Kiri

EN EN

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 16.7.2025

COM(2025) 544 final

2025/0544 (CNS)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on establishing the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe - the Framework

Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2028-2034, laying down the

rules for participation and dissemination under that Programme, and repealing

Decision (EU) 2021/764

(Text with EEA relevance)

{SEC(2025) 555} - {SWD(2025) 555-556}

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

• Reasons for and objectives of the proposal

The objective of this proposal is to implement Horizon Europe, the EU Framework

Programme for Research and Innovation 2028-2034, and the relevant research and innovation

parts of the European Competitiveness Fund. This proposal is fully consistent with the

regulations it implements as well as the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034.

The Specific Programme established by this Council Decision is based on Article 182(4)

Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and.

As set out in Article 182(4) of the TFEU, the Framework Programme shall be implemented

through Specific Programmes that set out detailed rules for implementing it, fix its duration

and provide for the means deemed necessary. Horizon Europe will be implemented through

the Specific Programme established by this Council Decision.

For more information on the overall Horizon Europe proposal, see the explanatory

memorandum of the basic act of the Framework Programme [(proposal for a regulation

establishing 'Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and

laying down its rules for participation and dissemination').]

2. OTHER ELEMENTS

• Detailed explanation of the specific provisions of the proposal

With the exception of the support for the integration of the knowledge triangle – higher

education, research and innovation, and business – across the Union, the Specific Programme

provisions follow the structure of the [proposal for a regulation establishing 'Horizon Europe

– the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and laying down its rules for

participation and dissemination'.]

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2025/0544 (CNS)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on establishing the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe - the Framework

Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2028-2034, laying down the

rules for participation and dissemination under that Programme, and repealing

Decision (EU) 2021/764

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular

Article 182(4) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament1,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee2,

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions3,

Acting in accordance with a special legislative procedure,

Whereas:

(1) In accordance with Article 182(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European

Union (TFEU), Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and

Innovation for the period 2028-2034 (‘Horizon Europe’), established by Regulation

XXX [reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation] of the European Parliament and of

the Council, is to be implemented through Specific Programmes which define the

detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means

deemed necessary.

(2) Regulation XXX[reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation] sets out the general and

specific objectives of Horizon Europe, the structure and the broad lines of activities to

be carried out, while this Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe (the

‘Specific Programme’) should define the operational objectives and the activities

which are specific to parts of Horizon Europe. The provisions on implementation set

out in Regulation XXX apply fully to the Specific Programme.

(3) The Board of Governors of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) set up by Commission

Decision 96/282/Euratom4 has been consulted on the scientific and technological

content of the Specific Programme on the non-nuclear direct actions of the JRC.

1 OJ C […], […], p. […]. 2 OJ C […], […], p. […]. 3 OJ C […], […], p. […].

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(4) This Council Decision lays down an indicative financial envelope for the Specific

Programme.

(5) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of the Specific

Programme through work programmes, implementing powers should be conferred on

the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation

(EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council5.

(6) The advisory and examination procedures set out in Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of

the European Parliament and of the Council should be used for the adoption of the

work programmes given the important financial implications of the Specific

Programme.

(7) The Specific Programme replaces the Horizon Europe Specific Programme established

by Council Decision (EU) No 2021/7646. Council Decision (EU) 2021/764 should

therefore be repealed.

(8) The Specific Programme should be implemented in compliance with the principle of

the rule of law and the rights and principles set out in the Charter of Fundamental

Rights of the European Union and be in line with the international obligations of the

Union and the Member States arising from the international instruments to which they

are party, including Human rights instruments such as the UN Convention on the

Rights of Persons with disabilities.

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Chapter I

General Provisions

Article 1

Subject matter

1. This Decision establishes the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe -

the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for the period of the

multiannual financial framework (the ‘MFF’) 2028-2034 (the ‘Specific Programme’)

as set out in Article 1 (2) point (a) of Regulation XXX [reference to the Horizon

Europe Regulation].

2. This Decision lays down the budget of the Specific Programme for the period 2028-

2034, the rules for implementation of the Specific Programme and the activities to be

carried out under the Specific Programme.

