Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on establishing the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2028-2034, laying down the rules for participation and dissemination under that Programme, and repealing Decision (EU) 2021/764
Date: 2025-07-16
Institutions: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, EU research policy, Framework Programme for Research and Development, diffusion of innovations, innovation, research and development, scientific cooperation

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   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 16.7.2025  COM(2025) 544 final 2025/0544 (CNS)  Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on establishing the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2028-2034, laying down the rules for participation and dissemination under that Programme, and repealing Decision (EU) 2021/764 (Text with EEA relevance) {SEC(2025) 555} - {SWD(2025) 555-556}  
 
 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

1. 

• 

CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL 

Reasons for and objectives of the proposal 

The  objective  of  this  proposal  is  to  implement  Horizon  Europe,  the  EU  Framework 
Programme for Research and Innovation 2028-2034, and the relevant research and innovation 
parts  of  the  European  Competitiveness  Fund.  This  proposal  is  fully  consistent  with  the 
regulations it implements as well as the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034. 

The  Specific  Programme  established  by  this  Council  Decision  is  based  on  Article  182(4) 
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and. 

As set out in Article 182(4) of the TFEU, the  Framework Programme shall be implemented 
through Specific Programmes that set out detailed rules  for implementing it, fix its duration 
and provide for the means deemed necessary. Horizon Europe will be implemented through 
the Specific Programme established by this Council Decision. 

For  more  information  on  the  overall  Horizon  Europe  proposal,  see  the  explanatory 
memorandum  of  the  basic  act  of  the  Framework  Programme  [(proposal  for  a  regulation 
establishing 'Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and 
laying down its rules for participation and dissemination').] 

2. 

• 

OTHER ELEMENTS 

Detailed explanation of the specific provisions of the proposal 

With  the  exception  of  the  support  for  the  integration  of  the  knowledge  triangle  –  higher 
education, research and innovation, and business – across the Union, the Specific Programme 
provisions follow the structure of the [proposal for a regulation establishing 'Horizon Europe 
–  the  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and  Innovation  and  laying  down  its  rules  for 
participation and dissemination'.] 

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2025/0544 (CNS) 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on establishing the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe - the Framework 
Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2028-2034, laying down the 
rules for participation and dissemination under that Programme, and repealing 
Decision (EU) 2021/764 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  on  the  Functioning  of  the  European  Union,  and  in  particular 
Article 182(4) thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, 

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,  
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament1,  
Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee2,  
Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions3,  

Acting in accordance with a special legislative procedure,  

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

In  accordance  with  Article  182(3)  of  the  Treaty  on  the  Functioning  of  the  European 
Union  (TFEU),  Horizon  Europe  –  the  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and 
Innovation  for  the  period  2028-2034  (‘Horizon  Europe’),  established  by  Regulation 
XXX [reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation] of the European Parliament and of 
the  Council,  is  to  be  implemented  through  Specific  Programmes  which  define  the 
detailed  rules  for  their  implementation,  fix  their  duration  and  provide  for  the  means 
deemed necessary.  

Regulation XXX[reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation] sets out the general and 
specific objectives of Horizon Europe, the structure and the broad lines of activities to 
be  carried  out,  while  this  Specific  Programme  implementing  Horizon  Europe  (the 
‘Specific  Programme’)  should  define  the  operational  objectives  and  the  activities 
which are specific to parts of Horizon Europe. The provisions on implementation set 
out in Regulation XXX apply fully to the Specific Programme. 

(3) 

The  Board  of  Governors  of  the  Joint  Research  Centre  (JRC)  set  up  by  Commission 
Decision  96/282/Euratom4  has  been  consulted  on  the  scientific  and  technological 
content of the Specific Programme on the non-nuclear direct actions of the JRC. 

1 
2 
3 

OJ C […], […], p. […]. 
OJ C […], […], p. […]. 
OJ C […], […], p. […]. 

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(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

This  Council  Decision  lays  down  an  indicative  financial  envelope  for  the  Specific 
Programme. 

In  order  to  ensure  uniform  conditions  for  the  implementation  of  the  Specific 
Programme through work programmes, implementing powers should be conferred on 
the  Commission.  Those  powers  should  be  exercised  in  accordance  with  Regulation 
(EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council5. 

The advisory and examination procedures set out in Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of 
the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  should  be  used  for  the  adoption  of  the 
work  programmes  given  the  important  financial  implications  of  the  Specific 
Programme. 

The Specific Programme replaces the Horizon Europe Specific Programme established 
by  Council  Decision  (EU)  No  2021/7646.  Council  Decision  (EU)  2021/764  should 
therefore be repealed. 

The Specific Programme should be implemented in compliance with the principle of 
the  rule  of  law  and  the  rights  and  principles  set  out  in  the  Charter  of  Fundamental 
Rights of the European Union and be in line with the international obligations of the 
Union and the Member States arising from the international instruments to which they 
are  party,  including  Human  rights  instruments  such  as  the  UN  Convention  on  the 
Rights of Persons with disabilities. 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:  

Chapter I 

General Provisions 

Article 1 

Subject matter 

1. 

2. 

4 

5 

6 

This  Decision  establishes  the  Specific  Programme  implementing  Horizon  Europe  - 
the  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and  Innovation  for  the  period  of  the 
multiannual financial framework (the ‘MFF’) 2028-2034 (the ‘Specific Programme’) 
as  set  out  in  Article  1  (2)  point  (a)  of  Regulation  XXX  [reference  to  the  Horizon 
Europe Regulation]. 

This Decision lays down the budget of the Specific Programme for the period 2028-
2034, the rules for implementation of the Specific Programme and the activities to be 
carried out under the Specific Programme. 

Commission  Decision  96/282/Euratom  of  10  April  1996  on  the  reorganization  of  the  Joint  Research 
Centre (OJ L 107, 30.4.1996, p. 12, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/1996/282/oj). 
Regulation  (EU)  No  182/2011  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  16  February  2011 
laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of 
the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers, OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13–18. 
Council Decision (EU) 2021/764 of 10 May 2021 establishing the Specific Programme implementing 
Horizon  Europe  –  the  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and  Innovation,  and  repealing  Decision 
2013/743/EU (OJ L 167I, 12.5.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2021/764/oj) 

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3. 

1. 

2. 

The definitions, objectives, structure and budget of Horizon Europe - the Framework 
Programme for Research and Innovation set out in Regulation XXX [reference to the 
Horizon Europe Regulation] also apply to the Specific Programme.  

Article 2 

Operational objectives 

The  Specific  Programme  shall  contribute  to  the  general  and  specific  objectives  set 
out in Article 3 of Regulation XXX [reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation](. 

The Specific Programme has the following operational objectives: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 

(i) 

foster  the  production  of  high-quality  scientific  research  and  world-leading 
research institutions; 

support the mobility and training and career development of researchers; 

attract and retain excellent researchers in Europe; 

foster collaboration and multidisciplinarity, including with Social Sciences and 
Humanities (SSH) to generate new knowledge; 

enhance knowledge valorisation; 

connect  and  develop  research  and  technology  infrastructures  across  the 
European Research Area (ERA) to provide transnational access; 

support the creation and scale-up of deep tech and innovative start-ups; 

foster technology uptake and demonstration of disruptive innovation; 

increasing  the  participation  of  research  organisation  from  the  widening 
countries and transition countries referred to in Article 19 of Regulation XXX 
[reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation] ; 

(j) 

foster open science and ensure visibility to the public and open access to results 
where possible. 

3. 

The Specific Programme shall also address collaborative research activities under the 
policy windows of the European Competitiveness Fund. 

Article 3 

Budget 

1. 

2. 

In  accordance  with  Article  6(1)  of  Regulation  XXX  [reference  to  the  Horizon 
Europe Regulation], the indicative financial envelope for the implementation of the 
Specific Programme for the period 2028 to 2034 is set at be EUR 175 002 000 000 in 
current prices. 

The amount referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be distributed among the 
parts  as  set  out  with  Article  6(2)  of  Regulation  XXX  [reference  to  the  Horizon 
Europe Regulation].  

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Article 4 

Work programmes  

1. 

The Specific Programme shall be implemented by the work programmes referred to 
in  paragraph  2  of  this  Article  in  accordance  with  Article  110  of  Regulation  (EU, 
Euratom) 2024/2509.  
Without prejudice to the first subparagraph, the work programmes may in particular 
set out:  

(a) 

actions and associated budget;  

(b) 

eligibility and award criteria;  

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

a single co-financing rate per action;  

rules applicable to actions concerning more than one specific objective; 

actions  to  which  specific  rules  apply,  in  particular  on  ownership  of  results, 
valorisation and dissemination, transfer and licensing as well as access rights to 
results. 

2. 

The Commission shall adopt separate work programmes, by means of implementing 
acts, for the implementation of actions under the following components, as set out in 
Article 1(3): 

(a) 

the  European  Research  Council  (ERC),  for  which  the  draft  work  programme 
shall be established by the ERC Scientific Council under Article 7(9)(a)(ii), in 
accordance  with  Article  18(3).  The  Commission  shall  depart  from  the  draft 
work programme established by the ERC Scientific Council only in accordance 
with  Article  7(4),  second  subparagraph;  in  that  case,  the  Commission  shall 
adopt  the  work  programme  by  means  of  an  implementing  act  in  accordance 
with Article 18(4); the Commission shall duly motivate that; 

(b) 

the European Innovation Council (EIC), for which the  work programme shall 
be prepared  following the advice of the EIC Board under Article  12(1)(b),  in 
accordance with Article 18(4); 

(c)  Marie  Sklodowska-Curie  Actions  (MSCA),  global  societal  challenges,  EU 
Missions,  New European Bauhaus  Facility, innovation  ecosystems,  reforming 
and  enhancing 
technology 
infrastructures, widening participation and spreading excellence, in accordance 
with Article 18(4); 

the  European  R&I  system,  research  and 

(d) 

the JRC, for which the  multi-annual  work programme shall take into  account 
the  opinion  provided  by  the  Board  of  Governors  of  the  JRC  referred  to  in 
Commission Decision 96/282/Euratom. 

