Potential EU funding opportunities for university-business cooperation (UBC) under the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework of the European Union : thematic overview.
Date: 2022-01-24
Institutions: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture
Subjects: EU financing, EU programme, EU strategy, European Union, higher education, multiannual financial framework, school-industry relations

Potential EU Funding Opportunities for 
University-Business Cooperation (UBC) 
under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial 
Framework of the European Union  

Thematic Overview 

 
 
 
Publications written/published by external organisations at the request and with the support of the European Commission. 

Written by Nadine Burquel, BCS 

This document has been prepared for the European Commission however it reflects the views only of the authors, and the 
Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. 

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2022 

PDF 

ISBN 978-92-76-40149-0  

ISSN 2600-321X 

doi:10.2766/935584 

NC-BC-21-005-EN-N 

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Cover: Image, source: www.shutterstock.com 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Contents 

1.0. Introduction ................................................................................................... 7 

2.0. The Seven EU Policy Priorities of the Von der Leyen 
Commission ............................................................................................................ 9 

3.0. Multiple Opportunities ............................................................................. 12 

4.0. EU Funding Types ...................................................................................... 15 

5.0. Thematic EU Programme Overview .................................................... 17 

5.1. 

The Erasmus+ Programme ............................................................. 19 

5.1.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 19 

5.1.2.  Budget for 2021-2027 and Funding Type ......................... 20 

5.1.3.  Governance and Implementation ........................................ 20 

5.2. 

The Creative Europe Programme ................................................... 21 

5.2.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 21 

5.2.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Type ................................ 21 

5.2.3.  Governance and Implementation ........................................ 21 

5.3. 

The new European Social Fund (ESF+) ........................................ 22 

5.3.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 22 

5.3.2.  Budget for 2021-2027 and Funding Types ........................ 22 

5.3.3.  Governance and Implementation ........................................ 22 

5.4. 

The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) 23 

5.4.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 23 

5.4.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding types ............................... 23 

5.4.3.  Governance and Implementation ........................................ 23 

5.5. 

The Horizon Europe Programme .................................................... 24 

5.5.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 24 

5.5.2.  Budget for 2021-2027 and Funding Type ......................... 24 

5.5.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 25 

5.6. 

The New European Bauhaus ........................................................... 26 

5.6.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 26 

5.6.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types .............................. 26 

5.6.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 26 

5.7. 

The Recovery and Resilience Plan for Europe ............................. 27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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5.7.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 27 

5.7.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding types ............................... 28 

5.7.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 28 

5.8. 

The InvestEU Programme ............................................................... 29 

5.8.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 29 

5.8.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types .............................. 29 

5.8.3.  Governance and Implementation ........................................ 29 

5.9. 

The EU4Health Programme ............................................................. 31 

5.9.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 31 

5.9.2.  2021-2027 Budget and FundingType ................................. 31 

5.9.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 31 

5.10.  The Environment and Climate Action (The LIFE Programme) . 32 

5.10.1.  Overview programme ............................................................ 32 

5.10.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types .............................. 32 

5.10.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 32 

5.11.  Renovation Wave (European Grean Deal) ................................... 34 

5.11.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 34 

5.11.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding types ............................... 34 

5.11.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 34 

5.12.  The Just Transition Fund (for regions relying on fossil fuels) .. 35 

5.12.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 35 

5.12.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types .............................. 35 

5.12.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 35 

5.13.  New Single Market Programme to empower and project 
Europeans ....................................................................................................... 36 

5.13.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 36 

5.13.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types .............................. 36 

5.13.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 36 

5.14.  The Digital Europe programme (DIGITAL) and European Digital 
Innovation Hubs (EDIH) ............................................................................... 37 

5.14.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 37 

5.14.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types .............................. 37 

5.14.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 37 

 
 
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5.15.  InnovFin – EU Finances for Innovators (EIB) .............................. 38 

5.15.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 38 

5.15.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding types ............................... 38 

5.15.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 38 

5.16.  The European regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the 
Cohesion Fund   – European Structural and Investment Funds (ESFI)

39 

5.16.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 39 

5.16.2.  2021-2027 Budget ................................................................. 40 

5.16.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 40 

5.17.  Interregional Innovation Investment (Smart Specialisation 
Strategies), supported by the European Regional Development Fund 
(ERDF) ............................................................................................................. 41 

5.17.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 41 

5.17.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types .............................. 41 

5.17.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 41 

5.18.  European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (under EFSI) ................ 43 

5.18.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 43 

5.18.2.  2021-2027 Budget ................................................................. 43 

5.18.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 43 

5.19.  The New EU Space Programme ..................................................... 44 

5.19.1.  Overview .................................................................................. 44 

5.19.2.  2021-2027 Budget ................................................................. 44 

5.19.3.  Governance and implementation ........................................ 45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.0.  Introduction 

 
 
 
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The  dynamic  interaction  between  universities  and  businesses  has  the  potential  to 
achieve the strategic political priorities defined by EU Commission President Ursula 
Von der Leyen for the current Commission in the 2021-2027 period. 

This short overview provides some guidance for the UBC community on EU funding 
streams  (mainly  grants  and  loans)  available  to  strengthen  university-business 
cooperation  under  the  EU  Multiannual  Financial  Framework  (2021-2027).  It  covers 
funding  sources  available  to  higher  education  institutions,  private  companies 
(multinationals, SMEs, start-ups), NGOs, local, regional, and national bodies. Not all 
Calls for Proposals under the Programmes have been finalised yet; the website links 
are provided where these will be found in the future. 

The  guidebook  provides  pointers  to  potential  funding  within  the  EU.  The  UBC 
community may wish to look for additional funding sources in the Neighbourhood and 
the World External Action1 which translates the EU’s 7 priorities into engagement with 
countries outside the European Union. 

1 Global Europe: Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument. Available at: 
https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/global-europe. [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.0.  The Seven EU Policy 

Priorities of the Von der 
Leyen Commission

 
 
 
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European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen originally presented six policy 
priorities for her presidency in 20192, announcing that the Commission would focus on 
(1) a European Green Deal, (2) a Europe fit for the Digital Age, (3) an Economy that 
works for people, (4) a Stronger Europe in the world, (5) Promoting our European way 
of life and (6) A new push for European democracy. A seventh priority was added in 
2020  in  response  to  the  Covid-19  crisis  to  support  Member  States  with  recovery 
measures. 

The Recovery and Resilience Facility aims is to mitigate the economic and social 
impacts  of  the  pandemic,  and  make  European  economies  and  societies  more 
sustainable, resilient, greener, and more digital. 

The European Green Deal is the European Commission’s package of policy initiatives 
to make Europe climate neutral by 2050, boost European industry’s competitiveness 
and  encourage  a  green  social  market.  It  includes  the  protection  of  the  natural 
environment,  the  'farm-to-fork'  strategy  for  sustainable  food,  and  the  new  circular 
economy action plan. 