4 Commission Decision 96/282/Euratom of 10 April 1996 on the reorganization of the Joint Research

Centre (OJ L 107, 30.4.1996, p. 12, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/1996/282/oj). 5 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011

laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of

the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers, OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13–18. 6 Council Decision (EU) 2021/764 of 10 May 2021 establishing the Specific Programme implementing

Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and repealing Decision

2013/743/EU (OJ L 167I, 12.5.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2021/764/oj)

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3. The definitions, objectives, structure and budget of Horizon Europe - the Framework

Programme for Research and Innovation set out in Regulation XXX [reference to the

Horizon Europe Regulation] also apply to the Specific Programme.

Article 2

Operational objectives

1. The Specific Programme shall contribute to the general and specific objectives set

out in Article 3 of Regulation XXX [reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation](.

2. The Specific Programme has the following operational objectives:

(a) foster the production of high-quality scientific research and world-leading

research institutions;

(b) support the mobility and training and career development of researchers;

(c) attract and retain excellent researchers in Europe;

(d) foster collaboration and multidisciplinarity, including with Social Sciences and

Humanities (SSH) to generate new knowledge;

(e) enhance knowledge valorisation;

(f) connect and develop research and technology infrastructures across the

European Research Area (ERA) to provide transnational access;

(g) support the creation and scale-up of deep tech and innovative start-ups;

(h) foster technology uptake and demonstration of disruptive innovation;

(i) increasing the participation of research organisation from the widening

countries and transition countries referred to in Article 19 of Regulation XXX

[reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation] ;

(j) foster open science and ensure visibility to the public and open access to results

where possible.

3. The Specific Programme shall also address collaborative research activities under the

policy windows of the European Competitiveness Fund.

Article 3

Budget

1. In accordance with Article 6(1) of Regulation XXX [reference to the Horizon

Europe Regulation], the indicative financial envelope for the implementation of the

Specific Programme for the period 2028 to 2034 is set at be EUR 175 002 000 000 in

current prices.

2. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be distributed among the

parts as set out with Article 6(2) of Regulation XXX [reference to the Horizon

Europe Regulation].

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Article 4

Work programmes

1. The Specific Programme shall be implemented by the work programmes referred to

in paragraph 2 of this Article in accordance with Article 110 of Regulation (EU,

Euratom) 2024/2509.

Without prejudice to the first subparagraph, the work programmes may in particular

set out:

(a) actions and associated budget;

(b) eligibility and award criteria;

(c) a single co-financing rate per action;

(d) rules applicable to actions concerning more than one specific objective;

(e) actions to which specific rules apply, in particular on ownership of results,

valorisation and dissemination, transfer and licensing as well as access rights to

results.

2. The Commission shall adopt separate work programmes, by means of implementing

acts, for the implementation of actions under the following components, as set out in

Article 1(3):

(a) the European Research Council (ERC), for which the draft work programme

shall be established by the ERC Scientific Council under Article 7(9)(a)(ii), in

accordance with Article 18(3). The Commission shall depart from the draft

work programme established by the ERC Scientific Council only in accordance

with Article 7(4), second subparagraph; in that case, the Commission shall

adopt the work programme by means of an implementing act in accordance

with Article 18(4); the Commission shall duly motivate that;

(b) the European Innovation Council (EIC), for which the work programme shall

be prepared following the advice of the EIC Board under Article 12(1)(b), in

accordance with Article 18(4);

(c) Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), global societal challenges, EU

Missions, New European Bauhaus Facility, innovation ecosystems, reforming

and enhancing the European R&I system, research and technology

infrastructures, widening participation and spreading excellence, in accordance

with Article 18(4);

(d) the JRC, for which the multi-annual work programme shall take into account

the opinion provided by the Board of Governors of the JRC referred to in

Commission Decision 96/282/Euratom.

3. The research and innovation activities referred to under the policy windows

described in Chapters IV to VII of Regulation XXX [reference to the European

Competitiveness Fund Regulation]shall be included in a specific dedicated part of the

work programmes implementing the corresponding specific objectives referred to in

Article 3(2), points (a) to (d) of Regulation XXX [reference to the European

Competitiveness Fund Regulation]. Those work programmes shall be adopted in

accordance with Articles 15 and 84 of Regulation XXX [reference to the European

Competitiveness Fund Regulation].

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Article 5

European Partnerships

1. European Partnerships shall follow a clear lifecycle approach, including their

selection, implementation and monitoring, and transitioning out of Regulation XXX

[reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation] on the basis of the following:

(a) European Partnerships shall be selected following a competitive, open, non-

discriminatory, and transparent procedure, on the basis of areas proposed by the

Commission. In addition the requirements set out in Article 11 of Regulation (EU)

Regulation XXX [reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation], candidate

partnerships shall comply with the following selection criteria:

i. portfolio relevance: overall consistency and coherence of the partnership

portfolio shall be ensured, provided that candidates meet all selection criteria

and demonstrate relevance as part of a strategic portfolio of actions;

ii. critical mass: the partnerships’ budget (Union and partners’ contributions) shall

match their duration, ensuring sufficient resources to fund at least one

substantial call per year, each comparable in size to an average Horizon Europe

call in the relevant thematic area;

iii. partners’ composition: unless duly justified, the participation of public entities

from at least five Member States and private entities representing substantial

segments of their respective ecosystems is required, ensuring a broad and

balanced involvement of key stakeholders;

iv. pan-European relevance: partnerships shall have pan-European relevance,

reflected in a balanced geographic distribution of partners among Member

States;

v. mission-orientation: partnerships shall formulate clear, measurable, time-bound

objectives within the duration of Horizon Europe that will inform monitoring,

assessment, and evaluation exercises;

vi. business plan: partners shall develop a business plan ex-ante, including a set of

key performance indicators to track progress and a forward-looking transition

strategy, including actions for phasing out from Horizon Europe funding;

vii. openness and transparency: partnerships shall demonstrate openness and

transparency regarding the identification of priorities and objectives –

including expected results and impacts – and the engagement of partners and

stakeholders across the entire value chain and from diverse sectors,

backgrounds, and disciplines, including relevant international ones without

affecting European competitiveness;

viii. legacy: in cases where candidate partnerships build on predecessor initiatives,

the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of previous partnerships shall be

demonstrated;

ix. throughout their implementation, European Partnerships shall ensure:

x. internal transparent governance arrangements and internal rules, including

codes of conduct, that ensure their functioning in an open and transparent

manner;

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xi. continuous openness of the initiative through clear and transparent accession

and exit criteria, including through open calls to potential new partner

organisations

xii. flexibility through timely revisions of key documents such as the Strategic

Research and Innovation Agendas (SRIAs) and transition strategies, adapted as

necessary to ensure relevance and feasibility;

xiii. continuous monitoring shall include tracking progress towards a set of

partnership-specific common indicators including partner contributions, cost

efficiency, and openness to new partners. Partnership-specific common

indicators shall build on the common indicators as defined under Regulation

XXX [reference to Performance Regulation] and set out in the biennial

monitoring reports on the performance of European partnerships under

Horizon Europe 2021-2027;

xiv. European Partnerships shall launch their final calls before 31 December 2034.

European Partnerships shall determine and implement the best mode of

transition. Taking into account the transition strategies prepared ex-ante,

partnerships shall undergo an independent assessment determining whether

their objectives have been met, the suitability of the partnership approach, and

their continued relevance for the Union’s policy priorities. This assessment

should include a recommendation for the most effective policy intervention

mode for any future actions.

(b) In the absence of renewal, European Partnerships shall implement appropriate

measures based on their phasing-out actions identified in their transition strategies.

Chapter II

Excellent Science

Article 6

European Research Council

1. The Commission shall establish a European Research Council (the ‘ERC’) to

implement the actions under Part I ‘Excellent Science’ of Regulation XXX

[reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation] which relate to the ERC. The ERC

shall succeed the European Research Council set up by Council Decision (EU)

2021/764.

