Pillar II: Global Challenges + European Industrial Competitiveness
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Boosting key technologies and solutions underpinning EU policies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Broken down into 6 Clusters: Health; Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Societies; Civil Security for Society; Digital, Industry and Space; Climate, Energy and Mobility; and Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment.
Key Aspects
Each proposal must be submitted by a consortium of at least 3 organisations from 3 different funding-eligible countries (unless otherwise specified in the call). At least one of the applicants must be in an EU-member state and the other 2 in different EU member states or Associated Countries. Having one or more industry partners (in the EU or Canada), where applicable, is advantageous.
Any legal entity is eligible to participate, but only entities that are registered in an EU member state, an “Associated Country”, or a “Low- or Middle-Income Country” are eligible to receive funding (Full list of eligible non-EU member countries). This includes for-profit, non-profit, EU bodies, and international European research organisations. Canada is now FULLY ELIGIBLE to receive funding under Pillar II calls. Note that Canada is not eligible to receive funding for other calls under Horizon Europe except the ERC Synergy Grant.
Value
€2-20 M (~CA$3-30 M) per project (call-dependent) split over the consortium of eligible partners (see above).
Indirect Costs of Research (ICR): 25% of eligible direct expenses
Funding Duration
Typically 2-3 years (call-dependent)
Contact
Contact Eyene Okpanachi, Research Partner for International Opportunities, to discuss your proposal.
Eyene Okpanachi
Research Partner, VPR Research Partners Network
eyene.okpanachi@ualberta.ca
National Contact Points (NCPs) for Canada
The Government of Canada has established National Contact Points (NCP) to provide guidance, practical information and assistance for those interested in participating in Horizon Europe. There is at least one NCP for each of the six clusters in Pillar 2.
Deadlines
- Depends on the call
- RAS Internal Review Deadline
- 10 business days before application submission date (Submit application to RAS via the Researcher Home Page)
Research Partner Network Resources
Guide to using the EU Funding and Tenders PortalHorizon Europe Roles and Responsibilities - Quick Reference
External Resources
EU Funding and Tenders Portal (find and apply to calls)Funding and Tenders Portal detailed online manual
Horizon Europe Info Days provide prospective applicants with information and guidance on Horizon Europe funding opportunities, calls and application processes. Upcoming sessions include:
- Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space — October 14–15, 2026. Learn about 2027 funding opportunities in digital technologies, industry and space.
- Horizontal Activities: Nature and Bridging Calls — October 16, 2026. Learn about the Nature and Bridging calls relevant across all Pillar II clusters.
- Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility — November 19, 2026. Learn about 2027 funding opportunities in climate, energy and mobility. See the 2026–2027 Cluster 5 Work Programme for the call topics.
Research Supports Available for Horizon Europe
Help building your consortium
- EU Funding & Tenders portal partner search
- European industry partnering via Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)
- Mobility support funding to build your network
- Mourou-Strickland Programme (The 2026 competition is closed. The next application deadline will be indicated here once announced).
- Mitacs Globalink