The Europe fit for the Digital Age policy seeks to contribute to global digitalization 
standards while safeguarding privacy, security, and ethical standards). It also intends 
to  increase  investment  in  technologies  such  as  blockchain,  high-performance  and 
quantum  computing  as  well  in  tools  that  facilitate  data  sharing  and  innovation.  The 
standards and guidelines also apply to the European Education Area by 2025 and the 
aim to increase the digital skills uptake widely in the society. 

The Economy that works for People policy aims to stimulate a fair transition towards 
a green social market economy through the implementation of the social pillar, support 
to  SMEs’  investment  and  financing  and  the  development  of  the  economic  and 
monetary union. 

The Stronger Europe in the World policy aims to strengthen the EU unique brand of 
responsible global leadership gradually develop a more assertive and united Europe 
with higher strategic autonomy. 

The Promoting our European way of life political priority has three main strands, i.e. 
to  uphold  the  rule  of  law,  to  ensure  strong  external  borders  while  at  the  same  time 
support a new approach on migration, and to foster internal security.  

Under the New Push for European Democracy priority the Commission President 
strives  for  stronger  interinstitutional  cooperation,  a  more  transparent  and  more 
inclusive decision-making process, focused on the needs of European citizens. 

Local  Authorities  and  their  Associations,  represented  in  the  EU  by  the  European 
Committee of the Regions (CoR), play a major role to achieve the objectives set out in 
the EU Agenda. This includes the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development3 in which 
65% of the 169 targets under the 17  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require 
the  engagement  and  empowerment  of  the  Local  Authorities.  The  EU  supports  their 

2  A Union that strives for more  – My agenda for Europe, Political guidelines for the next European Commission 
2019-2024 
3 Sustainable Development Goals. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/sustainable-
development-goals_en  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  11 

empowerment  through  decentralisation  reforms,  capacity  building,  local,  rural,  and 
urban development, and the strengthening of accountability mechanisms. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has also shown the critical role of  regional leaders to drive 
local communities, respond to emergencies and lead the recovery in Europe, always 
bringing Europe as close as possible to citizens, focusing on democracy, one of the 
three  priorities  of  the  Committee  of  the  Regions.  The  other  ones  are  its  focus  on 
managing societal transformations by building resilient regional and local communities 
and finally EU cohesion through the development of place-based EU policies for the 
EU to serve its people wherever they live. 

 
 
3.0.  Multiple Opportunities

 
 
 
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Many opportunities exist under the EU Programmes for the UBC community to develop 
initiatives that can contribute to a more sustainable society, to tackle climate change 
structurally,  and  find  opportunities  for  new  societal  developments  across  the  seven 
political priorities. 

The  Multiannual  Financial  Framework  of  the  EU  (MFF)4  for  the  2021-2027  period 
structures the EU budget under 7 broad areas. It amounts to €1.074 trillion, combined 
with  the  temporary  recovery  instrument  NextGeneration  EU  of  €750  billion  (for  the 
period 2021-2023). 

The 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 

1.  Single Market, Innovation, Digital 

Research and Innovation (including Horizon Europe, Euratom) 

European Strategic Investments 

Single Market  

The European Space Programme 

2.  Cohesion, Resilience and Values 

Regional development and cohesion (including the European regional 
development Fund; REACT EU) 

Recovery and Resilience (including the Recovery and resilience Facility and 
EU4Health) 

Investing in People, Social Cohesion and Values (including ESF+; Erasmus+; 
Creative Europe) 

3.  Natural Resources and Environment 

Agriculture and Maritime Policy 

Environment and Climate Action (including the LIFE Programme) 

4.  Migration and Border Management 

5.  Security and Defence  

6.  Neighbourhood and the World 

External Action  

Pre-Accession Assistance 

7.  European Public Administration 

NextGeneration EU5 is a package of grants (€390 billion) and loans (€360 billion) that 
support  reforms  and  investments  by  EU  Member  States,  across  three  of  the  seven 

4 Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/eu-budget/long-
term-eu-budget/2021-2027/documents_en [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
5 Next GenerationEU. Available at https://europa.eu/next-generation-eu/index_en [Accessed September 18, 
2021]. 

 
 
 
 
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areas in the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and under the Recovery and 
Resilience Facility.  

It brings €5 billion additional funding to the Horizon Europe programme, €5.6 billion to 
InvestEU, €7.5 billion to rural development, €10 billion to the Just Transition Fund, €1.9 
billion to Resceu and €50.6 billions for REACT-EU (Recovery Assistance for Cohesion 
and the Territories of Europe), which continue to support the crisis response until 2022, 
with the aim to contribute to a green, digital, and resilient recovery of the economy.  

The  funds  are  made  available  through  the  European  Regional  Development  Fund 
(ERDF),  the  European  Social  (ESF+)  and  the  European  Fund  for  Aid  to  the  Most 
Deprived (FEAD). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.0.  EU Funding Types

 
 
 
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EU  funding  comes  in  different  types  from  grants,  financial  instruments  (loans  or 
guarantees),  subsidies,  prizes,  and  procurements  (public  contracts).6  Some 
Programmes  are  under  the  direct  management  by  the  European  Commission  while 
others  are  available  through  specialised  EU  central  agencies.  Other  funding  is 
managed indirectly by the Commission, with the management often delegated to the 
Member State level, regional or local authorities (decentralised management). 

Grants represent the largest part of the Union's expenditure. They are direct financial 
contributions  to  beneficiaries  to  cover  a  portion  of  their  costs  to  fund  activities  that 
translate EU policies into concrete action. Grants are mainly managed centrally by the 
Commission, directly or indirectly (through EU executive agencies or national bodies).  

Financial  instruments provide  complementary financial  support  to  address  specific 
EU policy objectives. They take the form of equity or quasi-equity investments, loans 
or guarantees and other types of risk-sharing instruments. They may be combined with 
grants to achieve financial, policy or institutional leverage to address market failures.  

Since  January  2013,  the  new  EU  Financial  Regulation7  allows  the  Commission  to 
create  and  administer  Union  Trust  Funds  in  the  field  of  external  action  and 
international cooperation. These multi-donor trust funds are often created in response 
to international crisis situations.  

Through Prizes, the EU recognises outstanding work and achievements, or in the case 
of “Inducement Prizes“, stimulates investment in specific directions such as in Horizon 
Europe. 

Subsidies are a large part of the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development 
(EAFRD) under which direct payments are made to farmers to increase their income. 
Subsidies help reduce economic and social differences with Europe’s poorest region 
while the Cohesion Fund subsidies support infrastructure and environmental projects.  

Under public procurement the EU purchases services, supplies or works through a 
public contract. 

The Funding & Tenders opportunities Portal8 of the European Commission provides 
a central point for funding opportunities under the direct management of the European 
Commission.  It  is  already  populated  with  Calls  for  Tenders  under  some  EU 
Programmes and it will be expanded in the coming months. 