The  research  and  innovation  activities  referred  to  under  the  policy  windows 
described  in  Chapters  IV  to  VII  of  Regulation  XXX  [reference  to  the  European 
Competitiveness Fund Regulation]shall be included in a specific dedicated part of the 
work programmes implementing the corresponding specific objectives referred to in 
Article  3(2),  points  (a)  to  (d)  of  Regulation  XXX  [reference  to  the  European 
Competitiveness  Fund  Regulation].  Those  work  programmes  shall  be  adopted  in 
accordance with Articles 15 and 84 of Regulation XXX [reference to the European 
Competitiveness Fund Regulation].  

3. 

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Article 5 

European Partnerships 

1. 

(a) 

European  Partnerships  shall  follow  a  clear  lifecycle  approach,  including  their 
selection, implementation and monitoring, and transitioning out of Regulation XXX 
[reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation] on the basis of the following: 

European  Partnerships  shall  be  selected  following  a  competitive,  open,  non-
discriminatory,  and  transparent  procedure,  on  the  basis  of  areas  proposed  by  the 
Commission.  In  addition  the  requirements  set  out  in  Article 11  of  Regulation  (EU) 
Regulation  XXX  [reference 
the  Horizon  Europe  Regulation],  candidate 
partnerships shall comply with the following selection criteria: 

to 

i. 

ii. 

portfolio  relevance:  overall  consistency  and  coherence  of  the  partnership 
portfolio shall be ensured, provided that  candidates meet  all selection criteria 
and demonstrate relevance as part of a strategic portfolio of actions; 

critical mass: the partnerships’ budget (Union and partners’ contributions) shall 
match  their  duration,  ensuring  sufficient  resources  to  fund  at  least  one 
substantial call per year, each comparable in size to an average Horizon Europe 
call in the relevant thematic area; 

iii.  partners’ composition: unless duly justified, the participation of public entities 
from  at  least  five  Member  States  and  private  entities  representing  substantial 
segments  of  their  respective  ecosystems  is  required,  ensuring  a  broad  and 
balanced involvement of key stakeholders; 

iv.  pan-European  relevance:  partnerships  shall  have  pan-European  relevance, 
reflected  in  a  balanced  geographic  distribution  of  partners  among  Member 
States; 

v.  mission-orientation: partnerships shall formulate clear, measurable, time-bound 
objectives within the duration of Horizon Europe that will inform monitoring, 
assessment, and evaluation exercises; 

vi.  business plan: partners shall develop a business plan ex-ante, including a set of 
key performance indicators to track progress and a forward-looking transition 
strategy, including actions for phasing out from Horizon Europe funding; 

vii.  openness  and  transparency:  partnerships  shall  demonstrate  openness  and 
transparency  regarding  the  identification  of  priorities  and  objectives  – 
including  expected results  and impacts  – and the engagement of partners and 
stakeholders  across  the  entire  value  chain  and  from  diverse  sectors, 
backgrounds,  and  disciplines,  including  relevant  international  ones  without 
affecting European competitiveness;   

viii.  legacy: in cases where candidate partnerships build on predecessor initiatives, 
the  efficiency,  effectiveness  and  impact  of  previous  partnerships  shall  be 
demonstrated;  

ix. 

throughout their implementation, European Partnerships shall ensure: 

x. 

internal  transparent  governance  arrangements  and  internal  rules,  including 
codes  of  conduct,  that  ensure  their  functioning  in  an  open  and  transparent 
manner;  

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xi.  continuous  openness  of  the  initiative  through  clear  and  transparent  accession 
and  exit  criteria,  including  through  open  calls  to  potential  new  partner 
organisations 

xii.  flexibility  through  timely  revisions  of  key  documents  such  as  the  Strategic 
Research and Innovation Agendas (SRIAs) and transition strategies, adapted as 
necessary to ensure relevance and feasibility; 

xiii.  continuous  monitoring  shall  include  tracking  progress  towards  a  set  of 
partnership-specific  common  indicators  including  partner  contributions,  cost 
efficiency,  and  openness  to  new  partners.  Partnership-specific  common 
indicators  shall  build  on  the  common  indicators  as  defined  under  Regulation 
XXX  [reference  to  Performance  Regulation]  and  set  out  in  the  biennial 
monitoring  reports  on  the  performance  of  European  partnerships  under 
Horizon Europe 2021-2027; 

xiv.  European Partnerships shall launch their final calls before 31 December 2034. 
European  Partnerships  shall  determine  and  implement  the  best  mode  of 
transition.  Taking  into  account  the  transition  strategies  prepared  ex-ante, 
partnerships  shall  undergo  an  independent  assessment  determining  whether 
their objectives have been met, the suitability of the partnership approach, and 
their  continued  relevance  for  the  Union’s  policy  priorities.  This  assessment 
should  include  a  recommendation  for  the  most  effective  policy  intervention 
mode for any future actions. 

(b) 

In  the  absence  of  renewal,  European  Partnerships  shall  implement  appropriate 
measures based on their phasing-out actions identified in their transition strategies. 

