[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 23, 2026

€3,000,000–€4,000,000 per project (lump sum); up to 3 projects funded

Supports research to enhance Europe's productivity and competitiveness while upholding high social and environmental standards amid global changes.

--- ## Description This Horizon Europe grant funds research projects that analyze and advance the concept of sustainable competitiveness in Europe. Projects should examine how geopolitics, global trade, climate change, technological innovation, and demographic shifts impact productivity, with a focus on maintaining the European social model and high environmental standards. The goal is to generate actionable policy recommendations and innovative solutions, including practical toolkits, for EU Member States and Associated Countries. Collaboration among funded projects and with the Social Transformations and Resilience partnership is strongly encouraged to maximize impact and cross-pollination of ideas. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2026: Full application submission deadline (by 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative budget: €12,000,000 total for this topic - Typical grant size: €3,000,000–€4,000,000 (lump sum) per project - Expected number of grants: 3 --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must involve at least three independent legal entities from three different EU Member States or Associated Countries. - Eligible countries: EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe. Some non-EU/non-associated countries may participate if they secure their own funding (see [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)). - Proposals must comply with financial, operational, and legal capacity requirements as described in the [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process. - Submission opens: May 12, 2026. - Submission deadline: September 23, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. - Applications must be submitted via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-02?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Proposals must use the specific application form for this call (max 50 pages for Part B, plus a detailed budget table). - Evaluation criteria and process are described in the [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Lump sum grant model applies. --- ## Additional Information - Projects are expected to deliver recommendations and practical tools for policymakers. - Interdisciplinary research (including social sciences and humanities) is encouraged. - Clustering and cooperation with the Social Transformations and Resilience partnership is recommended. - See the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) for detailed procedures. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-02?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes 2026–2027](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Standard Application Form (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Topic | Link or Contact | |----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) |

Strengthen Europe's social model and sustainable competitiveness through productivity - European Commission

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