6 EU Funding for Beginners. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/how-apply/you-apply-eu-
funding-beginners_en [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
7 The New Financial regulation: Easier Access to EU Funding. Available at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM%3Al34015.  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
8 Funding and Tenders opportunities. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-
tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.0.  Thematic EU Programme 

Overview

 
 
 
18 

The  most  relevant  programmes  have  been  selected  for  this  overview,  under  which 
universities, businesses (MNCs, SMEs), NGOs, civil society and (local) governments 
can  explore  funding  opportunities  for  joint  initiatives  in  triple  or  quadruple  helix 
partnerships. 

Each is presented with a general description, the budget for the 2021-2027 period and 
the type of funding available, the programme governance and additional information 
(websites). 

The UBC community will be most familiar with the Erasmus+, the Creative Europe and 
the Horizon Europe programmes. These are presented first and this is followed by the 
programmes that support the seventh political priority, Recovery and Resilience as a 
response  to  the  Covid-19  pandemic.  The  most  relevant  programmes  under  the  six 
more relevant priorities for the UBC community come next in the overview. 

The  Commission  recently  launched  new  initiatives  largely  in  response  to  the  Crisis 
such  as  the  New  European  Bauhaus  and  the  EU4Health  programme.  Some  other 
programmes have been operational for many years, with their priorities evolving as EU 
policies have shifted in new directions. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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5.1.  The Erasmus+ Programme 

5.1.1.  Overview 

During  the  2021-2027  period  the  Erasmus+  programme  will  continue  to  support 
education at all levels (from early childhood education and care to adult education), 
training, youth, and sport in Europe. The programme focuses on social inclusion, the 
green and digital transitions and youth participation in democratic life. It supports the 
priorities defined for the European Education Area9, the Digital Education Action Plan10 
and the European Skills Agenda.11 It will offer opportunities to support the European 
Pillar of Social Rights12 and the 2019-2027 EU Youth Strategy.13 

The Programme is structured in three main strands: 

•  Key Action 1 focuses on individual mobility of learners, staff and youth. 

•  Key Action 2 offers funding opportunities for cooperation between organisations 
and  institutions  through  partnerships  for  excellence  (e.g.  the  European 
Universities  Initiative14)  or  partnerships  for  Innovation  (e.g.  the  Knowledge 
Alliances15). 

•  Key Action 3 supports policy development and cooperation. 

Erasmus+ will seek to increase qualitative impacts and equal opportunities for people 
from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, focusing on those with fewer 
opportunities, disabilities, educational difficulties, with a migrant background, or living 
in rural and remote areas. It will develop accessible and high-quality digital learning, 
aiming to increase teachers and trainers’ capacity to use digital tools and content for 
online and blended learning. 

The Alliances for Innovation are highly relevant for the UBC community, i.e. Alliances 
for Education and Enterprises (Lot 1) and Alliances for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills 
(Lot 2). 

9 The European education Area. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/education/education-in-the-eu/european-
education-area_en [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
10 The Digital Action Plan. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/education/education-in-the-eu/digital-education-action-
plan_en [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
11 The European Skills Agenda. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1223&langId=en 
[Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
12 The European Pillar of Social Rights. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-
2024/economy-works-people/jobs-growth-and-investment/european-pillar-social-rights_en. [Accessed September 
18, 2021]. 
13 The 2019-2027 EU Youth Strategy. Available at https://europa.eu/youth/strategy_en [Accessed September 18, 
2021]. 
14 European Universities Initiative. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/education/education-in-the-eu/european-
education-area/european-universities-initiative_en  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
15 Knowledge Alliances. https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/opportunities/alliances-innovation_en  
[Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
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5.1.2.  Budget for 2021-2027 and Funding Type 

The  available  budget  is  €21.208  billion  (compared  to  €14.7  billion  in  the  previous 
funding period). Funding comes in the forms of grants for individuals (mobility) and for 
universities, businesses, and other types of organisations. 

5.1.3.  Governance and Implementation 

The  programme  is  governed  by  DG  Education  and  Culture  of  the  Commission  and 
implemented  by  the  Education  and  Culture  Executive  Education  (EACEA)16  and  the 
national Erasmus+ Agencies. 

Further Information 

The Erasmus Programme https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-
plus/node_en  

Call for proposals https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-
plus/opportunities/funded-actions-and-where-apply_en  

16 The Education and Culture Executive Agency. Available at https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/index_en  
[Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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5.2.  The Creative Europe Programme 

5.2.1.  Overview 

The Creative Europe Programme aims to help the audiovisual, cultural and creative 
sector  in  Europe  seize  opportunities  in  the  global  digital  world  to  create  diverse 
European  works.  It  also  aims  to  promote  cross-sectoral  innovation  in  the  European 
audiovisual  industry  to  enhance  its  competitiveness  with  international  markets  and 
audiences. 

innovation,  and  capacity  building,  among  others 

The  Culture  Strand  provides  financial  support  for  the  transnational  creation  of 
European  works, 
through 
digitalisation, new business models, education and training. This includes funding for 
cooperation  projects,  networks,  sectoral  support  for  the  music,  publishing,  cultural 
heritage  and  architecture  sectors  and  funding  under  “Special  actions  (EU  cultural 
prizes, European Capitals of Culture, the European Heritage Label). 

The MEDIA Strand provides financial support to the EU film and audiovisual industries 
for the development, distribution, and promotion of work across European borders and 
internationally. This includes support to films, TV series, documentaries, video games 
and  festivals.  It  also  encourages  European  talent  development  through  training 
programmes, audience development and film education. 

A  cross-sectoral  Strand  addresses  common  challenges  and  opportunities  of  the 
Culture  and  MEDIA programmes  such  as  transnational policy  cooperation,  Creative 
Innovation Labs (innovative approaches to content creation, access, and distribution), 
news  media  (supporting  media  literacy,  quality  journalism,  media  freedom  and 
pluralism). 

5.2.2. 

2021-2027 Budget and Funding Type 

A budget of €1.46 billion is foreseen for the current programming period. Funding is 
available in the form of grants. 

5.2.3.  Governance and Implementation 

The  programme  is  managed  by  the  European  Education  and  Cultural  Executive 
Agency17 of DG Education and Culture of the European Commission. 

Further Information 

The Creative Europe Programme https://ec.europa.eu/culture/creative-europe  

Funding Opportunities https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-
tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/programmes/crea2027  

17 European Education and Cultural Executive Agency. Available at  https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/about-
eacea/about-eacea_en [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
22 

5.3.  The new European Social Fund (ESF+) 

5.3.1.  Overview 

ESF+, the new European Social Fund, is a key instrument to contribute to policies and 
structural reforms for employment, social, education and skills policies. ESF+ aims to 
support  Member  States  to  tackle  the  crisis  caused  by  the  pandemic,  achieve  high 
employment and fair social protection, and to develop a skilled and resilient workforce 
for the transition to a green and digital economy. The Fund is one component of the 
cohesion policy to support economic, territorial, and social cohesion in the EU, trying 
to reduce disparities between Member States and regions. 

