union programmes , from their design and strategic planning , application and reporting forms to project selection , management , communication , dissemination and exploitation of results , to monitoring , auditing and governance , as well as ensuring interoperability with a view to avoiding overlaps and duplication and increasing the leverage of union funding , as well as decreasing administrative burden for the applicants and beneficiaries .


### eur 2 100 000 000 for part ' strengthening the european research area ' for the period 2021 - 2027 , of which ### eur 9 400 000 000 for part ' strengthening the european research area ' for the period 2021 - 2027 , of which


### the beneficiary of the eic accelerator shall be a legal entity qualifying as a start - up , an sme or as a mid - cap , established in a member state or associated country . the proposal may be submitted by the beneficiary , or by one or more natural persons or legal entities intending to establish or support that beneficiary . ### the beneficiary of the eic accelerator shall be a legal entity qualifying as a start - up , an sme or as a mid - cap , established in a member state or efta country .


### “results” means any tangible or intangible effect of the action , such as data , know - how or information , whatever its form or nature , whether or not it can be protected , as well as any rights attached to it , including intellectual property rights ; ### “results” means any tangible or intangible output of the action , such as data , know - how or information , whatever its form or nature , whether or not it can be protected , as well as any rights attached to it , including intellectual property rights ;


### areas of intervention : nurturing excellence through mobility of researchers across borders , sectors and disciplines ; fostering new skills through excellent training of researchers ; strengthening human capital and skills development across the european research area ; improving and facilitating synergies ; promoting public outreach . ### areas of intervention : nurturing excellence through mobility of researchers across borders , sectors and disciplines ; fostering new skills through excellent training of researchers ; strengthening human capital and skills development across the european research area , including support for researchers to return to their country of origin ; improving and facilitating synergies ; promoting public outreach .


### to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact in pursuit of this general objective , the union should invest in research and innovation through horizon europe - a framework programme for research and innovation 2021 - 2027 to support the creation and diffusion of high - quality knowledge and technologies , to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , to support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges and promote industrial competitiveness ; to foster all forms of innovation , including breakthrough innovation , and strengthen market deployment of innovative solutions ; and optimise the delivery of such investment for increased impact within a strengthened european research area . ### to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact in pursuit of this general objective and maximize the eu added value of its rdi investments , the union should invest in research and innovation through horizon europe - a framework programme for research and innovation 2021 - 2027 to support the creation , diffusion and transfer of high - quality knowledge and technologies in the union , to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in addressing global societal challenges as defined by the sustainable development goals , and in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , to support the uptake of innovative sustainable solutions in the union’s industry and society to improve people’s well - being and promote its industrial competitiveness ; to foster all forms of innovation , including breakthrough innovation , and strengthen market deployment of innovative solutions ; and optimise the delivery of such investment for increased impact within a strengthened european research area .


### the programme should promote and integrate cooperation with third countries and international organisations and initiatives based on common interest , mutual benefit and global commitments to implement the un sdgs . international cooperation should aim to strengthen the union ' s research and innovation excellence , attractiveness and economic and industrial competitiveness , to tackle global challenges , as embodied in the un sdgs , and to support the union ' s external policies . an approach of general opening for international participation and targeted international cooperation actions should be followed , including through appropriate eligibility for funding of entities established in low to middle income countries . at the same time , association of third countries to the programme should be promoted . ### the programme should promote and integrate cooperation with third countries and international organisations and initiatives based on union’s interest , reciprocity and mutual benefits and global commitments to implement the un sdgs . international cooperation should aim to strengthen the union ' s excellence in research and innovation , attractiveness and economic and industrial competitiveness , to tackle global societal challenges , as embodied in the un sdgs , and to support the union ' s external policies . an approach of general opening for reciprocal international participation and targeted international cooperation actions should be followed , appropriate eligibility criteria , considering different levels of r&i capacities , for funding of entities established in low to middle income countries need to be applied . at the same time , association of third countries to the programme could be promoted where relevant and where reciprocity is guaranteed for the access of eu entities access to similar funding programmes of the third country .


### by derogation from article 237 of the financial regulation , external experts may be selected without a call for expressions of interest , if justified and the selection is carried out in a transparent manner . ### by derogation from article 237 of the financial regulation , independent external experts may be selected on a basis other than a call for expressions of interest only if such a call did not enable appropriate experts to be found . any alternative methods shall be duly justified .


### may receive support from the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund + or the european agricultural fund for rural development , in accordance with paragraph 5 of article [ 67 ] of regulation xx [ common provisions regulation ] and article [ 8 ] or regulation xx [ financing , management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy ] , provided that such actions are consistent with the objectives of the programme concerned . the rules of the fund providing support shall apply . ### may receive support from the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund + or the european agricultural fund for rural development , in accordance with paragraph 5 of article [ 67 ] of regulation xx [ common provisions regulation ] and article [ 8 ] or regulation xx [ financing , management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy ] , provided that the respective responsible administrations agree and that such actions are consistent with the objectives of the programme concerned , including with the respective research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation in the erdf . the rules of the fund providing support shall apply .


### beneficiaries shall make a contribution of 5 % of the union funding for the action . on the basis of periodic evaluations , this contribution may be raised by the commission up to 8% or may be reduced under 5% . the beneficiaries ' contribution to the mechanism may be offset from the initial pre - financing and be paid to the fund on behalf of the beneficiaries . ### beneficiaries shall make a contribution of 5 % of the union funding for the action . on the basis of evaluations carried out annually , this contribution may be raised by the commission up to 8% or may be reduced under 5% . the beneficiaries ' contribution to the mechanism may be offset from the initial pre - financing and be paid to the fund on behalf of the beneficiaries .


### a proposal shall be evaluated on the basis of the following award criteria : ### the anonymous projects shall be evaluated by eu independent external experts on the basis of the following criteria :


### sharing excellence ; ### spreading excellence and widening participation across the union ;


### –the proposal shall stem from any other action funded by horizon 2020 or this programme , or from a national programme similar to the eic ' s pathfinder and acknowledged as such by the commission ; ### –the proposal shall stem from any other action funded by horizon 2020 or this programme , or from a national programme and acknowledged by the commission as meeting eic requirements .


### it is important to support industry to stay or become world leader in innovation , digitisation and decarbonisation , notably through investments in key enabling technologies that will underpin tomorrow ' s business . the programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . this will ensure consistency between the actions of the programme and eu state aid rules , avoiding undue distortions of competition in the internal market . ### it is important to support eu’s industry to stay or become world leader in innovation , digitisation and decarbonisation , notably through investments in key enabling technologies that will underpin tomorrow ' s business . the programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . this will ensure consistency between the actions of the programme and eu rdi state aid rules which should be revised in order to take into account eu’s external competitiveness and the incentives to innovation in the union’s competitors .


### open access to research data shall be the general rule under the terms and conditions laid down in the grant agreement , but exceptions shall apply if justified , taking into consideration the legitimate interests of the beneficiaries and any other constraints , such as data protection rules , security rules or intellectual property rights . ### with regard to the dissemination of research data , the grant agreement shall , in the context of fair open access to and the preservation of research data , lay down terms and conditions under which fair access to such results shall be provided , ensuring robust and simple opt - outs following the principle “as open as possible , as closed as necessary” . exceptions shall apply if justified , taking into consideration the legitimate interests of the beneficiaries and any other constraints , such as data protection rules , privacy , confidentiality , security rules , trade secrets , legitimate commercial interests or intellectual property rights or union’s external competitiveness .


