Any natural or legal person with the operational and financial capacity to carry out the research activities described in the proposed project may apply to Horizon Europe. Eligible applicants include SMEs, industrial enterprises, research centres, universities, public bodies, and non-profit organisations.
The types of projects and activities that may receive funding are specified for each call under the relevant call conditions on the respective Topic page.
Which Countries Are Eligible for Funding?
Under Horizon Europe, entities established in EU Member States, Associated Countries (including Türkiye), and eligible third countries (click here for the current list) may receive funding.
In addition, countries specifically identified in the relevant Work Programme, as well as countries that participate in the Programme through bilateral scientific and technological cooperation agreements with the European Commission, may also be eligible for funding.
The eligibility of countries and organisations may vary depending on the specific call. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the call conditions before submitting a proposal.
Requirement for a Gender Equality Plan (GEP)
Higher education institutions, research organisations and public bodies established in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries are required to have a published and implemented institutional Gender Equality Plan (GEP) meeting the minimum requirements outlined below in order to be eligible for funding as a beneficiary or an affiliated entity under all Horizon Europe calls with deadlines from 1 January 2022 onwards.
The mandatory minimum requirements for Gender Equality Plans are described and illustrated with examples in the European Commission's guidance document, "Horizon Europe Guidance on Gender Equality Plans". In line with the rules updated under the Horizon Europe 2026-2027 Work Programme, GEPs are required to include the following minimum elements:
Publication: a formal document published on the institution’s website and signed and/or adopted by the top management |
Dedicated resources: commitment of resources and expertise in gender equality to implement the plan |
Data collection and monitoring: sex/gender disaggregated data on personnel (and students, for the establishments concerned) and reporting at least every two years based on indicators |
Training: awareness raising/training for staff and decision-makers on gender equality, for instance on unconscious gender biases |
In terms of content, it is recommended that the Gender Equality Plan addresses the following thematic areas: work-life balance and organisational culture; gender balance in leadership and decision-making; gender equality in recruitment and career progression; integration of the gender dimension into research and teaching; and measures against gender-based violence, including sexual harassment.
Institutions that have submitted (or plan to submit) proposals under Horizon Europe calls with deadlines on or after 1 January 2022 but have not yet established a compliant GEP at the time of proposal submission may be granted additional time until the signature of the Grant Agreement with the European Commission. However, if the institution has not implemented an eligible GEP by the time the Grant Agreement is signed, the project concerned (including collaborative and multinational projects) may become ineligible for funding.
Institutions are also required to ensure that their institutional Gender Equality Plan (GEP) remains in place throughout the lifetime of the project, should their proposal be selected for funding and the Grant Agreement enter into force.
Furthermore, Beneficiaries must take all measures to promote equal opportunities between men and women in implementing the action and, where applicable, in line with their gender equality plan. They must aim to achieve, to the extent possible, a gender balance at all levels of personnel assigned to the action, including at supervisory and managerial level.
The European Commission's strategy documents and guidance on Gender Equality Plans are available onthis page.
More detailed information is available in the updated "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)" document.
While the preparation of a GEP in accordance with the Commission's guidance is the responsibility of each institution, general questions regarding the preparation process may be addressed to the TÜBİTAK National Coordination Office via genderequalityplan@tubitak.gov.tr.
TÜBİTAK's GEP Action Plan
TÜBİTAK, which implements a large number of projects under the Horizon Europe Programme, has also adopted a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) Action Plan in line with the European Commission's requirements. You may access TÜBİTAK's GEP Action Plans covering the 2022-2025 and 2026-2028 periods via the links below.