Advanced materials, textiles, and photovoltaics are the themes at the heart of the new partnerships launched today by the EU Commission within the framework of the Horizon Europe program. Here is an overview of the European partnerships, which combine public funds and private investments to tackle research and innovation challenges in various sectors. Towards FP10, the 27 push for an autonomous and ambitious Horizon successor

In May, Brussels will publish a new call for the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3), the measure that supports the development of European value chains by leveraging the complementarity of the Smart Specializations of different EU regions. This is stated in the 2025-2027 work program of the I3 Instrument, which allocates almost 180 million euros for this three-year period. 

Increasing the availability of capital by tapping into those 10 billion in citizens' savings that lie dormant in banks, thus reducing the investment gap that contributes to the relocation of many innovative companies overseas.

From reducing energy costs to promoting circularity, the Steel and Metals Action Plan adopted today by the College of Commissioners aims to centralize the steel industry in the EU's strategic autonomy and security efforts.  Competitiveness Compass: Innovation, Sustainability, Security at the Core of the Competitiveness Compass

Despite significant support for the recovery of investments after the collapse caused by the financial crisis of 2007-2008, according to the latest report by the European Court of Auditors, the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) - the cornerstone instrument of the Juncker Plan - has not met its objectives. Increased Guarantees for InvestEU in the Omnibus Package

Facilitating the co-financing of projects in countries outside Europe. This is the goal of the agreement between the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). 

There is time until April 4 to participate in the new call of the C4T GROUNDWORK initiative, which aims to support European regions engaged in spending funds from Objective 2 of the Cohesion Policy dedicated to the green transition. JTP Groundwork Call: Technical Assistance for Just Transition

The European Commission is seeking independent professionals to serve as evaluators for calls related to Cluster 1 of Horizon Europe, which is dedicated to health. The profiles sought include not only experts in medicine and diseases but also professionals active in other areas such as artificial intelligence. Guide to the Critical Medicines Act

The African Development Bank Group and the government of Eritrea have embarked on a transformative journey to enhance the country's energy infrastructure. On March 10, 2025, a landmark agreement was signed to fund the Desert to Power Eritrea 12 MW Mini Grid Project, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy development in the region.

On Wednesday, the European Commission will present the White Paper on Defence, the roadmap to strengthen the military capabilities of EU member states. The "White Paper on the Future of European Defence" also includes investment funding options, which mirror the ReArm Europe Plan presented by President Ursula von der Leyen: relaxation of the Stability Pact, a €150 billion loan instrument, strengthening the role of the EIB, private capital, and more flexible use of existing European funds. EU's "Rearm Europe" Plan: A Strategic Move for Defense Investment  

The World Bank's new project aims to strengthen communities and support vulnerable groups in Djibouti through infrastructure development, social services enhancement, and economic opportunities.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) launches the ninth Gobernarte Contest to reward innovative uses of artificial intelligence and digital identification in Latin America's public sector.

Following the agreement to initiate the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, a new EU-South Africa trade agreement, Brussels has announced a multi-billion euro Global Gateway investment package in the country. This package focuses on energy, infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals, including EU contributions and loans from financial institutions. Global Gateway: flagship projects 2025 and new EIB investments in Africa  

Less bureaucracy and more simplification for accessing European funds from Horizon Europe, as well as a Tenth EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) that is independent from the European Competitiveness Fund. These are some of the key themes highlighted by Ms. Elena Donazzan, Vice-President of the ITRE Committee of the European Parliament and shadow rapporteur on the implementation of Horizon Europe and the future FP10. Towards FP10, the 27 push for an autonomous and ambitious successor to Horizon

Promoting the production of essential medicines in Europe and strengthening international supply chains are the main objectives of the Critical Medicines Act proposal presented yesterday. The Commission aims to achieve these goals through a set of tools including: the STEP Platform, resources from programs such as EU4Health and Horizon Europe, as well as increased use of joint procurements and tenders that favor made in Europe.