2. The ERC shall be composed of the independent ERC Scientific Council provided for

in Article 7 and the ERC dedicated implementation structure provided for in Article

8.

3. The ERC Scientific Council shall have a President (‘ERC President’) who shall be

chosen from among senior and internationally respected scientists.

4. The ERC President shall be appointed by the Commission following a transparent

recruitment process involving an independent dedicated search committee. The

recruitment process and the candidate selected shall have the approval of the ERC

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Scientific Council. The term of office of the ERC President shall be limited to two

years, extendable once for up to two years.

5. The ERC President shall chair the ERC Scientific Council and ensure the leadership

of the ERC Scientific Council and its liaison with the ERC dedicated implementation

structure and shall represent the ERC Scientific Council in the world of science.

6. The President shall be assisted by three Vice-Presidents chosen by the Scientific

Council from among its members.

7. The ERC shall operate according to its core principles which are scientific

excellence, open science, autonomy, efficiency, effectiveness, transparency,

accountability and research integrity, while respecting the corporate policies of the

European Commission. It shall ensure continuity with ERC actions conducted under

Council Decision (EU) 2021/764.

8. Through its activities, the ERC shall support, in a bottom-up manner, frontier

research carried out across all fields by principal investigators and their teams in

competition at European level, including early-stage career researchers.

9. The Commission shall act as the guarantor of the autonomy and integrity of the ERC

and shall ensure the proper execution of the tasks entrusted to it.

10. The Commission shall ensure that the implementation of ERC actions is in

accordance with the principles set out in paragraph 7 of this Article as well as with

the overall strategy for the ERC, referred to in Article 7(4)(a), established by the

ERC Scientific Council.

Article 7

ERC Scientific Council

1. The ERC Scientific Council shall be composed of 22 independent scientists,

engineers and scholars of the highest repute and with the appropriate expertise,

including both women and men in different age groups, and ensuring a diversity of

research areas and a variety of geographical origins. They shall act in their personal

capacity, independent of extraneous interests. The members of the ERC Scientific

Council shall be appointed by the Commission, following an independent and

transparent procedure for their identification agreed with the ERC Scientific Council,

including an open consultation of the scientific community and a report to the

European Parliament and the Council.

2. The term of office for members of the ERC Scientific Council shall be up to four

years, extendable once by up to two years, based on a rotating system which shall

ensure the continuity of the work of the ERC Scientific Council.

3. The ERC Scientific Council shall elect from amongst its members three Vice-

Presidents who shall assist the ERC President in its representation and the

organisation of its work. They shall hold the title of ERC Vice-President. The

members of the ERC Scientific Council shall be compensated for the tasks they

perform by means of an honorarium and, where appropriate, reimbursement of travel

and subsistence expenses.

4. The ERC Scientific Council shall exercise its tasks solely and exclusively within the

scope and for the purposes of the Specific Programme. In that context, it shall

establish:

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(a) the overall strategy for the ERC;

(b) the draft work programme for the implementation of the ERC activities;

(c) the methods and procedures for peer review and proposal evaluation on the

basis of which the proposals to be funded are determined;

(d) its position on any matter which from a scientific perspective may enhance the

achievements and impact of the ERC and the quality of the research

carried out;

(e) a code of conduct covering, among other matters, the avoidance of conflicts of

interest;

(f) the procedure for the election of the ERC Vice-Presidents.

The Commission shall depart from the positions established by the ERC Scientific

Council in accordance with the first subparagraph only if it considers that this

Decision has not been respected. In that case, the Commission shall adopt measures

to maintain continuity in the implementation of the Specific Programme and the

achievements of its objectives, setting out and duly motivating the points of

departure from the ERC Scientific Council positions.

5. The ERC Scientific Council shall inform the Commission on research trends, data

and any matter relevant for policy making and may perform analysis in this respect.

6. The ERC Scientific Council and the Commission shall meet at least twice a year to

have a broad and timely exchange of views in the context of the development of the

ERC’s strategy and the Commission's policy making.