Chapter II 

Excellent Science 

Article 6 

European Research Council 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

The  Commission  shall  establish  a  European  Research  Council  (the  ‘ERC’)  to 
implement  the  actions  under  Part  I  ‘Excellent  Science’  of  Regulation  XXX 
[reference  to  the  Horizon  Europe  Regulation]  which  relate  to  the  ERC.  The  ERC 
shall  succeed  the  European  Research  Council  set  up  by  Council  Decision  (EU) 
2021/764.  

The ERC shall be composed of the independent ERC Scientific Council provided for 
in Article 7 and the ERC dedicated implementation structure provided for in Article 
8. 

The  ERC  Scientific Council  shall  have  a  President  (‘ERC  President’)  who  shall  be 
chosen from among senior and internationally respected scientists.  

The  ERC  President  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Commission  following  a  transparent 
recruitment  process  involving  an  independent  dedicated  search  committee.  The 
recruitment  process  and  the  candidate  selected  shall  have  the  approval  of  the  ERC 

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5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Scientific Council. The term of office of the ERC  President shall be limited to  two 
years, extendable once for up to two years.   

The ERC President shall chair the ERC Scientific Council and ensure the leadership 
of the ERC Scientific Council and its liaison with the ERC dedicated implementation 
structure and shall represent the ERC Scientific Council in the world of science. 

The  President  shall  be  assisted  by three Vice-Presidents  chosen  by  the  Scientific 
Council from among its members. 

The  ERC  shall  operate  according  to  its  core  principles  which  are  scientific 
excellence,  open  science,  autonomy,  efficiency,  effectiveness, 
transparency, 
accountability  and  research  integrity,  while  respecting  the  corporate  policies of  the 
European Commission. It shall ensure continuity with ERC actions conducted under 
Council Decision (EU) 2021/764. 

Through  its  activities,  the  ERC  shall  support,  in  a  bottom-up  manner,  frontier 
research  carried  out  across  all  fields  by  principal  investigators  and  their  teams  in 
competition at European level, including early-stage career researchers. 

The Commission shall act as the guarantor of the autonomy and integrity of the ERC 
and shall ensure the proper execution of the tasks entrusted to it. 

The  Commission  shall  ensure  that  the  implementation  of  ERC  actions  is  in 
accordance with the principles set out in paragraph 7 of this Article as well as with 
the  overall  strategy  for  the  ERC,  referred  to  in  Article 7(4)(a),  established  by  the 
ERC Scientific Council. 

Article 7 

ERC Scientific Council 

The  ERC  Scientific  Council  shall  be  composed  of  22  independent  scientists, 
engineers  and  scholars  of  the  highest  repute  and  with  the  appropriate  expertise, 
including both women and men in different age groups, and ensuring a diversity of 
research areas and a variety of geographical origins. They shall act in their personal 
capacity,  independent  of  extraneous  interests.  The  members  of  the  ERC  Scientific 
Council  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Commission,  following  an  independent  and 
transparent procedure for their identification agreed with the ERC Scientific Council, 
including  an  open  consultation  of  the  scientific  community  and  a  report  to  the 
European Parliament and the Council. 

The  term  of  office  for  members  of  the  ERC  Scientific  Council  shall  be  up  to  four 
years,  extendable  once  by  up  to  two  years,  based  on  a  rotating  system  which  shall 
ensure the continuity of the work of the ERC Scientific Council. 

The  ERC  Scientific  Council  shall  elect  from  amongst  its  members three Vice-
Presidents who  shall  assist  the  ERC  President  in  its  representation  and  the 
organisation  of  its  work.  They  shall  hold  the  title  of  ERC  Vice-President.  The 
members  of  the  ERC  Scientific  Council  shall  be  compensated  for  the  tasks  they 
perform by means of an honorarium and, where appropriate, reimbursement of travel 
and subsistence expenses. 

The ERC Scientific Council shall exercise its tasks solely and exclusively within the 
scope  and  for  the  purposes  of  the  Specific  Programme.  In  that  context,  it  shall 
establish: 

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(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

the overall strategy for the ERC; 

the draft work programme for the implementation of the ERC activities; 

the  methods  and  procedures  for  peer  review  and  proposal  evaluation  on  the 
basis of which the proposals to be funded are determined; 

its position on any matter which from a scientific perspective may enhance the 
achievements  and  impact  of  the  ERC  and  the  quality  of  the  research 
carried out; 

(e) 

a code of conduct covering, among other matters, the avoidance of conflicts of 
interest; 

(f) 

the procedure for the election of the ERC Vice-Presidents. 

The  Commission  shall  depart  from  the  positions  established  by  the  ERC  Scientific 
Council  in  accordance  with  the  first  subparagraph  only  if  it  considers  that  this 
Decision has not been respected. In that case, the Commission shall adopt measures 
to  maintain  continuity  in  the  implementation  of  the  Specific  Programme  and  the 
achievements  of  its  objectives,  setting  out  and  duly  motivating  the  points  of 
departure from the ERC Scientific Council positions. 

The  ERC  Scientific  Council  shall  inform  the  Commission  on  research  trends,  data 
and any matter relevant for policy making and may perform analysis in this respect.  

The ERC Scientific Council and the Commission shall meet at least twice a year to 
have a broad and timely exchange of views in the context of the development of the 
ERC’s strategy and the Commission's policy making.  

