A Work Package (WP) serves as a core structural unit for projects within European funding frameworks (such as Horizon Europe, MSCA, EDF, and others). It refers to a logically coherent set of activities within a given project. Work Packages break down the entire initiative into smaller, manageable sections that can be efficiently planned, monitored, and evaluated.

With the adoption of the lump sum funding model, where fixed lump-sum payments are made upon the execution of specific WPs, establishing realistic Work Package structures with careful regard to the overall project cash flow is essential.

Each Work Package includes clearly defined parameters:

• Name and objective,
• Description of activities (tasks),
• Key outputs (deliverables),
• Responsible party (lead partner),
• Timeframe,
• Budget,
• Milestones (milestones), if applicable.

Example

A project under the Horizon Europe framework can be divided into the following Work Packages:

• WP1 – Project Management (coordination, administration, reporting)
• WP2 – Research and Analysis
• WP3 – Pilot Testing
• WP4 – Dissemination and Communication
• WP5 – Exploitation and Sustainability of Results

A designated percentage of the total lump sum grant is assigned to each Work Package. Payment is disbursed once the WP is completed without needing to substantiate individual cost items such as invoices, payroll records, or travel expenses. The European Commission verifies the successful completion of the Work Package and releases the assigned funds accordingly.