7. The ERC Scientific Council is the guarantor of the quality of the activity from the

scientific perspective and has full authority over decisions on the type of research to

be funded.

8. The ERC Scientific Council shall act exclusively in the interest of the ERC,

according to the principles set out in Article 6(7). It shall act with integrity and

probity and carry out its work efficiently and with the greatest possible transparency.

9. In the context of the implementation of the Specific Programme, and in order to carry

out these tasks, the ERC Scientific Council shall do the following:

(a) as regards scientific strategy:

i. establish the overall scientific strategy for the ERC, in the light of scientific

opportunities and European scientific needs;

ii. establish the work programme and develop the ERC's mix of support measures

in accordance with its scientific strategy;

iii. establish the necessary international cooperation initiatives including outreach

activities, to increase the visibility of the ERC for the best researchers from the

rest of the world, in accordance with its scientific strategy;

(b) as regards scientific management, monitoring and quality control:

i. ensure a world-class peer review system based on scientific excellence and on

fully transparent, fair and impartial treatment of proposals by establishing

positions on the implementation and management of calls for proposals,

evaluation criteria, peer review processes including the selection of experts, the

methods for peer review and proposal evaluation and the necessary

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implementing rules and guidelines, on the basis of which the proposals to be

funded will be determined under the supervision of the ERC Scientific

Council;

ii. make a proposal based on which experts shall be appointed in the case of ERC

frontier research actions;

iii. ensure that ERC grants are implemented according to simple and transparent

procedures that maintain the focus on excellence, encourage initiative and

combine flexibility with accountability by continuously monitoring the quality

of the operations and implementation;

iv. review and assess the ERC's achievements and the quality and impact of the

research funded by the ERC and make recommendations and guidelines for

corrective or future actions accordingly;

v. establish positions on any other matter affecting the achievements and impact

of the ERC's activities and the quality of the research carried out under this part

of Horizon Europe.

(c) as regards communication and dissemination:

i. raise the global profile and visibility of the ERC by conducting communication

and outreach activities, including scientific conferences, to promote the ERC's

activities and achievements and the results of the projects funded by the ERC

with the scientific community, key stakeholders and the general public;

ii. where appropriate, consult with the scientific, engineering and academic

community, regional and national research funding agencies and

other stakeholders;

iii. regularly report to the Commission on its own activities.

Article 8

ERC dedicated implementation structure

1. The ERC dedicated implementation structure shall be responsible for the

administrative implementation and execution of this component of the Specific

Programme. It shall, in particular, implement the evaluation procedures, peer review

and selection process in accordance with the strategy established by the ERC

Scientific Council and shall ensure the financial and scientific management of the

grants.

The ERC dedicated implementation structure shall support the ERC Scientific

Council in the conduct of all of its tasks as set out in Article 7 including the

development of its scientific strategy, its monitoring of the operations and its review

and assessment of the ERC's achievements as well as its outreach and

communications activities. The ERC dedicated implementation structure shall also

provide access to the necessary documents and data in its possession and keep the

ERC Scientific Council informed of its activities.

To ensure an effective liaison with the ERC dedicated implementation structure on

strategy and operational matters, the leadership of the ERC Scientific Council and

the Director of the ERC dedicated implementation structure shall hold regular

coordination meetings.

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2. The Commission shall ensure that the ERC dedicated implementation structure

follows strictly, efficiently and with the necessary flexibility the objectives and

requirements of the ERC alone. To fulfil its responsibilities as set out in Articles 6

and 7 and in this Article, in the context of its own responsibilities for budget

execution, the Commission shall:

(a) ensure the continuity and renewal of the ERC Scientific Council and provide

support for a standing Identification Committee for the identification of future

ERC Scientific Council members;

(b) ensure the continuity of the ERC dedicated implementation structure and the

delegation of tasks and responsibilities to it, taking into account the views of

the ERC Scientific Council;

(c) ensure that the ERC dedicated implementation structure carries out the full

range of its tasks and responsibilities;

(d) appoint the Director and the members of the management of the ERC dedicated

implementation structure, taking into account the views of the ERC

Scientific Council;

(e) ensure the timely adoption of the ERC work programme, the positions

regarding implementing methodology and the necessary implementing rules

including the ERC rules of submission and the ERC model grant agreement,

taking into account the views of the ERC Scientific Council and the

Commission’s corporate policies implemented through the Specific

Programme;

(f) monitor, as responsible for the overall implementation of the Programme, the

ERC dedicated implementation structure and evaluate its performance.