### the programme should seek synergies with other union programmes , from their design and strategic planning , to project selection , management , communication , dissemination and exploitation of results , to monitoring , auditing and governance . with a view to avoiding overlaps and duplication and increasing the leverage of union funding , transfers from other union programmes to horizon europe activities can take place . in such cases they will follow horizon europe rules . ### the programme should seek alignment of rules and synergies with other union programmes , from their design and strategic planning , to project selection , management , communication , dissemination and exploitation of results , to monitoring , auditing and governance . with a view to avoiding overlaps and duplication and increasing the leverage of union funding , as well as decreasing administrative burden for the beneficiairies , all types of synergies should follow the principle “one action follows one set of rules” : - transfers from other union programmes to horizon europe activities can take place . in such cases they will follow horizon europe rules ; - cofunding of an action by horizon europe and another union programme could also be foreseen while not exceeding the total eligible costs of the action . in such cases , only horizon europe rules would apply and double audits should be avoided ; - seals of excellence should be awarded automatically to all proposals which have passed the “excellence” threshold in horizon europe but cannot be financed due to budgetary constraints . in such cases , the rules of the fund providing support should apply with the exception of state aid rules .


### in addition to paragraphs 2 and 3 of article 38 of the financial regulation , the names of external experts evaluating grant applications , who are appointed in a personal capacity shall be published , together with their area of expertise , at least once a year on the internet site of the commission or the funding body . such information shall be collected , processed and published in accordance with the eu data protection rules . ### in addition to paragraphs 2 and 3 of article 38 of the financial regulation , the names of independent external experts evaluating grant applications , who are appointed in a personal capacity shall be published , together with their area of expertise , at least once a year on the internet site of the commission or the funding body . such information shall be collected , processed and published in accordance with the eu data protection rules .


### the activities developed under the programme should aim at eliminating gender inequalities and promoting equality between women and men in research and innovation , in compliance with articles 2 and 3 of the treaty on european union and article 8 of the tfeu . the gender dimension should be adequately integrated in research and innovation content and followed through at all stages of the research cycle . ### the activities developed under the programme should aim at eliminating gender inequalities and promoting equality between women and men in research and innovation , in compliance with articles 2 and 3 of the treaty on european union and article 8 of the tfeu . the gender dimension and gender mainstreaming should be adequately integrated in research and innovation content and followed through at all stages of the research cycle .


### it is the union ' s objective to strengthen its scientific and technological bases and encourage its competitiveness , including in its industry , while promoting all research and innovation activities to deliver on the union ' s strategic priorities , which ultimately aim at promoting peace , the union ' s values and the well - being of its peoples . ### it is the union ' s objective to strengthen its scientific and technological bases by achieving a balanced european research area in which researchers , scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely , and encouraging it to become more competitive , including in its industry , while promoting all research and innovation activities to deliver on the union ' s strategic priorities and commitments , which ultimately aim at promoting peace , tackling climate change , sustainable development , the union ' s values and the well - being of its peoples .


### actions which are not ethically acceptable may be rejected or terminated at any time . ### actions which are not ethically acceptable shall be rejected or terminated at any time .


### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and maximising benefits of their interactions , the programme should engage and involve citizens and civil society organisations in co - designing and co - creating responsible research and innovation agendas and contents , promoting science education , making scientific knowledge publicly accessible , and facilitating participation by citizens and civil society organisations in its activities . it should do so across the programme and through dedicated activities in the part ' strengthening the european research area ' . the engagement of citizens and civil society in research and innovation should be coupled with public outreach activities to generate and sustain public support for the programme . the programme should also seek to remove barriers and boost synergies between science , technology , culture and the arts to obtain a new quality of sustainable innovation . ### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and maximising benefits of their interactions , the programme should work to address and overcome barriers to societal engagement and actively engage and involve citizens , academia and civil society organisations in co - designing and co - creating responsible research and innovation agendas and contents , promoting science education , making scientific knowledge publicly accessible , and facilitating participation by citizens and civil society organisations in its activities . it should do so across the programme and through dedicated activities in the part ' strengthening the european research area ' . the engagement of citizens and civil society in research and innovation should be coupled with public outreach activities to generate and sustain public support for the programme . the measures taken to improve the involvement of citizens and civil society will be reported on in horizon europe annual reports . the programme should also seek to remove barriers and boost synergies between science , technology , culture and the arts to obtain a new quality of sustainable innovation .


