In July 2018 a proposal for Horizon Europe was launched by the European Commission. After a provisional agreement on Horizon Europe was reached between the European Commission, Council and Parliament, the European Commission began a so called strategic planning process in spring 2019.
First strategic plan 2021-2024
The first strategic plan of Horizon Europe puts forward the targeted impacts for the European Union research and innovation activities and the priorities for the first four years of the implementation of Horizon Europe.
The strategic planning process focused in particular on the Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness pillar of Horizon Europe. It also covered the Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area part of the programme as well as relevant activities in other pillars. Missions and European Partnerships were also identified through the strategic planning process. The results of the strategic planning process created a basis for the content of the first two-yearly work programmes in Horizon Europe.
A co-design process took place over the summer and autumn of 2019. The European Commission invited everyone from everywhere to participate in an open consultation on Horizon Europe's first Strategic Plan.
The Horizon Europe Strategic plan 2021-2024 was published in February 2021.
Second strategic plan 2025-2027
The start of the second Horizon Europe strategic planning process was officially launched during the European Research & Innovation Days in September 2022.
Like its predecessor, the Strategic Plan 2025-2027 will be co-designed with input from citizens and stakeholders. The Strategic Plan 2025-2027 is also covered in the largest ever public online consultation of Horizon Europe, which will remain open for 12 weeks until 23 February 2023.
The next Strategic Plan 2025-2027 is expected to be adopted in 2024.
