The EU is strengthening financial instruments for innovation, social cohesion and green transition. Programmes such as Horizon Europe, InvestEU, ESF+ and the 2021–2027 cohesion policy continue to open up opportunities for businesses, municipalities and organisations — with recent updates to budgets and calls.
New European Union Programmes and Funding Lines: what companies and public entities need to know
The European Union maintains an active funding agenda to boost research, innovation, regional cohesion and the green and digital transition. Among the most impactful instruments are Horizon Europe, the framework programme for research and innovation; InvestEU, which mobilises guarantees to attract public and private investment; the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), focused on employment, skills and social inclusion; and the 2021–2027 cohesion policy, which supports regional projects and infrastructure.
There have been significant developments in recent months: the EU Executive has presented proposals and updates for future funding cycles (including proposals for the next research framework after 2027), and there are initiatives to strengthen the potential of InvestEU through guarantee increases and mechanisms to facilitate access for SMEs. These changes aim to accelerate the leverage of private capital and reduce bureaucracy for small beneficiaries.
For local businesses and organisations, this means two practical things:
(1) new calls and thematic instruments (R&D, energy transition, digitalisation) with significant funding are emerging;
(2) There are sporadic simplification measures and regulatory updates that alter eligibility criteria — therefore, maintaining an up-to-date application calendar and contact with national contact points is essential.