### missions shall be programmed within the pillar ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' , but may also benefit from actions carried out within other parts of the programme . ### missions shall be programmed within the pillar ' global challenges and european industrial competitiveness ' , but may also benefit from actions carried out within other parts of the programme as well as actions carried out under other union funding programmes .


### the conception and design of the programme should respond to the need for establishing a critical mass of supported activities , throughout the eu union and through international cooperation , in line with the un sustainable development goals . programme implementation should reinforce the pursuit of this aim . ### the conception and design of the programme should respond to the need for establishing a critical mass of supported activities , throughout the eu union and through targeted international cooperation , in line with the un sustainable development goals and the paris agreement . programme implementation should reinforce the pursuit of this aim .


### beneficiaries having received union funding shall use their best efforts to exploit their results , in particular in the union . exploitation may be done directly by the beneficiaries or indirectly in particular through the transfer and licensing of results in accordance with article 36 . ### beneficiaries having received union funding shall use their best reasonable efforts to exploit their results , by priority in the union and associated countries . exploitation may be done directly by the beneficiaries or indirectly in particular through the transfer and licensing of results in accordance with article 36 .


### in the case of institutionalised european partnerships , the financial and / or in - kind , contributions from partners other than the union , will at least be equal to 50% and may reach up to 75% of the aggregated european partnership budgetary commitments . for each institutionalised european partnership , a share of the contributions from partners other than the union will be in the form of financial contributions . ### in the case of institutionalised european partnerships , the financial and / or in - kind , contributions from partners other than the union , will at least be equal to 50% and may reach up to 75% of the aggregated european partnership budgetary commitments .


### full engagement of industry in the programme , at all levels from the individual entrepreneur and small and medium - sized enterprises to large scale enterprises , should constitute one of the main channels through which the programme ' s objectives are to be realised , specifically towards the creation of sustainable jobs and growth . industry should contribute to the perspectives and priorities established through the strategic planning process which should support the development of work programmes . such engagement by industry should see its participation in the actions supported at levels at least commensurate with those under the previous framework programme horizon 2020 established by regulation no 1291 / 2013 of the european parliament and the council13 . __________________ 13 null ### full engagement of the union’s industry in the programme , at all levels from the individual entrepreneur and small and medium - sized enterprises to large scale enterprises , should continue specifically towards the creation of sustainable jobs and growth in europe . both civil society and industry should contribute to the perspectives and priorities established through the strategic planning process which should result in periodic strategic r&i plans under the form of delegated acts . strategic plans should then be implemented through the development of work programmes .


### the work programme shall lay down further details of the application of the award criteria laid down in paragraph 1 , and may specify weightings and thresholds . ### the work programme shall lay down further details of the application of the award criteria laid down in paragraph 1 and 2 and may specify weightings and thresholds .


### implementation and forms of eu funding ### strategic planning and implementation and forms of eu funding


### cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' : strengthening european democratic values , including rule of law and fundamental rights , safeguarding our cultural heritage , and promoting socio - economic transformations that contribute to inclusion and growth , while responding to the challenges arising from persistent security threats , including cybercrime , as well as natural and man - made disasters . ### cluster ' inclusive educated and creative society ' : strengthening european democratic values , including rule of law and fundamental rights , enhancing citizens ' participation by promoting e - democracy tools and media literacy initiatives , developing and safeguarding our culture and cultural heritage , supporting in particular research and innovation activities for the development of artistic research in the digital field , of ict technologies for the preservation and digitisation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well , exploring the potential of cultural and creative sectors and promoting sustainable socio - economic transformations that contribute to accessibility , inclusion and growth including research related to migration management and integration of migrants .