The  ERC  Scientific  Council  is  the  guarantor  of  the  quality  of  the  activity  from  the 
scientific perspective and has full authority over decisions on the type of research to 
be funded.  

The  ERC  Scientific  Council  shall  act  exclusively  in  the  interest  of  the  ERC, 
according  to  the  principles  set  out  in  Article 6(7).  It  shall  act  with  integrity  and 
probity and carry out its work efficiently and with the greatest possible transparency. 

In the context of the implementation of the Specific Programme, and in order to carry 
out these tasks, the ERC Scientific Council shall do the following: 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

(a) 

as regards scientific strategy: 

i. 

ii. 

establish  the  overall  scientific  strategy  for  the  ERC,  in  the  light  of  scientific 
opportunities and European scientific needs; 

establish the work programme and develop the ERC's mix of support measures 
in accordance with its scientific strategy; 

iii.  establish the necessary international cooperation initiatives including outreach 
activities, to increase the visibility of the ERC for the best researchers from the 
rest of the world, in accordance with its scientific strategy; 

(b) 

as regards scientific management, monitoring and quality control: 

i. 

ensure a world-class peer review system based on scientific excellence and on 
fully  transparent,  fair  and  impartial  treatment  of  proposals  by  establishing 
positions  on  the  implementation  and  management  of  calls  for  proposals, 
evaluation criteria, peer review processes including the selection of experts, the 
methods  for  peer  review  and  proposal  evaluation  and  the  necessary 

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implementing  rules  and guidelines,  on  the  basis of  which  the  proposals  to  be 
funded  will  be  determined  under  the  supervision  of  the  ERC  Scientific 
Council; 

ii.  make a proposal based on which experts shall be appointed in the case of ERC 

frontier research actions; 

iii.  ensure  that  ERC  grants  are  implemented  according  to  simple  and  transparent 
procedures  that  maintain  the  focus  on  excellence,  encourage  initiative  and 
combine flexibility with accountability by continuously monitoring the quality 
of the operations and implementation; 

iv. 

v. 

review  and  assess  the  ERC's  achievements  and  the  quality  and  impact  of  the 
research  funded  by  the  ERC  and  make  recommendations  and  guidelines  for 
corrective or future actions accordingly; 

establish positions on any other matter affecting the achievements and impact 
of the ERC's activities and the quality of the research carried out under this part 
of Horizon Europe. 

(c) 

as regards communication and dissemination: 

i. 

raise the global profile and visibility of the ERC by conducting communication 
and outreach activities, including scientific conferences, to promote the ERC's 
activities and achievements and the results of the projects funded by the ERC 
with the scientific community, key stakeholders and the general public; 

ii.  where  appropriate,  consult  with  the  scientific,  engineering  and  academic 
funding  agencies  and 

regional  and  national 

research 

community, 
other stakeholders; 

iii.  regularly report to the Commission on its own activities. 

Article 8 

ERC dedicated implementation structure 

1. 

implementation  structure  shall  be  responsible  for 

The  ERC  dedicated 
the 
administrative  implementation  and  execution  of  this  component  of  the  Specific 
Programme.  It shall, in particular, implement the evaluation procedures, peer review 
and  selection  process  in  accordance  with  the  strategy  established  by  the  ERC 
Scientific  Council  and  shall  ensure  the  financial  and  scientific  management  of  the 
grants.  

The  ERC  dedicated  implementation  structure  shall  support  the  ERC  Scientific 
Council  in  the  conduct  of all  of its  tasks  as  set  out  in  Article 7  including  the 
development of its scientific strategy, its monitoring of the operations and its review 
and  assessment  of 
its  outreach  and 
the  ERC's  achievements  as  well  as 
communications  activities.  The  ERC  dedicated  implementation  structure  shall  also 
provide  access  to  the  necessary  documents  and  data  in  its  possession  and  keep  the 
ERC Scientific Council informed of its activities. 

To ensure an  effective liaison  with  the ERC  dedicated implementation  structure on 
strategy  and  operational  matters, the leadership of the  ERC  Scientific  Council  and 
the  Director  of  the  ERC  dedicated  implementation  structure  shall  hold  regular 
coordination meetings. 

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2. 

The  Commission  shall  ensure  that  the  ERC  dedicated  implementation  structure 
follows  strictly,  efficiently  and  with  the  necessary  flexibility  the  objectives  and 
requirements  of the ERC alone. To fulfil its responsibilities as  set  out  in  Articles  6 
and  7  and  in  this  Article,  in  the  context  of  its  own  responsibilities  for  budget 
execution, the Commission shall: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

ensure the continuity and renewal  of the ERC Scientific Council  and provide 
support for a standing Identification Committee for the identification of future 
ERC Scientific Council members; 

ensure  the  continuity  of  the  ERC  dedicated  implementation  structure  and  the 
delegation of tasks  and  responsibilities to  it, taking into account  the views of 
the ERC Scientific Council; 

ensure  that  the  ERC  dedicated  implementation  structure  carries  out  the  full 
range of its tasks and responsibilities; 

appoint the Director and the members of the management of the ERC dedicated 
implementation  structure,  taking  into  account  the  views  of  the  ERC 
Scientific Council; 

ensure  the  timely  adoption  of  the  ERC  work  programme,  the  positions 
regarding  implementing  methodology  and  the  necessary  implementing  rules 
including  the  ERC  rules  of  submission  and  the  ERC  model  grant  agreement, 
taking  into  account  the  views  of  the  ERC  Scientific Council  and  the 
Commission’s  corporate  policies 
the  Specific 
Programme;  

implemented 

through 

(f)  monitor, as responsible for the overall implementation  of the Programme,  the 

ERC dedicated implementation structure and evaluate its performance. 

