The Global Challenges and Industrial Competitiveness programme is placed in pillar II consists of six thematic clusters each having their own work programme with description of topics, deadlines,  eligibility criteria, types of action, grant sizes and budget models.. The clusters are:

• Health
• Culture, Creativity and Inclusive society
• Civil security for society
• Digital, Industry and Space
• Climate, Energy and Mobility
• Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Funding  supports thematically defined, collaborative and impact-focused research and innovation. Topics are described in biannual work programmes. Eligible activities are described in the call conditions. Projects must moreover comply with EU policy interests and priorities (environment, social, security, industrial policy, etc.).

Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) require beneficiaries from at least three legal entities independent of each other and established in different countries. Furthermore, the following conditions must be observed:

• at least one independent legal entity established in a Member State; and
• at least two other independent legal entities, each established in different Member States or Associated Countries.

Applications for ‘Coordination and Support Actions’ (CSAs) may be submitted by one or more legal entities established in a Member State or in an Associated Country.

Usually between € 3 and8 million but varies from € 1 to >30 million.

Deadlines runs throughout the year.

Funding and Tenders portal – reference documents: Links to the following essential documents:

• Work Programmes containing all EU calls
• General annexes outlining general conditions such as admissibility, eligibility and award criteria
• Horizon Europe Programme guide explaining the Horizon Europe terminology and requirements
• Application forms
• Evaluation forms

Research Support Office (RSO) web page: access to:

• RSO newsletters (including signing up for newsletters)
• Case and best practise interviews with AU researchers
• Early draft work programmes (Sign up by contacting staff members from the “Strategy Team”)
• Info about RSO events and workshops

The RSO offers support for all partner and coordinator applications from AU. Sign up here.

An EU-research funding advisor will assist you in the application process.

Depending on whether you intend to be a partner or to be the coordinator, we offer the following assistance:

For AU-partner applications:

• The AU budget
• Administrative input
• Clarification of pending questions

For AU-coordinator applications we offer support throughout the process from planning to submission. See more about our services here: