Bridging innovation gaps: Horizon Europe is boosting R&I in emerging regions

What is the Horizon Europe Widening Programme? 

The capacity to lead impactful research and innovation (R&I) is unevenly distributed across the EU. Some countries face challenges such as limited scientific infrastructure, weaker networks, talent retention issues, or systemic barriers at regional or national levels. 

To address this gap, the European Commission included a dedicated sub-programme of Horizon Europe called Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence, which aims to strengthen R&I ecosystems in the EU and ensure no Member State is left behind. 

Currently, 15 Member States are designated as “Widening countries”: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. 

Additionally, EU outermost regions and associated countries with similar R&I performance levels are also considered Widening countries. Organisations eligible in Horizon Europe can participate in Widening projects, but only those based in Widening countries can participate as project coordinators.  

Horizon Europe Widening contribution to EU initiatives 

By providing access to funding and support, the programme enables Widening countries to modernise their research systems, aligning with the broader goals of the European Research Area and attracting international researchers – like the story of a US epidemiologist who moved to Prague, or of a former ERA Chair holder who moved to Estonia.  

At the same time, bridging gaps in R&I performance also enriches the EU’s collective innovation potential, ensuring a more inclusive and dynamic research landscape for all.  

For country-specific data, such as top five beneficiaries per Widening Member State and top five themes for participation, or country-specific R&I challenges, see this report. 

Recent efforts focused on integrating Widening participants into the flagship EU Missions in Horizon Europe, ensuring their contributions align with global challenges such as: 

• Adaptation to Climate Change
• Cancer
• Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
• A Soil Deal for Europe
• Restore our Ocean and Waters 

Widening projects are also providing feedback to policymakers for the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation in 2028–2034 (see here a joint policy brief by eight Twinning projects). To discover more project results, read through the Widening project stories.  

Participation and opportunities 

Prospective applicants may consult the Work Programme 2026-2027 and the specific call conditions, as criteria vary by action. Check out more information in this presentation from the latest Info Day in January 2026. 

In 2026 six calls open, of which four are currently accepting applications: 

• ERA Fellowships, closing 9 September 2026
• Hop-on facility, Teaming Synergies, and Research Management Facility, all closing 24 September 2026 

The last two are brand-new instruments, launched for the first time: 

• Teaming Synergies fosters collaboration among Teaming Centres of Excellence to support their efforts towards sustainability and increased impact at regional, national and European level. 
• The Research Management Facility aims to provide tailored support to institutions in Widening countries that seek to establish or upgrade their research management capacities. 

Moreover, projects in Widening countries may apply for the support of the widerAdvance facility. This is a free-of-charge service to support dissemination and exploitation activities and turn research results into sustainable solutions. 

To find out more about each individual call for proposals, visit the Horizon Europe Widening Participation page, watch the recording of the Info Day, and subscribe to the Widening newsletter.