New opportunities for rural areas under Horizon Europe in 2026-2027
The European Commission has published the Horizon Europe work programme for 2026-2027, outlining upcoming funding opportunities under the EU’s research and innovation framework. The programme includes several calls of direct relevance for rural territories, notably under Cluster 6 ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’.
© European Union, 2026
Among the most relevant opportunities for rural areas is the call ‘Boosting sustainable competitiveness in rural areas through innovation’ (HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-COMMUNITIES-01). Expected to open in January 2026, with a deadline in April 2026, this call supports research and innovation actions that strengthen rural economies beyond agriculture. It focuses on improving competitiveness, innovation capacity, access to services, skills development and entrepreneurship in particular among young people, in rural areas, while addressing demographic challenges and territorial inequalities.
Sign up to attend the Cluster 6 Info days on 22-23 January for an overview of the cluster topics, guidance and tips for quality project proposals.
A second call, ‘Strengthening rural communities’ resilience to shocks’ (HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-COMMUNITIES-01), is foreseen under the 2027 part of the work programme, with an indicative opening in April 2027. This call aims to enhance the capacity of rural communities to anticipate, absorb and adapt to socio-economic, environmental and systemic shocks, including those linked to climate change, economic transitions and demographic pressures.
Beyond these dedicated rural calls, the work programme also includes relevant opportunities under Cluster 2 ‘Culture, Creativity and Inclusive society’, Cluster 5 ‘Climate, Energy and Mobility’, Cluster 6 thematic areas, and the New European Bauhaus Facility, which can support place-based innovation, climate resilience and quality of life in rural territories.
Overall, the Horizon Europe 2026-2027 programme foresees more than EUR 14 billion in EU investment to support Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness. Explore the work programme and upcoming calls on the Funding and Tenders Portal to identify opportunities aligned with rural development priorities.