Researches from countries that are not part of the EU nor associated to Horizon Europe can generally participate in all calls of the EU programme for research and innovation (if not otherwise mentioned) under the condition that they will not receive EU funds. However, there are a few noteworthy exceptions from this no-funding rule.
The European Commission has defined in the “List of Participating Countries in Horizon Europe” so-called “low- to middle-income countries” which are eligible for EU funding. Tap here to download the list: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_horizon-euratom_en.pdf
Facilities from countries which are neither EU Member States nor associated to Horizon Europe nor listed as “low- to middle-income countries” are still able to receive EU funds if their home country is explicitly mentioned in the work programme and call or the granting authority considers the participants involvement as essential for the project’s implementation out of the following reasons:
- Outstanding competence/expertise
- Access to particular research infrastructures
- Access to particular geographical environments
- Access to particular data
Numerous non-EU/non-associated third and partially associated counties have come up with specific national financial arrangements to support their participants in Horizon Europe projects. Some of these national arrangements only apply to certain parts of Horizon Europe. Participants from these third countries have to contact the responsible funding organizations in their home country to apply for these funds. The newly published “Horizon Europe guide on complementary funding mechanisms in third countries” lists the mentioned countries and provides an overview of the specific national funding mechanisms for third country participants. The guide also lays down the implementation arrangements that the European Research Council (ERC) has made with specific third countries. Follow the link to access the document: https://294962.seu2.cleverreach.com/c2/HOQL4/294962-16785026/14376d518bea-c75f31a4b4d8-8e30d796addc-e1393358dde5-77d1a9376cd2-8a8a82d4fc47-4d382cbd64c5-38d580eb7cef-cc9090fe7a42-448c303ffb3a-ac45d5d2/
Would you like to team up with scientists from non-EU/non-associated third or partially associated countries for an innovative Horizon Europe project? Or do you come from such a country and would like to share your funding story? Then you should visit our table at the upcoming “KoWi Annual Conference (BuTa)” in Leipzig. The Buta will take place on June 16–18, 2026, at the University of Leipzig. Save the date and register on time! Based on past experience, the 350 spots fill up quickly. Further information regarding the BuTa can be found on the official KoWi website: https://www.kowi.de/en/kowi/services/training-events/annual-conference/kowi-annual-conference-on-eu-research-innovation-funding.aspx