The European Excellence Initiative in its widening dimension aims to raise excellence in science and in knowledge valorisation of Europe’s universities through cooperation. The action will engage with universities and empower them further to be actors of change in R&I.

Applications must be submitted by a consortium including at least three independent legal entities in three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, at least one of which established in a Widening Country. Participation as coordinators to the call is limited to legal entities established in Widening countries, as defined in the Horizon Europe regulation.

The objectives of this action are to:

  • Raise excellence in science and in value creation through deeper and geographically inclusive cooperation in alliances of higher education institutions, such as – but not limited to – European Universities alliances selected under Erasmus+, with a particular focus on Widening countries;
  • Improve global competitiveness and visibility of Europe's higher education institutions, creating critical mass in key areas such as the green transition and Horizon Europe mission areas.

The EU estimates an EU contribution of between EUR 2 and 5 Million Euros per proposal for 5 years.

EEI is a CSA call that supports coordination and capacity building activities. Specifically for the EEI call, 20% of the budget may be used in Research and Innovation activities. 

2023 Budget: 54 Million Euros

2023 EEI call is open for applications and the deadline is 12th April 2023. 

For more information please consult 2023-2024 WIDERA Work Programme and the call page.

You can access European Commissions WIDERA Info Day here. EEI part is at 58:54 and you can also have more information about the evaluation process at 3:03:37.

You can apply to Support Program for ‘EU FP Coordinators’ if ou would like to coordinate a project under this call.

Please contact us (ncpwidera@tubitak.gov.tr) if you have any questions/comments.