The European Commission has adopted the main Horizon Europe Work Programme for 2026–2027, outlining plans and funding for research and innovation on Europe’s climate and energy transition.
The total budget of the work programme amounts to €14 billion, allocating at least 35% (around €4.9 billion) to climate-related activities, supporting the EU’s objective of becoming a climate-neutral, resilient economy by 2050.
Horizon Europe Cluster Funding for Climate and Energy
Horizon Europe's Pillar II, “Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness”, addresses climate-relevant research and innovation through multiple Clusters.
Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility receives the highest climate allocation, estimated at €1.644 billion. Investments in this cluster will support advances in climate science, renewable energy generation, energy storage technologies, and the modernisation of integrated and flexible energy systems. Other key areas also include carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), improved energy efficiency in buildings and industry, and the transition to zero and low-emission transport across all modes.
Additional climate-relevant funding is provided through Cluster 6, which dedicates €778 million to climate mitigation and adaptation across agriculture, land and water systems, with a strong focus on resilience, ecosystem protection and sustainable food systems. Cluster 4 complements these efforts with €437 million for low-carbon and circular industrial processes and advanced materials that enable energy system decarbonisation.
New Calls to Support the Clean Energy Transition
A new horizontal call worth €540 million under the 2026–2027 programme directly supports the Clean Industrial Deal, with a strong emphasis on clean technologies and the decarbonisation of energy-intensive sectors. Opening in December 2025 for 2026 topics, the call targets near-market projects that can demonstrate technological maturity, industrial leadership and clear deployment pathways, bridging the gap between innovation and large-scale climate impact.
Next Steps
Climate and energy stakeholders are encouraged to monitor upcoming calls via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and participate in dedicated Info Days to align proposals with Horizon Europe’s strategic climate and energy priorities.
Source: Directorate-General for Climate Action
Details
- Publication date
- 20 January 2026
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency