Digital Europe (2021-2027): Builds EU strategic digital capacities in AI, cybersecurity, supercomputing, digital skills, and technology deployment.
EU4Health (2021-2027): Strengthens EU health systems post-COVID-19, focusing on crisis preparedness, health promotion, access to medicines, and digital health transformation.
European Defence Fund (EDF): Supports strategic autonomy of EU defense industry via research and development projects.
European Green Deal: Roadmap for EU climate neutrality by 2050, promoting sustainable economy and environmental protection.
EU Space Programme (2021-2027): Consolidates space activities and investments to enhance EU space capabilities.
LIFE Programme (2021-2027): EU funding instrument for environment and climate action, supporting nature conservation, circular economy, climate mitigation, and clean energy transition.
Funding is primarily through grants, with some programs also offering loans, investments, and risk capital.
Calls for proposals are recurring, with annual or multiannual work programs.
Funding rates and amounts vary per program and project type.
Cross-border collaboration is required or encouraged in several programs, notably EDF and some LIFE projects.
SMEs, large enterprises, research institutions, universities, governments, NGOs, and international organizations.
Some programs include startups and non-profit entities.
Associated non-EU countries may participate in certain programs like EU4Health.
Enterprises (SMEs and large companies), research organizations, universities, public administrations, NGOs, and international organizations.
Specific eligibility varies per program; e.g., EDF requires entities established in EU member states.
Some programs require legal personality (e.g., VLAIO subsidies for innovation).
Most programs require applicants to be established in EU member states or associated countries.
EDF mandates cross-border consortia with entities from at least three member states.
Digital Europe and LIFE sometimes require or encourage cross-border collaboration.
Some programs allow activities outside the EU if aligned with EU objectives (e.g., LIFE).
Applicants should have capacity to implement innovation and research projects.
Track record requirements vary; some programs support startups and newcomers.
Consortium management and partnership experience may be advantageous.
Digital Europe: AI, cybersecurity, supercomputing, digital skills, technology deployment.
EU4Health: Health system resilience, disease prevention, access to medicines, digital health.
EDF: Defense products and technologies development and innovation.
European Green Deal: Climate neutrality, sustainable economy, energy efficiency, biodiversity.
EU Space Programme: Space technologies and access.
LIFE: Environment protection, climate action, biodiversity, circular economy.
Innovation and technological advancement.
Improved health systems and crisis preparedness.
Enhanced strategic autonomy in defense.
Sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.
Strengthened European space capabilities.
Conservation of nature and climate mitigation.
Projects require relevant technical expertise and infrastructure depending on the program focus.
Digital Europe projects may require advanced digital technology capabilities.
EDF projects involve defense technology and compliance with security standards.
LIFE projects focus on environmental and climate technical solutions.
Cross-border and multi-partner collaboration is often encouraged or required.
Compliance with EU regulations, ethical standards, and data protection is mandatory.
Intellectual property rights and risk management are important considerations.
Funding amounts vary widely; specific budgets depend on calls.
Funding rates vary per program and project type; e.g., VLAIO subsidies range from 25% to 60%.
EDF co-finances development actions; research actions may be fully funded.
Some programs offer blended finance including loans and investments.
Eligible costs include research, development, innovation activities, and sometimes infrastructure.
Financial reporting and audits are required.
Matching funds or co-financing may be necessary, especially for development projects.
LIFE 2025 call published April 24, 2025; deadline September 23, 2025.
Digital Europe 2025 calls open with deadline September 2, 2025.
EDF calls published annually; deadlines vary per call.
Other programs have recurring calls with specific deadlines.
Regular progress reporting and monitoring are required.
Evaluation frameworks are in place for program performance.
Post-grant expectations include dissemination and impact assessment.
Compliance with EU laws, environmental regulations, and ethical standards is mandatory.
Data protection (GDPR) rules apply to funded projects.
EDF projects require security and autonomy guarantees.
Environmental compliance is critical for LIFE and Green Deal projects.
Applications are submitted via calls for proposals.
Documentation includes project proposals, budgets, and consortium agreements.
NCPs provide guidance and support to applicants.
Evaluation is based on excellence, impact, and implementation criteria.
Emphasis on sustainability, innovation, inclusivity, and cross-border cooperation.
Programs support EU strategic priorities such as digital and green transitions.
Risk management and knowledge sharing are encouraged.
Programs have supported thousands of projects across Europe.
Recurring grantees include SMEs, research institutions, and public bodies.
Funding trends show increasing focus on digital, health, defense, and climate sectors.
Success stories highlight innovation impact and EU policy alignment.