ESF+ finances the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar for Social 
Rights  through  initiatives  related  to  employment,  education  &  skills,  and  social 
inclusion. ESF+ brings together four separate funding instruments from the previous 
programming period, i.e. the European Social Fund (ESF), the Fund for European Aid 
to  the  most  Deprived  (FEAD),  the  Youth  Employment  Initiative  and  the  European 
Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI). 

5.3.2.  Budget for 2021-2027 and Funding Types  

For the period 2021-2027, the budget is €98.5 billion (shared management) and €762 
million for the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) Strand (implemented by the 
Commission only). Funding is available in the form of grants.  

5.3.3.  Governance and Implementation 

The  Fund  is  designed  and  implemented  in  a  partnership  between  the  European 
Commission,  national  and  regional  authorities.  Support  under  the  ESF+  is  mainly 
managed by Member States, with the Commission playing a supervisory role. Funding 
takes place either through the shared management strand18 implemented by Member 
States together with the Commission, except for the EaSI directly implemented by the 
Commission. 

Further Information 

The ESF+ Programme description https://ec.europa.eu/european-social-fund-
plus/en  

Call for proposals https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=629&langId=en 

18 Shared management in the EU https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/what/glossary/s/shared-
management  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  23 

5.4.  The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values 

Programme (CERV) 

5.4.1.  Overview 

The programme aims to promote equality and rights of people as in the Treaty and the 
Human Rights convention. More specifically it aims to combat racism and xenophobia, 
promote  non-discrimination,  the  right  of  disabled  people,  gender  equality,  prevent 
violence against vulnerable people and promote children rights. It wants to ensure the 
highest level of data protection and promote the rights that derive from EU citizenship. 

The programme funds training activities (including staff exchanges), mutual learning 
and  exchange  of  good  practice,  awareness-raising  activities,  support  to  key  actors 
(NGOs) and analytical studies or data collection. 

5.4.2. 

2021-2027 Budget and Funding types 

A budget of €1.56 billion is foreseen for the current programming period. Funding is 
available in the form of grants. 

5.4.3.  Governance and Implementation 

The  European  Commission  (DG  Justice  and  Consumers)  is  responsible  for  the 
programme implementation.  

Further information 

Information on the programme and funding opportunities 
https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-
programmes/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme_en  

 
 
 
 
24 

5.5.  The Horizon Europe Programme 

5.5.1.  Overview 

Horizon Europe, the EU’s Research and Innovation (R&I) Framework Programme aims 
to maximise the impact of EU R&I funding for European science, for the economy and 
society, in the context of the relaunch of the European Research Area (ERA).19  

The  programme  intends  to  contribute  to  Europe’s  recovery,  the  green  and  digital 
transitions through closer links between R&I, the economy, education and training, and 
joint policy initiatives. It will align with the ERA’s objectives to prioritise investments and 
reforms,  improve  access  to  excellence,  translate  R&I  results  into  the  economy  and 
deepen the ERA.  

Funding opportunities will be available under three pillars, i.e.  

•  Pillar  I  -  “Excellent  Science”  which  materialises  in  the  European  Research 
Council, the Marie Sklodowska-Curie programme and research infrastructures.   

•  Pillar II - “Global Challenges and Europe’s Industrial Competitiveness” that takes 
shape  in  seven  clusters:  health;  culture,  creative  and  inclusive  society;  civil 
security  for  society;  digital,  industry  and  space;  climate,  energy,  and  mobility; 
food, bioeconomy, natural resources; agriculture and the environment. 

•  Pillar  III  -  “Innovation  Europe”  for  the  European  Innovation  Council,  Europe’ 
Innovation Ecosystems and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology 
(the EIT).  

The  programme  offers  additional  opportunities  under  “Widening  participation  and 
spreading excellence” and “Reforming & Enhancing the European R&I system”. The 
European  Defence  Fund20  and  the  Euratom  Programme21  also  fall  under  Horizon 
Europe.  

Significant opportunities exist for the UBC community to fund research initiatives, their 
exploitation (new products, services, or knowledge) and dissemination (open source 
material, further training in industry and academia). 

5.5.2.  Budget for 2021-2027 and Funding Type 

The  available  budget  amounts 
from 
NextGenerationEU to boost recovery and resilience. This compares with €80 billion for 

including  €5.4  billion 

to  €95.5  billion, 

19 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and 
social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions. A new era for research and Innovation   
Innovation (COM/2020/628 final of 30.09.2020). Available at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0628&rid=1 [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
20 The European Defence Fund. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/defence-industry-space/eu-defence-
industry/european-defence-fund-edf_en [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
21 The Euratom research and Training Programme. Available at  https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-
innovation/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/euratom-research-
and-training-programme_en [Accessed September 18, 2021] 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  25 

Horizon2020. Funding comes in the forms of grants, lump sums, loans & investments, 
procurement for research, innovation, infrastructure, networking, and dissemination. 

5.5.3.  Governance and implementation 

The programme is governed by DG Research and Innovation and is implemented by 
the Research Executive Agency (REA). 22 

Further information 

The Horizon Europe Programme https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-
innovation/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-
calls/horizon-europe_en  

Call for proposals https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-
tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/programmes/horizon  

22 The European Research Agency (REA). Available at https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/european-research-
executive-agency_en  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
26 

5.6.  The New European Bauhaus 

5.6.1.  Overview 

The  new  European  Bauhaus  movement23  aims  to  stimulate  cooperation  between 
science,  technology,  art,  and  culture  for  creative  and  interdisciplinary  initiatives  to 
design  future  ways  of  living.  It  brings  the  Green  Deal  to  living  places,  calling  for 
collaborative  initiatives  to  build  a  sustainable  and  inclusive  future,  to  imagine  new 
places for dialogue across diverse cultures, disciplines, and age groups. It aims to be 
a  platform  for  experimentation,  connections,  providing  opportunities  to  co-create 
innovative solutions for a better world. 

5.6.2. 

2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types 

The new European Bauhaus framework is made of different funding sources across 
different policies and programmes such as the Cohesion Policy, the Horizon Europe, 
LIFE  programme,  the  European  Innovation  Council  and  the  European  Institute  of 
Innovation and Technology.  

The funding types will be those available under the relevant programmes. Ad-hoc Calls 
for proposals will be also made. 

5.6.3.  Governance and implementation 

The New European Bauhaus is manged by the European Commission.  

Further information 

The New European Bauhaus https://europa.eu/new-european-
bauhaus/about/about-initiative_en  

23 The new European Bauhaus. Available at 
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/STATEMENT_20_1902  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  27 

5.7.  The Recovery and Resilience Plan for 

Europe 

5.7.1.  Overview 

The Recovery and Resilience Plan for Europe is aimed to help Member States mitigate 
the  economic and  social  damage  that  has  resulted  from  the  Covid-19  pandemic,  to 
relaunch their economy, make it more sustainable,  resilient, and better prepared for 
challenges and opportunities associated to the green and digital transitions. 

Member States have until mid-2022 to submit their recovery and resilience plans to the 
Commission, setting out their plans for coherent reforms and public investment. The 
recovery and  resilience  plans  should  be  implemented  by  2026  and  are  expected  to 
address  challenges  identified  in  the  European  Semester,  particularly  the  country-
specific recommendations  made  by  the  Council  in  2020.  They  are  also  expected  to 
address the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions.  

Each plan is expected to contribute to the four dimensions outlined in the 2021 Annual 
Sustainable Growth Strategy24, which launched the 2021European Semester cycle, i.e. 
environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness, macroeconomic stability.  

The  funds  will  be  implemented  through  among  others the  following  key  instruments 
that are most relevant for the UBC community:  

•  The European Recovery and Resilience Facility (embedded in the European 
Semester):  Grants  and  loans  available  for  Members  States  for  their  national 
recovery and resilience plans. 

•  REACT-EU, the Recovery Assistance for cohesion in Europe.   

•  Supporting the green transition to a climate-neutral economy by strengthening 
the  Just  Transition  Fund  (for  Member  States  to  accelerate  their  transition 
towards  climate  neutrality)  and  the  European  Agricultural  Fund  for  Rural 
Development in line with the Green Deal (the new Biodiversity and Farm to Fork 
strategies). 

•  The Enhanced InvestEU Programme. 

•  The New Health Programme EU4 Health to strengthen health security. 

24 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the European central 
Bank, the European economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, and the European 
Investment Bank. Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021. Available at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020DC0575  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
28 

5.7.2. 

2021-2027 Budget and Funding types 

The Next Generation EU budget has a new recovery instrument of €750 billion with 
new financing (loans and grants) that will be raised on financial markets for the period 
2021 to 2024. The most relevant for the UBC community are:  

•  The  Recovery  and  Resilience  Facility:  €560  billion  (€310  billion  in  grants  and 

€250 billion in loans). 

•  REACT-EU:  €55  billion  of  additional  cohesion  policy  funding  (2020-2022)  in 
flexible cohesion policy grants for municipalities, hospitals, and companies (via 
Member States’ managing authorities). 

•  Just Transition Fund: up to €40 billion and Agricultural Fund. 

•  Enhanced  InvestEU  Programme  as  a  EU  budget  guarantee  (€15.3  billion)  to 
finance  investment  projects  via  the  European  Investment  Bank  Group  and 
national promotional banks. 

•  The new EU4 Health Programme with a €9.4 billion budget. 

Grants  and  loans  are  available  for  Members  States  for  their  national  recovery  and 
resilience plans. 

5.7.3.  Governance and implementation 

The  Recovery  and  Resilience  Plan  is  managed  by  DG  for  Economic  and  Financial 
Affairs of the European Commission.  

Further information   

Recovery and Resilience 
https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/2020mff_covid_recovery_factsheet.pdf  

REACT-EU 
https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/factsheet/2020_mff_reacte
u_en.pdf  

The Common Agricultural Policy and the Agricultural Fund 
https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-
policy/financing-cap/cap-funds_en  

The Just Transition Mechanism https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-
2019-2024/european-green-deal/finance-and-green-deal/just-transition-
mechanism_en  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  29 

5.8.  The InvestEU Programme  

5.8.1.  Overview  

The InvestEU programme builds on the model of the 2015-2020 Investment Plan for 
Europe  and  the  previous  European  Fund  for  Strategic  Investments  (EFSI),  which 
generated  with  more  than  €500  billion  over  the  previous  programming  period.  The 
programme was launched by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European 
Commission  to  boost  the  economy  by  attracting  private  financing  for  strategic 
investments. EFSI was a €16 billion guarantee from the EU budget plus €5 billion from 
the EIB’s own capital. 

The programme is structured around four policy strands, i.e. sustainable infrastructure; 
research, innovation and digitalisation; SMEs; social investment and skills. Its aim is to 
make a significant contribution to EU political priorities, in particular the  Green Deal 
and A Europe fit for the Digital Age.  

InvestEU will provide direct and intermediated financing solutions to private and public 
project promoters. InvestEU projects must address market failures or investment gaps 
and  be  economically  viable;  they  need  to  meet  EU  policy  objectives,  achieve  a 
multiplier effect and where possible lead to crowd-in private investment. 

5.8.2. 

2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types  

InvestEU will leverage substantial private and public funds protected by an EU budget 
guarantee  (€26.2  billion  from  the  NextGenerationEU  and  the  Multiannual  Financial 
Framework). It aims to provide and attract long-term funding in line with EU policies to 
contribute to economic recovery, innovation, and job creation in Europe, and planning 
to generate over €372 billion in investment during the 2021-27 period (of which 30% 
to contribute to climate objectives). 

InvestEU  financing  (loans)  can  be  combined  with  EU  grants  and  other  financial 
instruments. The InvestEU Fund instruments seek to attract commercial financing to a 
wide range of operations and beneficiaries, and it only support projects where financing 
cannot be obtained without InvestEU Fund support. It also targets high risk projects in 
specific areas. 

Eligible final recipients can be natural or legal persons established in an EU country or 
in a third eligible countries such as private entities, public sector entities, public–private 
partnership  (PPPs),  private  companies  with  a  public  purpose  and  non-for-profit 
organisations. 

5.8.3.  Governance and Implementation 

A Steering Board will give strategic direction to the programme implementation. It will 
be  composed  of  the  Commission  (4  members),  the  EIB  Group  (3  members),  other 
implementing  partners  (2  members)  and  a  non-voting  expert  appointed  by  the 
European Parliament.  

 
 
30 

It  will  be  assisted  by  an  Advisory Board  with  representatives  from  the  Commission, 
implementing partners (one for each), Member States (one for each), the Committee 
of the Regions (one member) and the Economic and Social Committee (one member). 
The  Commission  will  consult  the  Board  when  designing  new  financial  products  or 
follow market developments. 

An  Investment  Committee  made  of  independent  experts  will  approve  individual 
requests  for  use  of  the  InvestEU  guarantee  based  on  eligibility  criteria.  It  will  be 
supported by a secretariat staffed and located in the Commission.  

Further information   

General information https://europa.eu/investeu/home_en  

The InvestEU Portal brings together investors and project promoters 
https://europa.eu/investeu/investeu-portal_en  

The InvestEU Advisory Hub provides technical support and assistance for 
the structuring and implementation of investment projects (including 
capacity building) https://europa.eu/investeu/investeu-advisory-hub_en  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  31 

5.9.  The EU4Health Programme  

5.9.1.  Overview  

EU4Health is the EU’s response programme to the Covid-19 crisis and its impact on 
health  systems.  Beyond  the  crisis  it  aims  to  stimulate  a  stronger and  more  resilient 
European  Health  Union,  to  build  resilience  for  any  future  major  cross  border  health 
threats, promote disease prevention, strengthen health systems, train health workers, 
and invest in digital health. It also aims to increase access to healthcare, affordable 
medicine, and medical device for all and to address long-term (global) health threats.  

5.9.2. 

2021-2027 Budget and FundingType  

EU4Health has a budget of just over €5 billion for the multiannual 2021-2027 financial 
framework. Funding is available in the form of grants.  