Article 9

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions

1. The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) shall focus on investigator-driven

research founded exclusively on scientific excellence to support researchers’ career,

skills development, and mobility at all career stages.

2. The MSCA shall be open to any scientific domain under the Treaty on the

Functioning of the European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic

Energy Community. If specific needs arise, the MSCA may target certain activities

in specific thematic priorities, types of research and innovation institutions, or

geographical locations to respond to the evolving requirements and needs of the

Union regarding skills, research training, career development and knowledge

sharing, in pursuit of the Union strategic autonomy.

3. The implementation of the MSCA shall:

(a) offer attractive conditions and opportunities for career progression, helping to

address systemic issues of career instability and precarity in the research sector.

The MSCA shall actively support the principles set out in the European Charter

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for Researchers promoting fair recruitment, transparent procedures, and merit-

based advancement7;

(b) ensure strategic synergies with the European Research Council (ERC) but also

with Union instruments that foster innovation, such as the European Innovation

Council (EIC) and the activities to foster the integration of the knowledge

triangle – higher education, research and innovation, and business – across the

Union as well as other Union programmes such as Erasmus+;

(c) promote work-life balance, diversity, and inclusion, setting high standards for

working conditions across the European Research Area.

Article 10

Joint Research Centre

1. The activities of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) shall be complementary to indirect

actions supporting longer-term policy objectives. To achieve this, the JRC works

with international, national, regional, and local stakeholders, including through

scientific collaboration agreements.

The JRC activities shall:

– be flexible and responsive to evolving policy needs.

– ensure synergy with other EU investments.

– focus on the following areas:

i. scientific and technical support to Union policy priorities, in particular (but not

limited to) those defined within the framework of the European

Competitiveness Fund and those defined for parts I, II, III and IV of the

Horizon Europe Programme;

ii. knowledge integration and policy impact;

iii. territorial development and Member State support;

iv. scientific excellence and international collaboration;

v. open science, knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Chapter III

Competitiveness and Society

Article 11

Collaborative research

Collaborative research activities referred to in Chapter I of Regulation XXX [reference to the

Horizon Europe Regulation] shall cover, in particular, the following research and innovation

activities:

7 COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research,

innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe (C/2023/1640). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2023/1640/oj/eng

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(a) under ‘Competitiveness’, research and innovation activities of the policy windows

described in Chapters IV to VII of the European Competitiveness Fund:

(b) under ‘Society’, research and innovation activities, such as:

(i) activities aimed at accomplishing priorities for global societal challenges:

– strengthening democratic values and foundations, civic engagement, the

rule of law and fundamental rights, by fostering resilient, pluralistic

societies, and the integrity of the information and media space and

countering polarisation, disinformation, hate speech, discrimination, and

xenophobia, in a rapidly evolving world of geopolitical shifts;

– promoting social inclusion, social and economic transformations,

inclusive societies and social cohesion and tackling inequalities to create

opportunities for all, taking into consideration rural areas’ specificities,

addressing demographic change and intergenerational fairness, including

well-managed migration and mobility, supporting mental health and

societal well-being, including for young people;

– fostering a value-based and competitive Europe by advancing future-

ready skills, and driving inclusive innovation that empowers people,

facilitates societal acceptance of technologies and supports sustainable

growth that benefits all.

(ii) EU Missions: activities supporting EU Missions referred to in Article 15(5) of

Regulation XXX [reference to the Horizon Europe Regulation].

(iii) activities in the context of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Facility,

established with the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-20278, shall deliver

on the objectives of the New European Bauhaus, in particular supporting

activities to foster the development and scaling up of innovative research

solutions for the transformation of neighbourhoods into sustainable, inclusive

and beautiful places.