Article 9 

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions  

1. 

2. 

The  Marie  Sklodowska-Curie  Actions  (MSCA)  shall  focus  on  investigator-driven 
research founded exclusively on scientific excellence to support researchers’ career, 
skills development, and mobility at all career stages.  

The  MSCA  shall  be  open  to  any  scientific  domain  under  the  Treaty  on  the 
Functioning of the European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic 
Energy Community. If specific needs arise, the MSCA may target certain activities 
in  specific  thematic  priorities,  types  of  research  and  innovation  institutions,  or 
geographical  locations  to  respond  to  the  evolving  requirements  and  needs  of  the 
Union  regarding  skills,  research  training,  career  development  and  knowledge 
sharing, in pursuit of the Union strategic autonomy.  

3. 

The implementation of the MSCA shall: 

(a)  offer attractive conditions and opportunities for career progression, helping to 
address systemic issues of career instability and precarity in the research sector. 
The MSCA shall actively support the principles set out in the European Charter 

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for Researchers promoting fair recruitment, transparent procedures, and merit-
based advancement7;  

(b) 

ensure strategic synergies with the European Research Council (ERC) but also 
with Union instruments that foster innovation, such as the European Innovation 
Council  (EIC)  and  the  activities  to  foster  the  integration  of  the  knowledge 
triangle – higher education, research and innovation, and business – across the 
Union as well as other Union programmes such as Erasmus+; 

(c)  promote work-life balance, diversity, and inclusion, setting high standards for 

working conditions across the European Research Area. 

Article 10 

Joint Research Centre  

1. 

The activities of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) shall be complementary to indirect 
actions  supporting  longer-term  policy  objectives.  To  achieve  this,  the  JRC  works 
with  international,  national,  regional,  and  local  stakeholders,  including  through 
scientific collaboration agreements. 

The JRC activities shall: 

– 

– 

– 

i. 

be flexible and responsive to evolving policy needs. 

ensure synergy with other EU investments. 

focus on the following areas: 

scientific and technical support to Union policy priorities, in particular (but not 
limited 
the  European 
Competitiveness  Fund  and  those  defined  for  parts  I,  II,  III  and  IV  of  the 
Horizon Europe Programme; 

those  defined  within 

framework  of 

the 

to) 

ii.  knowledge integration and policy impact; 

iii. 

territorial development and Member State support; 

iv.  scientific excellence and international collaboration; 

v.  open science, knowledge sharing and capacity building. 

Chapter III 

Competitiveness and Society 

Article 11 
Collaborative research  

Collaborative research activities referred to in Chapter I of Regulation XXX [reference to the 
Horizon Europe Regulation] shall cover, in particular, the following research and innovation 
activities: 

7 
innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe (C/2023/1640). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2023/1640/oj/eng 

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research, 

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(a) 

under  ‘Competitiveness’,  research  and  innovation  activities  of  the  policy  windows 
described in Chapters IV to VII of the European Competitiveness Fund: 

(b) 

under ‘Society’, research and innovation activities, such as: 

(i) activities aimed at accomplishing priorities for global societal challenges: 

– 

– 

– 

strengthening democratic values and foundations, civic engagement, the 
rule  of  law  and  fundamental  rights,  by  fostering  resilient,  pluralistic 
societies,  and  the  integrity  of  the  information  and  media  space  and 
countering polarisation, disinformation, hate speech, discrimination, and 
xenophobia, in a rapidly evolving world of geopolitical shifts; 

promoting  social 
transformations, 
inclusion,  social  and  economic 
inclusive societies and social cohesion and tackling inequalities to create 
opportunities  for  all,  taking  into  consideration  rural  areas’  specificities, 
addressing demographic change and intergenerational fairness, including 
well-managed  migration  and  mobility,  supporting  mental  health  and 
societal well-being, including for young people; 

fostering  a  value-based  and  competitive  Europe  by  advancing  future-
ready  skills,  and  driving  inclusive  innovation  that  empowers  people, 
facilitates  societal  acceptance  of  technologies  and  supports  sustainable 
growth that benefits all. 

(ii)   EU Missions: activities supporting EU Missions referred to in Article 15(5) of 

Regulation XXX [reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation].   

(iii)  activities  in  the  context  of  the  New  European  Bauhaus  (NEB)  Facility, 
established  with  the  Horizon  Europe  Strategic  Plan  2025-20278,  shall  deliver 
on  the  objectives  of  the  New  European  Bauhaus,  in  particular  supporting 
activities  to  foster  the  development  and  scaling  up  of  innovative  research 
solutions  for  the  transformation  of  neighbourhoods  into  sustainable,  inclusive 
and beautiful places. 

