Global Challenges & European Industrial Competitiveness

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Global Challenges & European Industrial Competitiveness
Cluster 6 and the Mission to Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030

Cluster 6 and the Mission to Restore Our...

May 13, 2026

Cluster 6 Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Ireland has surpassed €1.07bn in Horizon Europe funding, with €94.3m supporting marine and maritime research. This strong performance underpins efforts linked to the EU Mission to Restore Our Ocean and Waters and the emerging Ocean Pact. Key initiatives include innovative projects across energy, ecosystems, and sustainable materials, alongside preparations for the PHAROS Mega Event in May 2026. Together, these developments highlight Ireland’s leadership in marine research, collaboration, and innovation, positioning it as a key contributor to Europe’s green and digital transitions.

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Latest updates from Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility

Latest updates from Cluster 5: Climate, ...

May 13, 2026

Cluster 5 Climate, Energy and Mobility

Our May update highlights 2026 EU funding opportunities available under Cluster 5: Climate, Energy, and Mobility. The update covers Horizon Europe Cluster 5 calls on batteries, buildings, and wind energy, alongside the Clean Industrial Deal initiative. It also outlines LIFE CET funding, expert support for applicants, and the CETPartnership call. Key deadlines, Irish supports, and major events like the NEB Festival and European Sustainable Energy Week are included to guide prospective applicants.

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Updates in the 2026 Cluster 4: Digital

Updates in the 2026 Cluster 4: Digital

May 13, 2026

Cluster 4 Digital, Industry and Space

Cluster 4 under Horizon Europe supports digital, industry, and space research, with strong Irish participation across many projects. Strong interest in 2026 Digital calls led to hundreds of proposals, with results expected mid-2026. Some quantum topics have been moved to alternative programmes. Looking ahead, future calls will offer significant opportunities alongside national supports. The update also highlights developments in smart networks research, access to EU research facilities, and a range of upcoming events for collaboration and project development.

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Funding Opportunities for Cluster 6 and CBE JU

Funding Opportunities for Cluster 6 and ...

Apr 13, 2026

Cluster 6 Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Significant opportunities exist under Cluster 6 Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment with a budget of €683M available. Strong Irish participation indicates a suggested strong pipeline for this years calls.  Mark Sweeney, National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe Cluster 6 – Environment, discusses more on significant opportunities in food, bioeconomy and environmental research and upcoming CBE JU and EPA funding calls including further information on upcoming networking events and information sessions.

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Updates in the 2026 Cluster 4 Work Programme

Updates in the 2026 Cluster 4 Work Progr...

Mar 12, 2026

Cluster 4 Digital, Industry and Space

The Cluster 4 work programme is designed to build a competitive, digital, low-carbon and circular industry, ensure sustainable supply of raw materials, develop advanced materials and provide the basis for advances and innovation in global challenges to society. It is divided into three main areas Digital, Industry and Space. The Cluster 4 work programme for 2026 has been published and the HADEA Space call has just opened. Barry Jennings, National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe Cluster 4 – Space, Enterprise Ireland discusses. 

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Energy Innovation in 2026: What Global Trends Mean for Ireland and Horizon Europe

Energy Innovation in 2026: What Global T...

Mar 12, 2026

Cluster 5 Climate, Energy and Mobility

We are in a dynamic time for energy innovation. Today, the global markets for energy technologies such as batteries, wind turbines, electric vehicles and systems for industrial energy efficiency are worth trillions of Euros. Spending on energy represents as much as 10% of global GDP, so the outputs of research that can help boost energy supply, lower costs, and insulate us from external shocks, can be economically transformative. Brendan Cahill, National Contact Point, Cluster 5 – Energy discusses. 

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Update on Cluster 4 – Digital

Update on Cluster 4 – Digital

Feb 12, 2026

Cluster 4 Digital, Industry and Space

Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry & Space) is one of the largest clusters under Pillar two of Horizon Europe with an overall budget in excess of €15 billion. Irish participants have been doing very well in this area with over €168M in signed grant agreements to date. This equates to approx. 2% of the available budget. 103 Irish organisations are involved in 242 projects – this includes involvement in the “Chips” and “Smart Networks & Services” joint undertakings. 

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Strengthening Ireland’s Environmental Research: Updates and Opportunities in Horizon Europe 2026–2027

Strengthening Ireland’s Environmental Re...

Jan 15, 2026

Cluster 6 Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Research and innovation continue to be critical components of the EU’s goals to be more sustainable, competitive and resilient with an allocation of €14 billion to the final two years of Horizon Europe recently announced in the Work Programme for 2026 and 2027. Upcoming Cluster 6 calls will address challenges associated with ecosystem restoration, biodiversity preservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and other important areas.

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Europe’s Budget Pivot: Security, Competitiveness, and Ireland’s Strategic Choices

Europe’s Budget Pivot: Security, Competi...

Jan 15, 2026

Cluster 3 Civil Security for Society

The European Commission’s proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 signals a profound shift in EU spending priorities. This shift is in reaction to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia; the hybrid pressure campaign attributed to Russia such as drone incursions, GPS jamming, cable cuts, arson/sabotage at logistics hubs, and cyber operations; and doubts about US commitment to NATO.

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EqualHouse: Identifying solutions to address European housing inequalities in a more sustainable, affordable and inclusive way

EqualHouse: Identifying solutions to add...

Jan 13, 2026

Cluster 2 Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

Ireland is not the only European country facing a severe shortage of affordable housing. While the causes may differ, the problem is shared across almost every EU Member State. The Horizon Europe-funded EqualHouse project seeks to provide robust, evidence-based guidance to support and empower policymakers and other stakeholders in the development of affordable, inclusive and sustainable housing solutions.

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