Horizon Europe Releases the New Work Programme: New Goals on the Horizon for European Research and Innovation

On May 14, 2025, the new Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 was officially published. As the EU’s main funding programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe renews its commitment this year to support ambitious, interdisciplinary projects addressing today’s most urgent challenges—from health to the green transition, from digitalization to security. The programme covers a wide range of areas through its three main pillars and specific instruments such as the EU Missions, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and the New European Bauhaus.

Several Info Days have already been organized to help researchers and stakeholders navigate the topics, available funding, and regulations. However, it is still possible to join the Info Day dedicated to the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025, which will be streamed live on June 24 (link at the end of the article).

CLUSTER 1 – Health

Cluster 1 tackles major health challenges identified during the 2021–2024 period, setting strategic priorities such as strengthening healthcare system resilience, mental health, non-communicable diseases, and the impact of climate change on public health. Key objectives include improving pandemic preparedness, promoting innovative biotechnology, and expanding the use of artificial intelligence in medicine. These goals are aligned with the Green Deal, the European Health Union, and the STEP platform.

CLUSTER 2 – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

This cluster promotes a more cohesive, inclusive, and resilient European society. It focuses on restoring trust in institutions, combating disinformation, and enhancing cultural heritage through digital tools. It also supports the cultural and creative industries and addresses social and economic inequalities. The cluster contributes to a green and digital transition rooted in democratic values and sustainability.

CLUSTER 3 – Civil Security for Society

The goal of Cluster 3 is to make Europe safer and more resilient. Priorities include counter-terrorism, fighting organized crime, protecting critical infrastructure, managing borders effectively, and strengthening cybersecurity. With a budget of over €1.6 billion, the cluster supports the development of advanced technologies to address emerging threats and crisis scenarios.

CLUSTER 4 – Digital, Industry and Space

Cluster 4 aims to position Europe as a global leader in trustworthy and sustainable digital and industrial technologies. It focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technologies, advanced materials, next-generation internet, clean industry, and Earth observation. The objective is to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy and accelerate the shift toward a low-carbon, circular economy.

CLUSTER 5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility

This cluster is at the core of Europe’s green transition. It seeks to decarbonize the energy and transport sectors by promoting sustainable and digital solutions. Key actions include the development of renewable energy, electrification of transport, and infrastructure modernization. Target participants include universities, research centers, businesses, public entities, and local authorities.

CLUSTER 6 – Food, Natural Resources, Environment

Cluster 6 focuses on environmental protection, biodiversity restoration, and food security. It supports innovation in agriculture, fisheries, and food systems by integrating digital and circular approaches. The cluster contributes to the goals of the Green Deal, Farm to Fork, and Biodiversity 2030 strategies, promoting sustainable use of natural resources within planetary boundaries.

 

On June 24, 2025, the Info Day on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2025 will be streamed live at the following link:
https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/events/horizon-europe-info-days_en

For more information about Horizon Europe and the 2025 Work Programme, please visit the official page of the European Commission:
https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/horizon-europe-work-programmes_en