EU Framework Programme

The Framework Programme (FP) is the main EU initiative to promote and support R&D&I in the European Union, and has the main objective of improving competitiveness by funding primarily research, technological development, demonstration and innovation activities in transnational collaboration between research institutions and companies both in the European Union and in associated states and third countries. It also provides financial support for the improvement and coordination of European research infrastructure, the promotion and training of research personnel and basic research.

The 2014-2020 period has seen the development of the Horizon 2020 (H2020) programme, the eighth edition of the EU FP, which has focused its efforts on three main pillars: strengthening excellent science, promoting industrial leadership, and addressing the challenges of our society.

Horizon Europe (HE) takes over from H2020 from 2021. This ninth FP (2021-2027) will have an increased budget and new instruments to strengthen the EU's scientific and technological capacities, boost its innovation capacity, improve competitiveness and job creation, and meet citizens' priorities, all while strengthening the values of European society. The three pillars on which HE is structured are:

• open science,
• global challenges and industrial competitiveness.
• open innovation.