Chapter IV

Innovation

Article 12

The European Innovation Council Board

1. The European Innovation Council Board (EIC Board) shall advise the Commission

on:

(a) the overall strategy for the EIC component under Part III ‘Innovation’ of

Horizon Europe, taking into account complementarities with the European

Competitiveness Fund;

8 Commission Implementing Decision C(2024)1741 of 20 March 2024 on adopting the 2025-2027

strategic research and innovation plan under the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe –

The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

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(b) the work programme for the implementation of the EIC actions, including

criteria for assessment of proposals and the appropriate balance between the

different types of funding support;

(c) the identification of emerging technology trends from EIC's portfolios, and

strategic portfolios of projects;

(d) the profile of EIC Programme Managers;

(e) coordination with the Advisory Board on the European Competitiveness Fund

Guarantees, Financial Instruments and Blending Operations established under

the European Competitiveness Fund.

2. The EIC Board may upon request from the Commission address recommendations to

the Commission on:

(a) any matter which, from an innovation perspective, may enhance and foster

innovation eco-systems across the Union, the achievements and impact of the

objectives of the EIC, and the capacity of innovative firms to roll out their

solutions;

(b) identifying in cooperation with relevant Commission services, national and

regional authorities and other relevant entities, possible regulatory barriers

faced by entrepreneurs, in particular those awarded support under the EIC;

(c) programming in other parts of the Specific Programme.

3. The EIC Board shall act in the interest of achieving the objectives of the EIC. It shall

act with integrity and probity and carry out its work efficiently and transparently.

4. The EIC Board shall be composed of 15 to 20 independent high-level individuals

drawn from various parts of Europe's innovation ecosystem, including entrepreneurs,

corporate leaders, investors, innovation experts and innovative researchers and

technology transfer experts. The EIC Board shall contribute to outreach actions and

its members shall strive to enhance the prestige of the EIC brand.

5. The members of the EIC Board shall be appointed by the Commission, following an

open call for nominations or for expressions of interest, and taking into account the

need for balance in expertise, gender, age and geographical distribution.

6. Their term of office shall be limited to two years, renewable twice.

7. The EIC Board shall have a President who shall be a high-profile public figure linked

to the world of innovation, with a solid understanding of developing innovations

from research to market and scale-up.

8. The EIC Board President shall have the status of an independent special adviser and

shall be appointed by the Commission following a transparent recruitment process.

The term of office of the EIC Board President shall be limited to a maximum of two

years, extendable once for up to 2 years.

9. The EIC Board President shall chair the EIC Board, prepare its meetings, assign

tasks to members and may establish dedicated sub-groups. The EIC Board President

shall represent the EIC Board’s views in the world of innovation and act as an

interlocutor with the Commission.

10. The Commission shall establish a EIC Board code of conduct addressing, in

particular, the avoidance of conflicts of interest and breach of confidentiality. The

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members of the EIC Board shall agree to abide by the code of conduct upon

assuming office.

11. The Commission shall provide administrative support to the EIC Board and the EIC

Board President.

Article 13

Innovation Ecosystems

The Specific Programme shall support:

(a) the establishment and support of connected hubs across the Union, providing

innovators, start-ups and scale-ups access to resources, services and partners,

including investment opportunities, first buyers of R&I and innovative solutions,

corporates, experimentation facilities, research and technology infrastructures,

entrepreneurial talent, coaching and mentoring;

(b) activities to develop pan-European innovation ecosystems in key thematic areas,

support the development of innovation skills and early-stage venture building,

fostering the integration of the knowledge triangle – higher education, research and

innovation, and business – across the Union;

(c) programmes to support innovative SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups to expand and

access international markets through market viability studies, place-based innovation

tools, collaborative research and innovation, exchange of talents, tailored mentorship,

access to global investor networks, regulatory guidance, localized marketing support,

and soft-landing services in target countries;

(d) other actions to support the development of innovation ecosystems and connectivity

including studies, benchmarking, mutual learning between innovation actors and

coordination of innovation policies.