5.9.3.  Governance and implementation  

The  European  Health  and  Digital  Executive  Agency  (HaDEA)25  implements  the 
programme and will publish all the Calls for proposals.  

Further information  

The EU4Health Programme https://ec.europa.eu/health/funding/eu4health_en  

Funding opportunities 
https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/default/files/funding/docs/eu4health_factsheet_en
.pdf  

25 The European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Available at https://hadea.ec.europa.eu/index_en  
[Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
32 

5.10.  The Environment and Climate Action 

(LIFE Programme)  

5.10.1.  Overview programme 

The  LIFE  Programme  is  the  EU’s  financial  instrument  launched  in  1992  to  support 
environmental, nature conversation and climate action projects.  

The programme has four sub-programmes:  

•  Nature  and  biodiversity:  this  sub-programme  is  aimed  at  the  protection  and 
restoration of Europe’s nature and reversing biodiversity loss. It will fund nature 
conservation projects (biodiversity, habitats, species), contributing among others 
to the EU Birds and Habitats directives (including the Natura 2000 network) 

•  Circular economy and quality of life: this strand aims at facilitating the transition 
to a more sustainable, circular, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient economy 
(including resource recovery from waste, water, air, soil) 

•  Climate change mitigation and adaptation: the strand aims to shift to sustainable 
and  integrated  approaches  for  farming,  land  use,  energy  efficiency;  provides 
support for pilot, demonstration and best practice projects in urban adaptation, 
land use planning, infrastructure resilience, flood, and coastal management    

•  Clean  energy  transition:  the  strand  supports  the  delivery  of  EU  policies  in 
sustainable  energy  (i.e.  the  European  Green  Deal,  the  Energy  Union  2030 
energy  and  climate  targets26  and  the  EU  2050  long-term  decarbonisation 
strategy.27 

5.10.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types  

The budget is €5.4 billion for the current programming period. Grants are available for 
innovative  projects,  pilots,  demonstration  projects  and  best  practice  solutions  and 
implementation  of  the  European  Climate  Pact28  including  awareness  raising, 
dissemination, training, and capacity building. 

5.10.3.  Governance and implementation 

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA)29 
manage the programme. 

26 The EU 20230 climate and energy framework. Available at 
https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2030_en  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
27 The 2050 long term decarbonisation strategy. Available at  
https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2050_en   [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
28 The European Climate Pact. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/eu-climate-action/pact_en  
[Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

29 European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. Available at  
https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/index_en [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  33 

Further information  

The LIFE Programme https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life/about-life_en  

Call for proposals https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life/life-calls-proposals_en  

 
 
 
 
34 

5.11.  Renovation Wave (European Green Deal)    

5.11.1.  Overview  

In  October  2020  the  Commission  published  a  new  strategy  to  boost  renovation  “A 
Renovation Wave for Europe – Greening our buildings, creating jobs, improving our 
lives”30,  with  the  aim  to  double  energy  renovation  rates  in  the  next  ten  years. 
Renovation  is  seen  as  a  key  response  to  energy  poverty,  health  and  wellbeing  of 
vulnerable  people  as  outlined  in  the  Commission  recommendation  on  Energy 
Poverty31. Besides, the Commission adopted new rules for smart building readiness to 
promote digitally friendly renovations, integrate renewable energy and enhance energy 
consumption measurements.  

The New European Bauhaus Initiative is closely connected to the Renovation Wave 
Programme which will also build on measures agreed under the Clean Energy for all 
Europeans  Package32  and  in  particular  the  requirement  for  every  Member  State  to 
publish a long-term building renovation strategy and to deal with building aspects in 
their national energy and climate plans.  

5.11.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding types  

There is no information available yet.  

5.11.3.  Governance and implementation 

The European Commission manages the programme.  

Further information   

The Renovation Wave programme https://ec.europa.eu/energy/topics/energy-
efficiency/energy-efficient-buildings/renovation-wave_en  

No Call for proposals available yet. 

30 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and 
Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. A Renovation Wave for Europe - greening our buildings, 
creating jobs, improving lives. Available at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:0638aa1d-0f02-
11eb-bc07-01aa75ed71a1.0003.02/DOC_2&format=PDF  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
31 Commission Recommendation on Energy Poverty. Available at 
https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/recommendation_on_energy_poverty_c2020_9600.pdf  Accessed 
September 18, 2021]. 
32 The Clean Energy for all European Package. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/energy/topics/energy-
strategy/clean-energy-all-europeans_en  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  35 

5.12.  The Just Transition Fund (for regions 

relying on fossil fuels)  

5.12.1.  Overview  

The Just Transition Fund is an EU funding tool for regions dependent on fossil fuels 
and high emission industries, towards their green transition to achieve at least 55% 
reduction  in  emissions  by  2030,  and  climate  neutrality  by  2050.  The  Fund  offers 
investments  for SMEs,  in  research  and  innovation,  renewable energy,  clean  energy 
technologies as well as workers’, upskilling and reskilling.  

The Just Transition Fund is one of the pillars of the broader Just transition Mechanisms 
that  includes  two  other  pillars,  i.e.  a  scheme  under  Invest  EU  to  attract  private 
investment and a public sector loan facility to generate public financing.  It will support 
economic diversification and reconversion in targeted EU regions.       

5.12.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types  

The  Fund  amounts  to  €40  billion  out  of  the  European  Recovery  and  Resilience 
instrument. 

The  public  sector  loan  facility  in  the  Just  Transition  Mechanisms  is  an  EIB  facility 
enabling it to lend €10 billion for energy and transport infrastructure, energy efficiency 
and social infrastructure.  

The Fund will provide funding mainly in the form of grants. Each euro received from 
the Fund will need to be matched from €1.5 to €3 from each Member State resources 
under  the  European  regional  development  Fund  (ERDF)  and  the  European  Social 
Fund (ESF+).  

The financing streams under the two other pillars in the Just Transition Mechanism will 
leverage  public  and  private  investment  with  the  backing  of  the  EIB  as  a  potential 
financial partner.  

5.12.3.  Governance and implementation 

DG  Regio  of  the  European  Commission  is  responsible  for  the  Just  transition 
Programme.  

Further information   

The Just Transition Programme https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-
2019-2024/european-green-deal/finance-and-green-deal/just-transition-
mechanism/just-transition-funding-sources_en  

 
 
 
 
36 

5.13.  New Single Market Programme to 
empower and project Europeans 

5.13.1.  Overview  

The Single Market allow Europeans to travel, study, work and live freely everywhere 
in  the  EU  and  across  borders.  As  such  it  has  the  potential  to  generate  growth  and 
competitiveness of European businesses in globalised markets.  

The  new  Single  Market  programme  intends  to  be  a  modern,  single,  and  flexible 
programme  that  consolidates  activities  previously  financed  separately  under  one 
coherent  programme.  It  aims  to  strengthen  the  governance  of  the  internal  market, 
support  business  competitiveness,  protect  humans,  animal  and  plant  welfare  and 
establishing a framework to finance European statistics.  

