Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Work Programme:
Key Highlights
Óscar Salazar es Managing Director en la unidad de Fondos Europeos en Euro-Funding, donde lidera un equipo multidisciplinar de más de 30 profesionales internacionales, incluido el equipo de la oficina de Bruselas. Con casi tres décadas de trayectoria profesional, ha desarrollado una sólida carrera en la gestión de fondos europeos, la coordinación de proyectos de I+D+i y la evaluación externa de programas internacionales de innovación. Antes de su actual responsabilidad, desempeñó roles como Technical Manager y Senior Project Manager en Euro-Funding, además de haber trabajado como gestor de proyectos en organismos como el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, el CSIC, y como evaluador externo en iniciativas europeas de financiación. Asimismo Óscar aporta una sólida experiencia en investigación básica y desarrollo en compañías de referencia en biotecnología, desarrollo de fármacos, y diagnóstico molecular como MSD, Genómica-Pharmamar y Biotools, Su formación académica integra un Executive MBA por EAE Business School y la Universidad de Barcelona, un posgrado en European Research Management por la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, un doctorado y máster en Biología Molecular y Bioquímica por la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, donde también obtuvo su licenciatura. Este recorrido le ha permitido consolidar un perfil que combina la excelencia científica con la visión estratégica en financiación y gestión de proyectos europeos, contribuyendo al crecimiento y posicionamiento internacional de empresas, universidades y centros de investigación.
On 11 December, the European Commission adopted the Horizon Europe Work Programme for 2026–2027, which outlines the final phase of the European Union’s current framework programme for research and innovation. Beyond setting out funding opportunities for the next two years, the Work Programme defines the strategic orientation that will guide EU research and innovation policy during this period.
The new Work Programme foresees a total budget of nearly €14 billion. This investment aims to strengthen Europe’s scientific and technological competitiveness, contribute to the EU’s strategic policy objectives, and support the attraction, development and retention of talent. It also seeks to address key structural challenges, including climate neutrality, the digital transformation of the economy, the reinforcement of Europe’s industrial base, and enhanced social and economic resilience to future crises.
The development of the Work Programme has taken into account feedback from the research and innovation community. As a result, application procedures have been streamlined in order to facilitate and accelerate access to EU funding.
The publication of the Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Work Programmes marks an important milestone for the European research and innovation ecosystem. The European Commission once again reaffirms its commitment to a more resilient, sustainable and competitive Europe, by directing funding towards strategic priorities such as the energy transition, responsible digital transformation, biotechnology, health, security and emerging technologies.
The attraction and retention of research talent in Europe is another key priority of the new Work Programme. Measures are foreseen to improve research careers and support international mobility. In this context, €50 million has been allocated under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions to support long-term fellowships, postdoctoral career stability and relocation incentives.
Novel initiatives
One of the main novelties of the 2026–2027 Work Programme is the introduction of horizontal calls, designed to address cross-cutting challenges through a multidisciplinary approach. These calls encourage cooperation across different domains, including technology, industry and the environment.
Among these initiatives is Research and Innovation for the Clean Industrial Deal, with an indicative budget of approximately €540 million to support the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries and the deployment of clean technologies with strong market potential. The AI in Science call is also noteworthy, with around €90 million allocated to the development and uptake of safe, ethical and scientifically robust artificial intelligence applications in areas such as health, agriculture and advanced materials.
These actions are complemented by the New European Bauhaus Facility, which contributes to addressing cross-cutting societal challenges. More than €210 million will be allocated to projects supporting sustainable, inclusive and high-quality urban transformation.
For companies, universities, research and technology organisations, and public authorities, this new cycle represents a key strategic opportunity. The published priorities indicate the types of projects the EU aims to support in the coming years: high-impact, scalable initiatives aligned with strategic autonomy and scientific excellence.
At Euro-Funding EU Projects, we are prepared to support organisations throughout the entire process, from strategic project design to the acquisition and management of EU grants. With more than 25 years of experience and a strong track record, we consider this new period an exceptional opportunity for European stakeholders to turn innovative ideas into successfully funded projects.
Competition will be strong, but so will the opportunities. Now is the time to prepare and anticipate.
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