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

April 9, 2026

€800,000–€1,500,000 per project (lump sum); project duration up to 3 years

Supports Widening country institutions to enhance research excellence and management by partnering with leading EU research institutions.

Only Widening country institutions may coordinate; lump sum funding model applies.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity under Horizon Europe aims to strengthen research excellence and management capacities of institutions in Widening countries by fostering strategic partnerships with at least two internationally leading research institutions from different EU Member States or Associated Countries. The program supports activities such as joint research, staff exchanges, expert visits, advanced training, workshops, conference participation, joint summer schools, and outreach. Special emphasis is placed on boosting research management, leveraging best practices, and promoting inclusivity and mobility, particularly for female and early-career researchers. --- ## Due Dates - **Full application deadline:** April 9, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage call) --- ## Funding Amount - **Award size:** €800,000 to €1,500,000 per project (lump sum funding) - **Project duration:** Up to 3 years - **Budget:** A research and innovation component may not exceed 30% of the total grant (at least 50% of this component must be allocated to the coordinator) --- ## Eligibility - **Coordinator:** Only legal entities established in Widening countries (as defined in the Horizon Europe regulation) are eligible to coordinate. - **Consortium:** Must include at least two internationally leading research institutions or higher education establishments from two different EU Member States or Associated Countries. - **JRC Participation:** The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may join as a beneficiary (with zero funding) or as an associated partner, but not during proposal preparation/submission. - **Eligible countries:** See [Annex B of the Work Programme 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) for the full list. - **Other:** Proposals must include a dedicated work package for research management capacity building. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02-WIDENING-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=9&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Format:** Single-stage submission using the standard Horizon Europe CSA application form. A detailed lump sum budget table (Excel template) must be completed and uploaded. - **Evaluation:** Proposals are evaluated on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation. Geographic diversity among Widening country coordinators is used as a tiebreaker. - **Documentation:** Application templates, model grant agreements, and budget instructions are available on the topic page. --- ## Additional Information - **Lump sum funding:** No actual cost reporting; payment is based on completion of work packages as described in the grant agreement. - **Research & Innovation component:** May not exceed 30% of the total grant; must be presented in a dedicated work package. - **Gender Equality:** Proposals should consider participants’ gender equality plans and promote gender balance in teams and leadership. - **Impact:** Proposals must detail expected quantitative and qualitative impacts, including scientific output, collaboration, investment mobilization, IP development, and inclusiveness. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic Page: Twinning (HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02-WIDENING-01)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02-WIDENING-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=9&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Call for Proposals Overview](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/calls-for-proposals?callIdentifier=HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02) - [Work Programme General Annexes (PDF)](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) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [Standard Application Form (HE CSA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-csa_en.pdf) - [Detailed Lump Sum Budget Table Instructions (Excel)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_he-ls-euratom_en.xlsm) - [Lump Sum Funding Guidance](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-funding-what-do-i-need-to-know_he_en.pdf) - [European Competence Framework for Research Managers](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/jobs-research/rm-comp-european-competence-framework-research-managers_en) - [National Contact Points for Horizon Europe](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Type | How to Contact | |------|---------------| | General EC Contact | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | IT Helpdesk | [Funding & Tenders Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | ---

Twinning

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