The  Single  Market  Programme  covers  6  objectives,  i.e.  food  safety,  consumer 
protection,  support  to  businesses,  effectiveness  of  the  single  market,  support  to 
standards’ development and reporting, and high-quality European statistics.  

5.13.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types  

The programme has a budget of €4 billion. Funding is available in the form of grants.  

5.13.3.  Governance and implementation 

The  European  Health  and  Digital  Executive  Agency33  and  the  European  Innovation 
Council and SMEs’ Executive Agency34 publish the Calls for Proposals.  

Further information   

25 Years of the EU Single Market 
https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/29741  

Calls for proposals will also be advertised on the websites of the European 
Health and Digital Executive Agency and the European Innovation Council and 
SMEs Executive Agency. 

33 European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Available at https://hadea.ec.europa.eu/index_en  [Accessed 
September 18, 2021]. 
34 European Innovation Council and SMEs’ Executive Agency. Available at https://eismea.ec.europa.eu/about-
eismea_en  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  37 

5.14.  The Digital Europe programme (DIGITAL) 

and European Digital Innovation Hubs 
(EDIH) 

5.14.1.  Overview  

The Digital Europe Programme is the new EU funding programme which aims to drive 
Europe’s digital transformation,  build  strategic digital  capabilities, and  facilitate  wide 
uptake of digital technologies. It also aims to accelerate economic recovery following 
the  Covid-19  pandemics  which  highlighted  the  key  dependence  on  technology  for 
business and everyday life.   

DIGITAL provides strategic funding for projects in five key areas, i.e. supercomputing, 
artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and the wide use of digital 
technologies  for  a  resilient  economy  and  society,  among  others  through  Digital 
Innovation Hubs.  

The Hubs are one-stop shops with a local and European functions that provide support 
with  technical  expertise,  experimentation,  business  processes  and  innovation 
services.   

5.14.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types 

There is a €7.5 billion budget available for the period 2021-2027. Funding is available 
in the form of grants.  

5.14.3.  Governance and implementation 

The European Commission is responsible for the programme implementation.  

Further information   

The Digital Europe Programme https://digital-
strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/activities/digital-programme  

Calls for Proposals https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-
tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/programmes/digital   

 
 
 
 
38 

5.15.  InnovFin – EU Finances for Innovators 

(EIB)  

5.15.1.  Overview  

InnovFin  is  a  financing  instrument  for  research  and  innovation  projects  by  large 
companies,  SMEs  and  universities,  that  is  available  through  loans,  guarantees  and 
equity-type funding that can be tailored to the innovators’ needs. Financing is provided 
directly  through  a  financial  intermediary  (either  a  bank  or  a  fund).    The  financing  is 
available across all eligible sectors in EU Member States and Associated Countries 
and under the Horizon Programme. It is a joint initiative of the European Investment 
Bank (EIB) and the European Commission. 

5.15.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding types  

No  information  is  available  on  the  budget.  Loans,  guarantees  and  equity  will  be 
available.  

5.15.3.  Governance and implementation 

The EIB and European Commission jointly implement InnovFin. 

Further information   

InnovFin – Finances for Innovators https://www.eib.org/en/products/mandates-
partnerships/innovfin/index.htm  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  39 

5.16.  The European regional Development 

Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund   – 
European Structural and Investment 
Funds (ESFI) 

5.16.1.  Overview  

The  European  Regional  Development  Fund  (ERDF)  provides  funding  to  public  and 
private bodies in EU regions to reduce economic, social, and regional imbalances and 
strengthen economic and social cohesion.  

In  the  2021-2027  programming  period,  the  Fund  will  provide  investments  to  make 
European  regions  more  competitive  and  smarter  (through  innovation  and  research, 
support  SMEs  and  digital  connectivity),  greener  (low-carbon  and  resilient),  more 
connected (by enhancing mobility), more social (by supporting inclusive employment, 
education, skills, social inclusion, equal access to healthcare, and role of culture and 
sustainable  tourism),  closer  to  citizens,  (by  supporting  locally-led  development  and 
sustainable urban development across the EU).  

The  ERDF  is  one  of  the  5  European  Structural  and  Investment  Funds  (ESIF)  the 
purpose of which is to invest in job creation and a sustainable European economy.  

ERDF  investments  focus  on  so-called  “thematic  concentration”  (i.e.  innovation  and 
research, the digital agenda, support to SMEs and the low-carbon economy), under 
which regions can obtain different funding levels based on the category to which they 
belong.  

Under  the  ERDF  Cohesion  Policy  investment  is  provided  to  regions  based  on  3 
categories,  i.e.  less-developed  regions,  regions  in  transition  and  more-developed 
regions. The funds’ allocation largely depends on GDP per capita. New criteria have 
been added such as youth unemployment, low education level, climate change, and 
the integration of migrants. Some ERDF resources are also required to focus on low-
carbon  economy  projects  (i.e.  20%  in  more  developed  regions;  15%  in  transition 
regions and 12% in less developed regions). The urban dimension of Cohesion Policy 
has a 6% increase of the ERDF budget for sustainable urban development, and a new 
capacity-building programme for urban authorities. 

The Cohesion Fund provides support to Member States with a gross national income 
per  capita  below  90%  (EU-27  average)  to  strengthen  the  economic,  social,  and 
territorial cohesion of the EU. The Cohesion Policy supports locally led development 
strategies,  prioritizing  environmental 
transport 
networks,  renewable  and  efficient  energy,  and  sustainable  urban  mobility.  In  more 
developed regions at least 80% of the funds must focus on at least two of the priorities; 
in transition regions 60% and in less developed regions at least 50%.  

trans-European 

infrastructure, 

The European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) better known as the Interreg programme 
belongs to the Cohesion policy. It provides a framework for the implementation of joint 
actions  and  policy  exchanges  between  national,  regional,  and  local  actors  from 
different Member States. Interreg is built around four cooperation strands: cross-border 

 
 
40 

(Interreg  A),  transnational  (Interreg  B),  interregional  (Interreg  C)  and  integration  of 
Outermost Regions in their neighbouring environment (Interreg D). Support is also still 
offered  to  promote  good  practice  and  capacity  through  the  Urbact35,  Interact36  and 
ESPON37 programmes. 

5.16.2.  2021-2027 Budget 

The two funds will invest €274 billion in EU's regions, i.e. €226 billion is available from 
ERDF and €48 billion from the Cohesion Fund. The 6th generation of Interreg has a 
budget of €8 billion. Funding is available in the form of grants.  

5.16.3.  Governance and implementation 

The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund are delivered under shared management. Member 
States  prepare  their  programme  in  close  cooperation  with  the  Commission.  Local 
authorities  call  for  projects  adapted  to  their  specific  needs.  They  funds  are  jointly 
managed by the European Commission (DG Regio) and EU Member States. 

Further information   

The Regional Development and Cohesion Policy 
https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/2021_2027/    

35 The Urbact Programme – Driving change for better cities. Available at https://urbact.eu/  [Accessed September 
18, 2021]. 
36 The Interact Programme. Available at https://www.interact-eu.net/#programme-life-cycle  [Accessed September 
18, 2021]. 
37 The Espon Programme. Policy making with territorial evidence. Available at https://www.espon.eu/  [Accessed 
September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  41 

5.17.  Interregional Innovation Investment 

(Smart Specialisation Strategies), 
supported by the European Regional 
Development Fund (ERDF)  

5.17.1.  Overview  

The Interregional Innovation Investment (I3)38 aims to support organisations involved 
in  Smart  Specialisation  Strategies39  to  join  forces,  scale  up  mature  and  innovative 
initiatives  organised  in  value-chain  investment  portfolios,  transfer  research  results 
through  commercialisation  and  bring  these  to  the  market  with  concrete  products, 
services, and applications. Close-to-market investments are encouraged for innovative 
products  developed  through  new  technologies  and  processes.  Priority  is  given  to 
innovation that advances green and digital transitions.    

The  basis  for  the  new  Interregional  Innovation  Investment  Initiative  (I3)  is  the  2017 
Communication  “Strengthening  innovation  in  Europe’s  region40.  The  Initiative  will  be 
implemented  under  the  European  Regional  Development  Fund,  encourage  public-
private investment and it is hoped that increased interregional investment can lead to 
concrete business and investment plans.  

This new instrument foresees two strands with equal funding. Strand 1 will target well-
developed  ecosystems  and  focuses  on  the  value  chains’  parts  where  weaknesses 
exist,  and  a  solution  can  be  developed  through  triple  or  quadruple  helix  regional 
stakeholder  cooperation.  Strand  2  targets  less  developed  regions  and  focuses  on 
strengthening regional innovation ecosystems by unlocking underutilised capacity that 
can strengthen EU value chains.   

Synergies will be sought with other EU, national and regional programmes such as the 
Horizon Europe, Space, Single Market, Life or Creative Europe programmes.  

5.17.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types  

The indicative budget is €0.5 billion for the 2021-2017 programming period. Funding 
will  be  available  in  the  forms  of  grants  to  support  innovation  actions  (for  mature 
partnerships) and simplified innovation actions (for less developed regions). 

5.17.3.  Governance and implementation 

38 The Interregional Innovation Investment. Available at 
https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/themes/research-innovation/i3/  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
39 Smart Specialisation Strategies. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/research-topic/smart-specialisation  
[Accessed September 18, 2021]. 
40 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and 
Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies 
for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth. Available at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52017DC0376&from=en  [Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
42 

The Implementation Agency is the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive 
Agency (EISMEA)41.  

Further information   

Interreg Europe https://www.interregeurope.eu/ 
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_8   

Funding opportunities https://eismea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/interregional-
innovation-investments_en  

41 The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Available at 
https://eismea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/interregional-innovation-investments_en  [Accessed September 18, 
2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  43 

5.18.  European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 

(under EFSI) 

5.18.1.  Overview  

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFF) is the Fund for the 
EU's maritime and fisheries policies for 2021-2027. It aims to help fishers transition to 
sustainable fishing, support coastal communities with economic diversification, finance 
job  creation  initiatives  and  improve  life  quality  along  European  coasts,  support 
sustainable aquaculture and the maritime policy implementation. 

The  Fund  can  be  used  to  co-finance  initiatives,  alongside  national  funding.  Each 
country is allocated a share of the total budget based on the size of its fishing industry. 
It then draws up an operational programme on the way it intends to use the funding, 
which once approved by the Commission is used by each national authority to select 
relevant projects.  

The  EMFF  is  one  of  the  five  European  Fund  for  Structural  and  Investment  (EFSI) 
Funds that supports growth and job-base recovery in Europe.   

The  Commission  also  commits  to  improve  international  ocean  governance  for 
enhanced safety, cleanliness, and sustainability, in the context of the United Nations' 
2030  Agenda  for  Sustainable  Development.  It  will  among  others  provide  funding  to 
improve maritime surveillance, security, and coastguard cooperation. 

5.18.2.  2021-2027 Budget 

The budget for the 2021-2027 programming period is €6.14 billion. The Fund will offer 
grants, loans, and investment to eligible organisations.  

5.18.3.  Governance and implementation 

The  programme  operates  under  shared  management  by  the  Commission  and  the 
relevant national authorities in the Member States.   

Further information   

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFF) 
https://ec.europa.eu/oceans-and-fisheries/index_en  

Funding opportunities https://ec.europa.eu/oceans-and-fisheries/funding_en  

 
 
 
 
44 

5.19.  The New EU Space Programme  

5.19.1.  Overview  

The  aim  of  the  new  EU  space  programme  is  to  stimulate  space  technological 
innovation,  among  others  on  data  and  services  (navigation  systems  and  satellites), 
and  to  secure  EU  leadership  in  space  issues,  safeguarding  the  EU’s  autonomous 
access to space. 

The space programme will upgrade the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems 
Agency (GNSS), widening its tasks and transforming it into the new EU Agency for the 
Space Programme (EUSPA)42. It will bring together existing infrastructure and services, 
adding new features such as the further development of Galileo and EGNOS (the EU’s 
global and regional satellite navigation system) and of Copernicus (the EU open Earth 
observation  programme).  It  will  enhance  the  performance  of  space  and  satellite 
communication,  encourage  an  innovative  space  industry  (with  increased  access  for 
space start-ups and SMEs to risk finance, testing, certification, and standardisation).  

It  also  aims  to  unify  and  simply  space  governance  through  simpler  cooperation 
between institutional players, with the European Space Agency (ESA) remaining the 
main  partner  for  the  Programme  implementation  while  EUSPA  will  support  market 
uptake and security accreditation.   

The  programme  is  key  to  address  climate  change  such  as  through  responses  to 
disasters  like  earthquakes,  floods,  or  forest  fires  and  to  enhance  the  coordination 
between  emergency  and  rescue  teams.  The  specific  objectives  of  the  EU  SPACE 
programme are to:      

• 

Increase  efficiency  in  agriculture  and  fisheries  (through  satellite-enabled 
applications). 

•  Help  regions  access  knowledge  and  information  (through  satellite  support 

communication that complement earth-based solutions). 

•  Speed up the response time to crisis. 

• 

• 

Improve citizens’ health (through remote medical support). 

Increase  security  (through  satellite  positioning,  communications,  and  earth 
observation) and optimize transport (ship manoeuvres). 

•  Protect the environment and help to deal with climate change. 

5.19.2.  2021-2027 Budget and Funding Types  

A  budget  of  €13.2  billion  is  foreseen  to  finance  space  activities  in  the  current 
programming period. Funding is available in the forms of grants.  

42 The new EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). Available at https://www.euspa.europa.eu/  
[Accessed September 18, 2021]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  45 

5.19.3.  Governance and implementation 

The programme is managed by EUSPA.   

Further information   

The new EU Space Programme https://ec.europa.eu/defence-industry-space/eu-
space-policy/eu-space-programme_en  

Funding opportunities https://www.euspa.europa.eu/opportunities/grants  

 
 
 
46