Chapter V

European Research Area

Article 14

Reforming and enhancing the European R&I system

To support the realisation of the European Research Area (ERA), the Specific Programme

shall assist Member States in achieving the objectives set out in the Pact for Research and

Innovation in Europe9, by supporting actions aligned with ERA objectives and priority areas

for joint action, and by promoting upholding ERA values and principles, as established in the

Pact.

9 Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/2122 of 26 November 2021 on a Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe,

OJ L 431, 2.12.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2021/2122/oj.

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Article 15

Widening participation and spreading excellence

The Specific Programme shall support a truly integrated and cohesive R&I ecosystem in the

Union, addressing especially the third and fourth priority areas of the Pact for R&I,

amplifying access to research and innovation excellence across the Union and prioritising

investments and reforms. Disparities between leading and less advanced countries in terms of

R&I performance shall be tackled through activities building a solid science base and

connecting actors and ecosystems, and that encourage structural policy reforms at national

and regional level aimed at, such as, improving the attractiveness of research careers,

internationalisation, effectiveness of management and governance of R&I institutions or

matching activities with Union initiatives.

Article 16

Research infrastructures

1. The Specific Programme shall support the construction, development and integration

of research infrastructures of European Union interest.

2. Research infrastructures activities shall focus on:

(a) developing, consolidating and streamlining the Union landscape of research

infrastructures, including coordination between the Union and national

capacities and contributing up to 20% of the building costs of critical new

world-class capacities;

(b) reinforcing transnational access to research infrastructures across domains and

sectors, and adapting to new emerging user communities;

(c) making research infrastructures more resilient and sustainable while keeping

pace with rapid technological advancements;

(d) developing a web of findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable (FAIR) and

machine-actionable research data, including through expanding and

consolidating the European Open Science Cloud as Europe’s research data

space;

(e) reinforcing European research infrastructure policy and international

cooperation.

Article 17

Technology infrastructures

1. The Specific Programme shall improve technology infrastructure capacities in the

Union and facilitate access to the integrated services of such infrastructures for

innovative companies, including start-ups and scale-ups.

2. Activities shall focus on:

Development of new technology infrastructure capacities

(a) Improving the visibility and uptake of technology infrastructure services;

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(b) Access programme for SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups to technology

infrastructures across the Union;

(c) Collaboration and networking among the infrastructures, training and

upskilling of their staff.

(d) Reinforcing the European technology infrastructure policy.

Chapter VI

Transitional and final provisions

Article 18

Committee procedure

1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee. That committee shall be a

committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

2. The committee may convene in the following configurations, having regard to the

subject matter to be discussed:

• General configuration: overview of the implementation of the Specific

Programme;

• ERC;

• MSCA;

• Global societal challenges, EU Missions, New European Bauhaus Facility;

• EIC and innovation ecosystems;

• Research and technology infrastructures;

• Reforming and enhancing the European R&I system and widening

participation and spreading excellence.

3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No

182/2011 shall apply.

4. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No

182/2011 shall apply.

5. Where the opinion of the committee is to be obtained by written procedure, that

procedure shall be terminated without result when, within the time-limit for delivery

of the opinion, the chair of the committee so decides or a simple majority of

committee members so request.

6. In accordance with international agreements concluded by the Union, representatives

of third countries or international organisations may be invited as observers in the

meetings of the Specific Programme committee under the conditions laid down in its

rules of procedure, taking into account security and public order of the Union or its

Member States.

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Article 19

Repeal

Decision (EU) No 764/2021 is repealed with effect from 1 January 2028.

Article 20

Transitional provisions

1. This Decision shall not affect the continuation or modification of the actions

concerned, until their closure, under Decision (EU) 2021/764/EU, which shall

continue to apply to those actions until their closure.

2. The financial envelope for the Specific Programme may also cover technical and

administrative assistance expenses necessary to ensure the transition between the

Specific Programme and the measures adopted under its Decision (EU) 2021/764.

Article 21

Entry into force and application

This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in

the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 1 January 2028.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President