The European Commission has taken a significant step in advancing research and innovation by adopting an amendment to the 2023-24 Work Programme of Horizon Europe.
This amendment signals a substantial increase in the 2024 budget, surging nearly €1.4 billion to reach a total of €7.3 billion. The move aims to mobilize previously unallocated funds to address challenges such as climate change, urban sustainability, and pandemic preparedness.
Key highlights of the amendment include a substantial investment of almost €650 million in the EU Missions initiative. These missions, designed to provide concrete solutions to European challenges, will receive a boost to achieve ambitious targets such as making over 100 cities climate neutral and restoring thousands of kilometers of free-flowing rivers by 2030.
Moreover, the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative, aimed at integrating the European Green Deal into everyday life, will receive continued support. The NEB has already demonstrated success in providing innovative solutions, such as sustainable housing and urban development projects across Europe.
To foster inclusivity and attract new talent, experimental actions will be introduced to open up research and innovation opportunities. This includes funding for young researchers and initiatives to encourage transdisciplinary collaboration at local and European levels.
Furthermore, in response to lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission has earmarked funds for a European Partnership for pandemic preparedness. This initiative seeks to enhance Europe’s readiness to combat future health crises.
Horizon Europe, spanning from 2021 to 2027, remains a cornerstone of EU investment in research and innovation. Despite budgetary adjustments, the Commission remains committed to advancing scientific progress and addressing societal challenges through collaborative efforts with stakeholders and member states.
Source: European Commission
