The European Commission has just published the Horizon Europe 2025-2027 Strategic Plan laying the foundations for research and innovation priorities over the next three years. The plan is based on an in-depth analysis of political, social, economic, scientific and technological developments since the last strategic plan, in order to respond to new global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, the digital transition and the aging of the population.

The strategic plan sets out 3 strategic directions for research and innovation investment under Horizon Europe for the years 2025-2027:

• Advance the green transition,
• Accelerating the digital transition, and
• Strengthen Europe’s resilience, competitiveness, inclusiveness and democracy.

These orientations aim to ensure that the European Union plays a leading role in the development and deployment of critical technologies while fostering a transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

The strategic plan also reinforces Horizon Europe’s ambition in terms of biodiversity, with a commitment to devote 10% of the total budget for the period 2025-2027 to initiatives related to this field. This commitment complements existing targets for climate spending (35% over the lifetime of Horizon Europe) as well as key digital activities (€13 billion over the same period).

Key elements of the strategic plan include:

• 3 key strategic orientations for Horizon Europe’s research and innovation activities in 2025-2027
• 32 expected impacts divided into clusters
• 9 new co-financed and co-programmed European partnerships
• EU missions and an overview of their achievements in the early years
• New European Bauhaus Facility

The strategic plan emphasizes the importance of ensuring a balance of support for research and innovation, ranging from early-stage research to deployment activities. In addition, it emphasizes the integration of social sciences and humanities into all clusters, missions and partnerships, ensuring a comprehensive approach to societal challenges.

This document is based on an in-depth analysis carried out by the Commission’s services, along with a co-creation process with member states and associated countries, the European Parliament and over 2000 stakeholders and citizens. These contributions were gathered at various stages of the strategic planning process for Horizon Europe, including the largest-ever public consultation on the European research and innovation framework programs, and a dedicated citizen participation event.