The EU's strategy and plan for supporting science and research is part of the so-called framework programmes (FP) for science and innovation, which are always adopted for a seven-year programming period. Within the given structure and budget, work programmes are then published and updated annually in the individual sections of the framework programme. Updated versions of the work programmes of the individual sections of the framework programme are usually published in July and contain the full text of the calls that will be opened for the following year.

Horizon Europe is a new framework programme of the European Commission (EC) focused on research and innovation. The programme follows on from the previous framework programme Horizon 2020 (H2020) and will run from 2021 to 2027, so it will overlap in time with ongoing H2020 projects in the first years. This is the 9th Framework Programme in a row with the most ambitious budget proposal so far of 100 billion euros.

Horizon Europe has three main objectives: (1) strengthening the European Research Area (ERA) and thus the European research and technology bases, (2) revitalising Europe's innovation capacities, competitiveness and labour market, and (3) focusing on the priorities of EU citizens and promoting European values.

Structure of the Horizon Europe FP

With regard to continuity with the previous H2020 programme, the three-pillar structure remains unchanged, but there are some changes. The first pillar will continue to focus on excellent science, namely European Research Council (ERC) projects and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). Research infrastructures also remain part of this pillar.

The second pillar will focus on global challenges and the competitiveness of European industry (whereas the second pillar in H2020 focused only on industry and innovation). In addition to the Joint Research Centre (JRC), this pillar brings together six broad thematic clusters that represent areas of global challenges. These are the clusters:

• Health

• Culture, creativity and inclusive society

• Digitalisation, industry and space

• Climate, energy and transport

• Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment

The third pillar will focus on the concept of innovative Europe. This pillar includes the European Innovation Council (EIC), whose Accelerator pilot projects are already known from H2020. It also includes the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the topic of European innovation ecosystems.

An important focus for the Czech Republic should be projects that will be part of the Widening Participation and Strengthening ERA section. The EC understands Widening Participation as an opportunity for EU-13 states to participate as much as possible in Horizon Europe FP projects, and thereby strengthen their position in ERA.