The European Commission proposes an 83% budget increase for the new Horizon Europe 2028–2034

The European Commission has unveiled its proposal for the regulation of the new Horizon Europe 2028–2034 framework, the EU’s main R&D&I funding programme, with an unprecedented budget: €175.002 billion for the next Multiannual Financial Framework. This represents an 83.3% increase compared to the current Horizon Europe 2021–2027 programme, underlining a strong commitment to knowledge, competitiveness, and European innovation in the face of global challenges.

Excellence in Science

Pillar I – “Excellent Science” will receive €44.079 billion, marking a 76.4% increase from the previous period. Notably, the European Research Council (ERC) will benefit from €31.5 billion, a 96.7% rise, reaffirming Europe’s determination to retain and attract top-tier scientific talent.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) will also grow by 78.6%, reaching €10 billion, strengthening its key role in researcher mobility and top-level doctoral training.

Competitiveness and Society: Strategic Priorities Reinforced

Pillar II – “Competitiveness and Society”, with €75.876 billion in total, will increase by 41.8%. Within this pillar, the “Competitiveness” component (€68.270 billion) is notably reinforced in key areas:

• Clean transition and industrial decarbonisation: €25.331 billion (+67.6%)
• Health, biotechnology, and bioeconomy: €19.650 billion (+14.3%)
• Digital leadership: €16.854 billion (+9.8%)
• Resilience, security, and defence: €6.435 billion (+303.3%). The latter reflects Europe’s growing geopolitical concerns, with its budget quadrupled.

The “Society” subcomponent does not yet detail assigned budgets for global challenges, missions, or the New European Bauhaus, though specific allocations are expected in later planning phases.

Unprecedented Support for Innovation

Pillar III – “Innovation” is one of the biggest beneficiaries, with a 184.8% increase, bringing its budget to €38.785 billion. The European Innovation Council (EIC), central to scaling up deeptech startups and disruptive technologies, will receive €34.5 billion (+243.1%), reflecting a strong push to boost Europe’s innovative business fabric and close the scalability gap with the US and Asia.

Support for innovation ecosystems and the Knowledge Triangle will also rise to €14.285 billion (+21.5%).

European Research Area Triples in Size

Pillar IV – “European Research Area (ERA)” experiences the highest percentage growth: +378.5%, reaching €16.262 billion. Within this pillar, there is a strong focus on developing large technological and research infrastructures (+355.8%) and improving participation and excellence across Europe (+58.4%)—two key levers for a more cohesive and inclusive scientific and technological Europe.

A clear political signal: more Europe to face greater challenges

This ambitious budget increase reflects the belief that research and innovation are crucial tools to address Europe’s structural challenges: technological sovereignty, strategic security, green and digital transitions, global health, and social cohesion.

At Zabala Innovation, we strongly welcome this proposal, which enhances support mechanisms for R&D&I through a transversal and systemic perspective. The new programme will be a crucial tool for companies, universities, technology centres, and public administrations aiming to transform their production models and innovate with impact.

As expert actors in securing European funds, we will continue supporting our clients in identifying opportunities, designing projects, and maximising impact—aligned with the objectives of the new Horizon Europe 2028–2034.