The next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation in Europe (FP10) must have an independent structure and a budget that meets the scale of today's challenges. This is the key concept highlighted by European ministers responsible for research during the Warsaw summit on March 11, where concerns emerged about the potential integration of Horizon Europe's successor into the European Competitiveness Fund. European Budget: Status Quo is Not an Option for the MFF 2028-2034

The new call will open in April to allow excellent researchers with a PhD to enhance their skills through the scholarships offered by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). Here’s how to participate in the European call.

In the wake of a devastating conflict that spanned from October 2023 to December 2024, Lebanon faces an arduous journey towards recovery and reconstruction. The World Bank's recent report, the Lebanon Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) 2025, estimates that the nation requires US$11 billion to rebuild and recover.

There is time until May 28 to participate in the public consultation launched by the European Commission to gather stakeholders' opinions on the implementation of the Connecting Europe Facility 2 (CEF 2), the EU's main funding program for strategic infrastructure in the transport, energy, and digital sectors. Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital 2024-2027: €865 Million for 5G, Quantum Networks, and Digital Infrastructure

Nineteen million Filipinos to benefit from World Bank projects aimed at improving transport and health services in Mindanao and low-capacity provinces.

Developing new funding opportunities for affordable and sustainable housing across Europe. This is the goal of the pan-European investment platform for affordable housing, whose foundations were launched today in Luxembourg by the EU Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB), aiming to also aggregate other actors.

Following the launch of the InvestAI initiative, the European Union continues to make significant efforts in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Within the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, a new call has been activated to strengthen international cooperation on large-scale Generative AI models for scientific applications. InvestAI, the EU invests 200 billion in artificial intelligence

As discussions begin on the future of EU funding programs within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, a study commissioned by the ITRE committee of the European Parliament addresses the synergies between Horizon Europe and Cohesion Policy. 

Yesterday, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, convened key leaders of the European industry and other stakeholders for the launch of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Steel Sector, aimed at addressing the sector's challenges to ensure its full functionality.

As the United States formalizes the suspension of military aid to Ukraine, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveils the "Rearm Europe" plan. This five-point strategy aims to boost European defense spending, potentially mobilizing up to 800 billion euros in the coming years. European Defense Funds, EIB, Stability Pact: The Cards on the Table for the Arms Race

Following the achievements of the 2022-2024 period, European institutions are working to define the new European Research Area Policy Agenda for 2025-2027. Compared to the past, there is a greater emphasis on policies, with a clearer structure, and on areas such as artificial intelligence in science, research security, and equity in science. 

Verify the adherence of consultants to the EIC Code of Conduct published in 2023, request multiple offers, pay attention to contractual clauses, and keep in mind that there are also free consulting services (such as those from National Contact Points). 

With the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, the action plan launched by the European Commission within the framework of the Clean Industrial Deal, Brussels aims to make energy accessible to all by addressing bills, completing the Energy Union, attracting investments, and preparing for energy crises. Guide to the next EU initiatives against high energy costs. Competitiveness Compass: Innovation, Sustainability, and Security at the Core  

Following an initial session in Cali, Colombia, the second part of the United Nations World Conference on Biodiversity took place in Rome from February 25 to 27. Here are the results of the COP16 in Rome.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a $44.9 million grant agreement with the government of Chad to finance the asphalting of the 49.5-kilometer Kyabé-Mayo section of the Kyabé-Singako road.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan aimed at bolstering climate- and disaster-resilient sewerage and drainage infrastructure in Kolkata, India.

In recent years, the European Union has made significant efforts to promote sustainable finance, aiming to direct capital towards economic activities aligned with climate goals. However, as highlighted by an analysis from the think tank Bruegel, there are still challenges hindering the development of the EU's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) finance framework.

There is time until March 7 to participate in the call for expressions of interest launched by the DG REGIO of the European Commission to support strategic public procurement within projects funded by the European Cohesion Policy funds. Expressions of interest can be submitted by intermediate bodies and managing authorities.

Europe continues to accelerate efforts to strengthen international cooperation in artificial intelligence. From the announcement of the launch in early 2024 to the official establishment, we analyze the main features of the first consortia for a European digital infrastructure and future evolution prospects. New CEF Digital 2024 calls for 5G, fast and quantum networks

As London proposes a pan-European Defense Fund, the European Commission is working on a package of measures that EU leaders will begin discussing at the extraordinary European Council on March 6. Options on the table range from excluding defense spending from the Stability Pact to issuing EIB debt tied to sector funding.  European Defense Fund, over one billion euros for the 2025 calls

In line with the European Competitiveness Compass, the European Commission has introduced the "Omnibus Proposal" to revise and streamline key EU regulations, creating a more business-friendly environment in Europe, starting with SMEs. Innovation, sustainability, security at the heart of the Competitiveness Compass

In March, the European Parliament's plenary session will vote on a report from the Employment and Social Affairs Committee calling for a strengthened European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) within the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the MFF 2028-2034. More resources are needed for the Child Guarantee, Youth Guarantee, and housing crisis, with a firm no to merging with other ESF+ funds, which must remain autonomous and under shared management. European Budget: the status quo is not an option for the MFF 2028-2034  

The Clean Aviation Partnership has announced the 2025 call for innovative projects aimed at decarbonizing the aviation sector, with a budget of €380 million. Applications open on March 27, 2025.

Applications are open until March 18 for the European Space Agency (ESA) call aimed at supporting the development of services for verifying environmental claims and labels to protect the environment, through feasibility studies that can evolve into larger-scale pilot projects.

In early April, a new round of calls for proposals will open from the SESAR Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU), a partnership funded by Horizon Europe and industry stakeholders to promote research, innovation, and the development of new technologies and solutions for high-performance integrated air traffic management.  

After launching the Fast Track and Venture Creator programs in early January, the European partnership EP PerMed has now developed a Partnering Tool to facilitate connections for Fast Track proposals. This potentially very useful tool allows finding partners to collaborate with. EP PerMed 2025 Call: Advancing Pharmacogenomic Strategies for Personalized Medicine

The World Bank has launched the Advancing Innovative Methods to Promote Learning (AIM4Learning) Program, a $1.54 billion initiative aimed at improving basic education in Eastern and Southern Africa.

As anticipated in the Competitiveness Compass, among the novelties of the Omnibus Package that the European Commission will present on February 26, there will also be a revision of the InvestEU program to improve support for investments in strategic sectors for the Union's competitiveness. In addition to simplifications, there is talk of an increase in guarantees by 2.5 billion euros. Omnibus Package: investors urge caution as EU sustainability rules overhauled

With investment tickets that can reach up to 2.5 million euros per project, the EIT RawMaterials has launched a call active until early September as part of the European Raw Materials Alliance. The incentives are aimed at startups and scaleups with technologies capable of revolutionizing the sector.

Starting today, consortia composed of companies, universities, or research organizations working on radically new innovations and technological projects can apply for support from the Pathfinder Open Call 2025 of the European Innovation Council (EIC).

Interested stakeholders have until April 25, 2025, to participate in the public consultation launched by the European Commission on the draft Framework for State Aid to support the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal, the EU action plan for the transition and competitiveness of European industry presented last February 26. 

During the year, the European Commission will present both simplification packages provided by the 'EU Vision for Agriculture and Food' to reduce administrative burdens on farmers and the entire agri-food chain, one on the CAP and a broader one on various topics. This was assured by Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen in a plenary session in Strasbourg, where several MEPs - including many Italians - denounced the vagueness of the Vision on the size and governance of European agricultural funds in the next EU budget. Targeted aid for the CAP and a Transition Fund for a sustainable agriculture  

Today, February 26, the European Commission presented the Clean Industrial Deal, a roadmap for the EU Executive over the next five years to support the competitiveness and decarbonization of the Union's industry. Here's what it entails. Competitiveness Compass: Innovation, Sustainability, Security at the Heart of the Competitiveness Compass

As every year, the 2025 edition of the REGIOSTARS competition will award the best projects supported by the Cohesion Policy in the EU. Enterprises, associations, and public administrations that have received contributions and funding from European structural funds can submit their projects and compete for EU recognition until May 20, 2025. Fitto: no centralization of Cohesion, but reform is necessary

There is time until March 17 to participate in the consultation launched by the EU Commission for the definition of the European Strategy for Startups and Scaleups: a comprehensive framework with which Brussels intends to address the obstacles preventing new businesses from emerging and expanding in the market. European Commission launches EUDIS Business Accelerator and matchmaking program for Defense Startups