Horizon Europe’s main aim is to maximize the scientific, economic and societal impact of Union investment in research and innovation. To this end, it will seek to attract more investments from the industry and member states, strengthen the link between science and society and maximize the benefits derived from their interaction through activities ensuring commitment and involvement of EU citizens and their collectivities at all stages and levels (policy-making, implementation).
Horizon Europe will comprise three pillars, as follows:
- Open Science
- Global Challenges and Industrial Competitiveness
- Open Innovation
The three pillars will be interconnected and complemented by the introduction of a 4th horizontal Part “Strengthening the European Research Area”.
The proposed programme structure and the budget breakdown are presented in the following table:
| Proposed budget (€ bn) | % of total budget | |
| Pillar 1: Open Science | 25.80 | 27.42% |
| European Research Council (ERC) | 16.60 | 17.64% |
| Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) | 6.80 | 7.23% |
| Research Infrastructures | 2.40 | 2.55% |
| Pillar 2: Global Challenges & Industrial Competitiveness | 52.70 | 56.00% |
| Health | 7.70 | 8.18% |
| Inclusive & Secure Societies | 2.80 | 2.98% |
| Digital & industry | 15.00 | 15.94% |
| Climate, Energy & Mobility | 15.00 | 15.94% |
| Food & Natural Resources | 10.00 | 10.63% |
| Non-nuclear direct actions of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) | 2.20 | 2.34% |
| Pillar 3: Open Innovation | 1.50 | 14.35% |
| European Innovation Council (EIC) | 10.00 | 10.63% |
| European Innovation Ecosystems | 0.50 | 0.53% |
| European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) | 3.00 | 3.19% |
| Strengthening the European Research Area | 2.10 | 2.23% |
| Sharing Excellence | 1.70 | 1.81% |
| Reforming and Enhancing the European R&I System | 0.4.0 | 0.43% |
| TOTAL | 94.10 | 100% |