### pillar ii ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' , pursuing the specific objective set out in article 3 and also supporting the specific objectives set out in article 3 and , with the following components : ### pillar ii ' global challenges and european industrial competitiveness ' , pursuing all the specific objectives set out in article 3with the following components :


### coordination and support actions may be implemented by one or more legal entities , which may be established in a member state , associated country or in another third country . ### support actions may be implemented by one or more legal entities , which may be established in a member state or associated country .


### eur 2 100 000 000 for part ' strengthening the european research area ' for the period 2021 - 2027 , of which ### eur 7 900 000 000 for the cross - cutting part ' strengthening the european research area ' for the period 2021 - 2027 , of which


### areas of intervention : democracy ; cultural heritage ; social and economic transformations ; disaster - resilient societies ; protection and security ; cybersecurity ### areas of intervention : democracy , e - democracy and fundamental rights ; culture and cultural heritage ; media literacy ; education ; social and economic transformations ; cultural and creative industries and sectors ; accessibility for persons with disabilities to all products and services


### the programme should seek synergies with other union programmes , from their design and strategic planning , to project selection , management , communication , dissemination and exploitation of results , to monitoring , auditing and governance . with a view to avoiding overlaps and duplication and increasing the leverage of union funding , transfers from other union programmes to horizon europe activities can take place . in such cases they will follow horizon europe rules . ### the programme should seek synergies with other union programmes , from their design and strategic planning , application and reporting forms to project selection , management , communication , dissemination and exploitation of results , to monitoring , auditing and governance , as well as ensuring interoperability with a view to avoiding overlaps and duplication and increasing the leverage of union funding , as well as decreasing administrative burden for the applicants and beneficiaries .


### award criteria ### selection , evaluation and award criteria


### the programme should promote and integrate cooperation with third countries and international organisations and initiatives based on common interest , mutual benefit and global commitments to implement the un sdgs . international cooperation should aim to strengthen the union ' s research and innovation excellence , attractiveness and economic and industrial competitiveness , to tackle global challenges , as embodied in the un sdgs , and to support the union ' s external policies . an approach of general opening for international participation and targeted international cooperation actions should be followed , including through appropriate eligibility for funding of entities established in low to middle income countries . at the same time , association of third countries to the programme should be promoted . ### the programme should promote and integrate cooperation with third countries and international organisations and initiatives based on union’s interest , reciprocity and mutual benefits and global commitments to implement the un sdgs . international cooperation should aim to strengthen the union ' s excellence in research and innovation , attractiveness and economic and industrial competitiveness , to tackle global societal challenges , as embodied in the un sdgs , and to support the union ' s external policies . an approach of general opening for reciprocal international participation and targeted international cooperation actions should be followed , appropriate eligibility criteria , considering different levels of r&i capacities , for funding of entities established in low to middle income countries need to be applied . at the same time , association of third countries to the programme could be promoted where relevant and where reciprocity is guaranteed for the access of eu entities access to similar funding programmes of the third country .


### eur 10 500 000 000 for the european innovation council , including up to eur 500 000 000 for european innovation ecosystems ; ### eur 9 000 000 000 for the european innovation council ;


### for activities making use of human embryonic stem cells , as appropriate , details of licensing and control measures that shall be taken by the competent authorities of the member states concerned as well as details of the ethics approvals that shall be obtained before the activities concerned start . ### for activities making use of human embryonic stem cells or animals , as appropriate , details of licensing and control measures that shall be taken by the competent authorities of the member states concerned as well as details of the ethics approvals that shall be obtained before the activities concerned start .


### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be carried out once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation . it shall include an assessment of the long - term impact of previous framework programmes and shall form the basis to adjust programme implementation , as appropriate . ### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be carried out once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than two years after the start of the programme implementation . it shall include an assessment of the long - term impact of previous framework programmes and shall form the basis to adjust programme implementation and / or review the programme , as appropriate .


### ' open access ' means the practice of providing online access to research outputs resulting from actions funded under the programme , in particular scientific publications and research data , free of charge to the end - user ; ### ' open access ' means the practice of providing online access to research outputs resulting from actions funded under the programme , in particular scientific publications and research data free of charge to the end - user . with regard to research data , relevant privacy and security interests , as well as intellectual property rights , confidentiality , european union global economic competitiveness and other legitimate interests need to be addressed in accordance with the principle “as open as possible , as closed as necessary” and according to the “robust opt - outs” ;


### by derogation from article 237 of the financial regulation , external experts may be selected without a call for expressions of interest , if justified and the selection is carried out in a transparent manner . ### by derogation from article 237 of the financial regulation , independent external experts may exceptionally be selected without a call for expressions of interest , if justified and the selection is carried out in a transparent manner . such experts will need to prove their independence and capacity to support the european long - term rdi objectives .


### the conditions determining the level of financial contribution shall ensure an automatic correction of any significant imbalance compared to the amount that entities established in the associated country receive through participation in the programme , taking into account the costs in the management , execution and operation of the programme . ### every two years , the conditions determining the level of financial contribution shall ensure an automatic correction of any significant imbalance compared to the amount that entities established in the associated country receive through participation in the programme , taking into account the costs in the management , execution and operation of the programme .


### in accordance with the contract , the action shall be suspended , amended or terminated if milestones are not met . it may also be terminated where the expected market deployment cannot be met . ### in accordance with the contract , the action shall be suspended , amended or terminated if measurable milestones are not met . it may also be terminated where the expected market deployment in the union cannot be met .


### the commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations , to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions . ### the commission shall submit the final evaluation report referred to in paragraph 3 to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions no later than 31 december 2030 .


### research activities carried out under the pillar ' open science ' should be determined according to the needs and opportunities of science . the research agenda should be set in close liaison with the scientific community . research should be funded on the basis of excellence . ### research activities carried out under the pillar ' open science ' should be determined according to the needs and opportunities of science carried out in particular in the union and its neighbourhood . the research agenda should be set in close liaison with the scientific community . research should be funded on the basis of excellence and include emphasis on young researchers , while strengthening the era , avoiding brain drain and reinforcing eu’s attractiveness .


### the pillar ' open innovation ' should establish a series of measures for integrated support to the needs of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship aiming at realising and accelerating breakthrough innovation for rapid market growth . it should attract innovative companies with potential for scaling up at international and at union level and offer fast , flexible grants and co - investments , including with private investors . these objectives should be pursued through the creation of a european innovation council . this pillar should also support the european institute of innovation and technology and european innovation ecosystems at large , notably through co - funding partnerships with national and regional innovation support actors . ### the pillar ' innovative europe ' should establish a series of measures for integrated support to the needs of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship aiming at realising and accelerating breakthrough innovation for rapid market growth as well as promoting eu’s technological autonomy in strategic areas . it should attract innovative companies , including smes and start - ups , with potential for scaling up at international and at union level and offer fast , flexible grants and co - investments , including with private investors . these objectives should be pursued through the creation of a european innovation council . this pillar should also support the european institute of innovation and technology and european innovation ecosystems at large , within the whole eu , notably through co - funding partnerships with national and regional innovation support actors .


### may receive support from the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund + or the european agricultural fund for rural development , in accordance with paragraph 5 of article [ 67 ] of regulation xx [ common provisions regulation ] and article [ 8 ] or regulation xx [ financing , management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy ] , provided that such actions are consistent with the objectives of the programme concerned . the rules of the fund providing support shall apply . ### may receive support from the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund + or the european agricultural fund for rural development , in accordance with paragraph 5 of article [ 67 ] of regulation xx [ common provisions regulation ] and article [ 8 ] or regulation xx [ financing , management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy ] , provided that such actions are consistent with the objectives of the programme concerned and without any further submission of an application or performance of a further evaluation being required . the rules of the horizon europe programme shall apply . the european commission shall establish arrangements to promote the exchange of information and enable the funding authorities to finance proposals eligible for such support .


### entities established in a non - associated third country should in principle bear the cost of their participation . however , for low to middle income countries and exceptionally for other non - associated third countries they could be eligible for funding in an action if : ### entities established in a non - associated third country should bear the cost of their participation . low to middle income countries and exceptionally for other non - associated third countries they could be eligible for funding in an action if :


### –fully or partially composed of external independent experts , ### –composed of external independent experts ,


### the evaluation committee may also propose any substantial adjustments to the proposals in as far as needed for the consistency of the portfolio . ### the evaluation committee shall also propose any substantial adjustments to the proposals in as far as needed for the consistency of the portfolio . it shall draw up a synopsis report of the evaluation that is consistent with the proposals evaluated , providing reasoned suggestions to improve the quality of the proposal , which can be used to resubmit projects .


### the evaluation committee may be assisted by independent experts . ### the evaluation committee shall be assisted by independent experts .


### transparency and openness of the european partnership as regards the identification of priorities and objectives , and the involvement of partners and stakeholders from different sectors , including international ones when relevant ; ### transparency and openness of the european partnership as regards the identification of priorities and objectives , and the involvement of partners and a wide range of stakeholders from different sectors , including international ones when relevant ;


### the programme should promote and integrate cooperation with third countries and international organisations and initiatives based on common interest , mutual benefit and global commitments to implement the un sdgs . international cooperation should aim to strengthen the union ' s research and innovation excellence , attractiveness and economic and industrial competitiveness , to tackle global challenges , as embodied in the un sdgs , and to support the union ' s external policies . an approach of general opening for international participation and targeted international cooperation actions should be followed , including through appropriate eligibility for funding of entities established in low to middle income countries . at the same time , association of third countries to the programme should be promoted . ### the programme should promote and integrate cooperation with third countries and international organisations and initiatives based on union’s interest , reciprocity and mutual benefits and global commitments to implement the un sdgs . international cooperation should aim to strengthen the union ' s excellence in research and innovation , attractiveness and economic and industrial competitiveness , to tackle global societal challenges , as embodied in the un sdgs , and to support the union ' s external policies . an approach of general opening for reciprocal international participation and targeted international cooperation actions should be followed , appropriate eligibility criteria , considering different levels of r&i capacities , for funding of entities established in low to middle income countries need to be applied . at the same time , association of third countries to the programme could be promoted where relevant and where reciprocity is guaranteed for the access of eu entities access to similar funding programmes of the third country .


### “background” means any data , know - how or information whatever its form or nature , tangible or intangible , including any rights such as intellectual property rights , that is : held by beneficiaries prior to their accession to the action ; identified by the beneficiaries in writing in any manner as needed for implementing the action or for exploiting its results ; ### “background” means any data , know - how or information whatever its form or nature , tangible or intangible , including any rights such as intellectual property rights , that is : held by beneficiaries prior to their accession to the action ; and identified by the beneficiaries in a written agreement as needed for implementing the action or for exploiting its results ;


### open access to research data shall be the general rule under the terms and conditions laid down in the grant agreement , but exceptions shall apply if justified , taking into consideration the legitimate interests of the beneficiaries and any other constraints , such as data protection rules , security rules or intellectual property rights . ### with regard to the dissemination of research data , the grant agreement shall , in the context of fair open access to and the preservation of research data , lay down terms and conditions under which fair access to such results shall be provided , ensuring robust and simple opt - outs following the principle “as open as possible , as closed as necessary” . exceptions shall apply if justified , taking into consideration the legitimate interests of the beneficiaries and any other constraints , such as data protection rules , privacy , confidentiality , security rules , trade secrets , legitimate commercial interests or intellectual property rights or union’s external competitiveness .