Chapter IV 

Innovation 

Article 12 

The European Innovation Council Board  

1. 

The European  Innovation Council Board (EIC Board)  shall advise the Commission 
on: 

(a) 

the  overall  strategy  for  the  EIC  component  under  Part  III  ‘Innovation’  of 
Horizon  Europe,  taking  into  account  complementarities  with  the  European 
Competitiveness Fund; 

8 

Commission  Implementing  Decision  C(2024)1741  of  20  March  2024  on  adopting  the  2025-2027 
strategic research and innovation plan under the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe  – 
The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. 

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(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

the  work  programme  for  the  implementation  of  the  EIC  actions,  including 
criteria  for  assessment  of  proposals  and  the  appropriate  balance  between  the 
different types of funding support; 

the  identification  of  emerging  technology  trends  from  EIC's  portfolios,  and 
strategic portfolios of projects; 

the profile of EIC Programme Managers; 

coordination with the Advisory Board on the European Competitiveness Fund 
Guarantees,  Financial  Instruments and Blending  Operations  established under 
the European Competitiveness Fund. 

2. 

The EIC Board may upon request from the Commission address recommendations to 
the Commission on: 

(a) 

(b) 

any  matter  which,  from  an  innovation  perspective,  may  enhance  and  foster 
innovation eco-systems across the Union, the achievements and impact of the 
objectives  of  the  EIC,  and  the  capacity  of  innovative  firms  to  roll  out  their 
solutions; 

identifying  in  cooperation  with  relevant  Commission  services,  national  and 
regional  authorities  and  other  relevant  entities,  possible  regulatory  barriers 
faced by entrepreneurs, in particular those awarded support under the EIC; 

(c)  programming in other parts of the Specific Programme. 

The EIC Board shall act in the interest of achieving the objectives of the EIC. It shall 
act with integrity and probity and carry out its work efficiently and transparently. 

The  EIC  Board  shall  be  composed  of  15  to  20  independent  high-level  individuals 
drawn from various parts of Europe's innovation ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, 
corporate  leaders,  investors,  innovation  experts  and  innovative  researchers  and 
technology transfer experts. The EIC Board shall contribute to outreach actions and 
its members shall strive to enhance the prestige of the EIC brand. 

The members of the EIC Board shall be appointed by the Commission, following an 
open call for nominations or for expressions of interest, and taking into account the 
need for balance in expertise, gender, age and geographical distribution. 

Their term of office shall be limited to two years, renewable twice. 

The EIC Board shall have a President who shall be a high-profile public figure linked 
to  the  world  of  innovation,  with  a  solid  understanding  of  developing  innovations 
from research to market and scale-up.  

The EIC Board President shall have the status of an independent special adviser and 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  Commission  following  a  transparent  recruitment  process. 
The term of office of the EIC Board President shall be limited to a maximum of two 
years, extendable once for up to 2 years.  

The  EIC  Board  President  shall  chair  the  EIC  Board,  prepare  its  meetings,  assign 
tasks to members and may establish dedicated sub-groups. The EIC Board President 
shall  represent  the  EIC  Board’s  views  in  the  world  of  innovation  and  act  as  an 
interlocutor with the Commission.  

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

The  Commission  shall  establish  a  EIC  Board  code  of  conduct  addressing,  in 
particular,  the  avoidance  of  conflicts  of  interest  and  breach  of  confidentiality.  The 

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members  of  the  EIC  Board  shall  agree  to  abide  by  the  code  of  conduct  upon 
assuming office. 

11. 

The Commission shall provide administrative support to the EIC Board and the EIC 
Board President. 

Article 13 

Innovation Ecosystems 

The Specific Programme shall support: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

the  establishment  and  support  of  connected  hubs  across  the  Union,  providing 
innovators,  start-ups  and  scale-ups  access  to  resources,  services  and  partners, 
including  investment  opportunities,  first  buyers  of  R&I  and  innovative  solutions, 
corporates,  experimentation  facilities,  research  and  technology  infrastructures, 
entrepreneurial talent, coaching and mentoring; 

activities  to  develop  pan-European  innovation  ecosystems  in  key  thematic  areas, 
support  the  development  of  innovation  skills  and  early-stage  venture  building, 
fostering the integration of the knowledge triangle – higher education, research and 
innovation, and business – across the Union; 

programmes  to  support  innovative  SMEs,  start-ups  and  scale-ups  to  expand  and 
access international markets through market viability studies, place-based innovation 
tools, collaborative research and innovation, exchange of talents, tailored mentorship, 
access to global investor networks, regulatory guidance, localized marketing support, 
and soft-landing services in target countries; 

other actions to support the development of innovation ecosystems and connectivity 
including  studies,  benchmarking,  mutual  learning  between  innovation  actors  and 
coordination of innovation policies. 

Chapter V 

European Research Area 

Article 14 

Reforming and enhancing the European R&I system  

To  support  the  realisation  of  the  European  Research  Area  (ERA),  the  Specific  Programme 
shall  assist  Member  States  in  achieving  the  objectives  set  out  in  the  Pact  for  Research  and 
Innovation in Europe9, by supporting actions aligned with ERA objectives and priority areas 
for joint action, and by promoting upholding ERA values and principles, as established in the 
Pact. 

