The Commission has adopted the main work program of Horizon Europe for the period 2021-2022, which sets out the objectives and specific thematic areas for which a total of € 14.7 billion will be allocated.

These investments will foster a green and digital transition, a sustainable recovery from the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the EU's resilience to future crises. It will provide European researchers with scholarships, access to training and exchanges, and contribute to building more connected and efficient European innovation ecosystems and cutting-edge research infrastructure. The program is open to participants from all over Europe and the world, while strengthening the European Research Area.

Horizon Europe achieves the goals of climate neutrality and a leading position in the field of digitalisation

More than 40% of the funds, or about a total of 5.8 billion euros, will be invested in research and innovation for Europe's green plan and the Union's commitment to make the EU the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This appropriation is intended for projects to improve the science of climate change, solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. For example, project activities can be those that accelerate the transition to clean energy and mobility in a sustainable and equitable way, help adapt food systems, support the circular and bioeconomy, maintain and improve natural carbon sinks in ecosystems, and encourage adaptation to climate change.

The available funds primarily finance the Digital Decade of Europe and the creation of preconditions for the establishment of digital companies, which will significantly increase the amount of investment in these areas. The program may include activities that encourage the exploitation of the full potential of digital tools and research and innovation based on data in the fields of health, media, cultural heritage, creative economy, energy, mobility and food production. This supports the modernization of industry and strengthens Europe's leading position in the industrial sector. Support for the development of basic digital technologies in the period 2021-2022 will amount to approximately EUR 4 billion.

Finally, with this work program, total investments of around € 1.9 billion will focus on repairing the immediate economic and social damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Through the NextGenerationEU instrument, the funds will contribute to building a new, post-pandemic Europe, which will be not only greener and more digital, but also more resistant to disruption, which includes modernizing health systems and improving research capacity, especially for vaccine development.

Greater impact of international cooperation: strategic, open and reciprocal

International cooperation in the field of research and innovation is necessary to respond to global challenges. It gives Europe access to resources, knowledge and experience, scientific excellence, value chains and emerging markets. In May 2021, the Commission presented a global approach to research and innovation, a European strategy for international cooperation in a changing world, based on the principles of multilateralism, openness and reciprocity.

Horizon Europe's work program for 2021-2022 includes specific measures to strengthen cooperation in multilateral initiatives in areas such as biodiversity, climate protection, environmental observation, ocean research and global health, and targeted measures with major partners outside the EU, including the first ambitious and comprehensive initiative for Africa.

Horizon Europe is generally open to countries around the world. The accession of third countries to Horizon Europe will expand the geographical scope of the program and provide additional opportunities for researchers, scientists, companies, institutions and other interested institutions to participate, with conditions generally being the same as for Member States. Restrictions on participation in the program are foreseen for a very small number of activities in accordance with Article 22.5. Horizon Europe Regulations to preserve the strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security of the European Union. Application