A Work Programme (WP) is an official document published by the European Commission that sets out the priorities, objectives, funding topics, and application conditions for project proposals within Horizon Europe and other EU initiatives. Typically released for a period of one to two years, it serves as the primary roadmap for grant applicants looking to align their projects with current strategic priorities of the European Union. Alongside short-term programs, a Multiannual Work Programme may also be implemented to cover an entire programming framework (e.g., 2021–2027).
A Work Programme typically specifies:
- Topics and calls for proposals – Detailed descriptions of funded areas and targeted goals.
- Budget and financial allocations – The total available funding and estimated budget allocated per project.
- Project types – Action types such as RIA (Research and Innovation Action), IA (Innovation Action), and CSA (Coordination and Support Action).
- Eligibility and participation conditions – Rules defining eligible entities and application formats.
- Timeline – Call publication dates and submission deadlines.
- Expected outcomes and impacts – The anticipated contributions and results required from supported projects.
- Evaluation criteria – The parameters and methodology used to assess applications.
For initiatives under the European Innovation Council (EIC), the Work Programme further elaborates on support schemes, application pathways, and evaluation procedures. Carefully studying the Work Programme is essential for applicants to ensure their proposal fully matches all specified expectations and requirements.
Overall, the WP operates as a strategic framework determining how EU funding will be deployed to support science, research, innovation, and key European goals within a given timeframe.
