Here we go: the European Commission has published the final version of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025, the EU’s main programme for research and innovation.

With a total budget of €7.3 billion, the calls from the following clusters are particularly significant:

Cluster 1 “Health“, for improving and protecting the health and well-being of citizens

Cluster 4 “Digital, Industry and Space”, for projects in the digital, industrial, and space sectors.

Cluster 5 “Climate, Energy and Mobility”, for projects in the fields of energy and mobility.

Cluster 6 “Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment”, for projects focusing on food and water security, the protection of natural resources, and agriculture.

Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025

Among the main new features of the 2025 Work Programme is the simplification of cost options, with an increased use of lump sum grants. These grants require only technical reporting rather than financial reporting, streamlining the administrative burden for participants.

Also on the rise are two-stage calls, which allow applicants to first submit a simplified version of their proposals. Only if selected, they will then be invited to prepare and submit the full proposal.

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How to Participate in Horizon Europe 2025 Calls

Unless otherwise specified in the call, Horizon Europe-funded projects require the formation of consortia composed of at least three entities from three different countries. Of these three, at least one must be from an EU Member State, while the other two can be from either EU countries or countries associated with the Horizon Europe programme.

Once submitted, project proposals will be evaluated based on three criteria:

• Excellence

• Impact

• Implementation

The co-financing rates for companies can be either 70% or 100%, depending on the nature of the action.

The eligible cost categories include:

• Personnel

• Depreciation of equipment

• Consumables and travel

• Subcontracting

Indirect costs are calculated as a flat rate of 25% of the total eligible direct costs (excluding subcontracting and cascade funding).

The first calls are already open, with deadlines set for autumn 2025 and into 2026.

You can consult all open calls on the EU Commission’s Funding & Tender Portal.

The European Defence Fund (EDF)

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is the European Union’s main financial instrument aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, innovation, and strategic autonomy of the European defence industry.

The EDF programme offers significant opportunities—especially for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Midcaps (with simplified reporting procedures, among other advantages)—to propose technologically innovative projects. These can range from research, modelling, feasibility analyses, and exploratory studies, to development activities such as design, prototyping, testing, technical validation, qualification, and certification, directly contributing to the EU’s security and operational capability.

Key technological application areas targeted by EDF calls include:

• Space and orbital operations

• Cybersecurity and information systems

• Propulsion and energy transition

• Advanced sensor technologies

• Simulation and training models

• Health technologies

• Disruptive technologies

For more information about open calls, participation rules, and how to get involved in a project proposal, you can contact the Research, Innovation and Sustainability team at info@miamisic.org