Horizon Europe is the European Union's new programme for research and innovation. Starting in 2021 and running until 2027, Horizon Europe will support projects aimed at achieving the objectives identified in the Commission's policy guidelines for programming 2021-2027:

1. A European Green Deal
2. A Europe ready for the digital age
3. An economy at the service of people
4. A stronger Europe in the world
5. Promoting our European way of life
6. A new impetus for European democracy

The programme aims to make a scientific, technological, economic and social impact by leveraging the Union's investment in R&I, while strengthening the Union's scientific and technological foundations and promoting competitiveness in all Member States.

Horizon Europe is designed as an investment instrument with the aim of supporting the EU in its transition towards a sustainable and prosperous future. The concept of 'funding' that characterised its predecessor, Horizon 2020, is thus superseded.

The structure of Horizon Europe retains the three pillars, but the second and third undergo important changes.