9 
OJ L 431, 2.12.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2021/2122/oj. 

Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/2122 of 26 November 2021 on a Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe, 

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Article 15 

Widening participation and spreading excellence 

The Specific Programme shall support a truly integrated and cohesive R&I ecosystem in the 
Union,  addressing  especially  the  third  and  fourth  priority  areas  of  the  Pact  for  R&I, 
amplifying  access  to  research  and  innovation  excellence  across  the  Union  and  prioritising 
investments and reforms. Disparities between leading and less advanced countries in terms of 
R&I  performance  shall  be  tackled  through  activities  building  a  solid  science  base  and 
connecting  actors  and  ecosystems,  and  that  encourage  structural  policy  reforms  at  national 
and  regional  level  aimed  at,  such  as,  improving  the  attractiveness  of  research  careers, 
internationalisation,  effectiveness  of  management  and  governance  of  R&I  institutions  or 
matching activities with Union initiatives.  

Article 16 

Research infrastructures 

1. 

2. 

The Specific Programme shall support the construction, development and integration 
of research infrastructures of European Union interest. 

Research infrastructures activities shall focus on: 

(a)  developing, consolidating  and  streamlining  the  Union  landscape  of  research 
infrastructures,  including  coordination  between  the  Union  and  national 
capacities and  contributing  up  to  20%  of  the  building  costs  of  critical  new 
world-class capacities; 

(b) 

reinforcing transnational access to research infrastructures across domains and 
sectors, and adapting to new emerging user communities; 

(c)  making  research  infrastructures  more  resilient  and  sustainable  while  keeping 

pace with rapid technological advancements; 

(d)  developing  a  web  of  findable,  accessible,  interoperable,  reusable  (FAIR)  and 
machine-actionable 
through  expanding  and 
consolidating  the  European  Open  Science  Cloud  as  Europe’s  research  data 
space; 

research  data, 

including 

(e) 

reinforcing  European 
cooperation. 

research 

infrastructure  policy  and 

international 

Article 17 

Technology infrastructures 

1. 

The  Specific  Programme  shall  improve  technology  infrastructure  capacities  in  the 
Union  and  facilitate  access  to  the  integrated  services  of  such  infrastructures  for 
innovative companies, including start-ups and scale-ups. 

2. 

Activities shall focus on: 

Development of new technology infrastructure capacities 

(a) 

Improving the visibility and uptake of technology infrastructure services;  

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(b)  Access  programme  for  SMEs,  start-ups  and  scale-ups 

to 

technology 

infrastructures across the Union;  

(c)  Collaboration  and  networking  among 

the 

infrastructures, 

training  and 

upskilling of their staff.   

(d)  Reinforcing the European technology infrastructure policy. 

Chapter VI 

Transitional and final provisions  

Article 18 

Committee procedure 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The  Commission  shall  be  assisted  by  a  committee.  That  committee  shall  be  a 
committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.  

The  committee  may  convene  in  the  following  configurations,  having  regard  to  the 
subject matter to be discussed: 

• 

• 

General  configuration:  overview  of  the  implementation  of  the  Specific 
Programme; 

ERC; 

•  MSCA; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Global societal challenges, EU Missions, New European Bauhaus Facility; 

EIC and innovation ecosystems; 

Research and technology infrastructures; 

Reforming  and  enhancing 
participation and spreading excellence. 

the  European  R&I  system  and  widening 

Where  reference  is  made  to  this  paragraph,  Article  4  of  Regulation  (EU)  No 
182/2011 shall apply.  

Where  reference  is  made  to  this  paragraph,  Article  5  of  Regulation  (EU)  No 
182/2011 shall apply.  

Where  the  opinion  of  the  committee  is  to  be  obtained  by  written  procedure,  that 
procedure shall be terminated without result when, within the time-limit for delivery 
of  the  opinion,  the  chair  of  the  committee  so  decides  or  a  simple  majority  of 
committee members so request.  

In accordance with international agreements concluded by the Union, representatives 
of  third  countries  or  international  organisations  may  be  invited  as  observers  in  the 
meetings of the Specific Programme committee under the conditions laid down in its 
rules of procedure, taking into account security and public order of the Union or its 
Member States. 

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Decision (EU) No 764/2021 is repealed with effect from 1 January 2028. 

Article 19 

Repeal 

Article 20 

Transitional provisions 

1. 

2. 

This  Decision  shall  not  affect  the  continuation  or  modification  of  the  actions 
concerned,  until  their  closure,  under  Decision  (EU)  2021/764/EU,  which  shall 
continue to apply to those actions until their closure. 

The  financial  envelope  for  the  Specific  Programme  may  also  cover  technical  and 
administrative  assistance  expenses  necessary  to  ensure  the  transition  between  the 
Specific Programme and the measures adopted under its Decision (EU) 2021/764. 

Article 21 

Entry into force and application 

This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day  following that of its publication in 
the Official Journal of the European Union. 

It shall apply from 1 January 2028. 

Done at Brussels, 

For the Council 
The President 

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