Structure, goals and subdivisions of the Horizon Europe programme are contained in the Strategic Plan for Horizon Europe, by Horizon Europe for the first four-year period (2021-2024).

Structure of programme

This is the approved structure

Pillar 1: Excellent Science

Supports world-class science in Europe by developing, attracting and retaining excellent research talent, methodologies, expertise and knowledge

• European Research Council: frontier research with bottom-up approach
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: intersectorial mobility and training/career development with a bottom-up approach
• Research Infrastructures: closer collaboration between infrastructures to extend the frontiers of knowledge.

Pillar 2: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness 

Joint actions, aligned and flexible, to tackle global challenges with industrial and technological competitiveness for inclusive and sustainable growth.

• Clusters: through missions and partnerships, they will develop and introduce innovative technologies and solutions
  • Health
  • Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
  • Civil Security for Society
  • Digital, Industry and Space
  • Climate, Energy and Mobility
  • Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
• Joint Research Centre

Pillar 3: Innovative Europe

Promotion and fostering of new ideas and forms of innovation that are ethical, responsible and sustainable, to continue to bring prosperity to citizens and tackle the challenges of the future in cooperation with other European policies and InvestEu Programme

• European Innovation Council (EIC): support for ideas with pioneering potential and new market creators
• European Innovation ecosystems: creation of an environment favourable for the spread and development of innovation at all levels
• European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), via Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs): a union of fundamental elements (research, education and businesses) working towards a common goal to promote innovation

Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area

Implementing tangible measures to support the widening of participation and strengthening of the European Research Area;

• Increasing and widening participation and spread of excellence
• Reforming and relaunching the European System of Research and Innovation