Bridging actions: Preparing for FP10

On 29 September 2026, the European Commission amended the Horizon Europe Work Programmes 2026–2027. The amendment adds €500 million, bringing the total budget for the two years to around €14.8 billion, according to the Commission’s press release.

It also introduces two new horizontal calls: one supporting a nature-positive economy and society, and the other, Bridging Actions 2027, helping organisations prepare for the next framework programme, commonly known as FP10.

Two new horizontal calls

These calls are described as “horizontal” because they cover several thematic areas of Horizon Europe.

The first, “Transformative change towards a nature-positive economy and society”, has a budget of €227 million and funds 11 actions supporting the EU’s biodiversity goals. Topics include ocean observation, invertebrate decline, living labs for nature restoration and One Health research.

The second, Bridging Actions 2027, has a budget of €260 million and funds 16 actions. It aims to prepare the ground for the Commission’s proposed Horizon Europe programme for 2028–2034 and its expected links with the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The call introduces an “innovation to investment journey” to connect research results more closely with market deployment.

Advancing results from Pillar II projects

One Bridging Actions topic may be particularly relevant to organisations in Luxembourg: HORIZON-BRIDGING-2027-02-05, “Advancing promising results from Pillar II collaborative research through the innovation journey”. Many Luxembourg researchers, companies and startups already participate in Pillar II collaborative projects. This topic offers a route to take promising results further.

The topic reflects a stronger focus on what happens after research results are achieved. Applicants are expected to show how promising results could progress towards further development, investment and practical use. Organisations with Horizon Europe results should identify those with the greatest potential, consider which partners could help advance them and determine what skills, infrastructure or funding the next steps may require.

The official topic page on the Funding & Tenders Portal provides details on the scope, eligibility conditions, budget and deadlines for the Bridging Actions.

Valorisation topics in Cluster 4

The Bridging Actions are not the only Work Programme topics focused on taking research results further. Cluster 4, “Digital, Industry and Space”, includes four topics addressing different stages of the valorisation journey:

• A “Proof of market” action to support the valorisation and commercialisation of results from Horizon projects
• Pilot access schemes to technology infrastructures for European startups, scaleups and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises
• A European network to strengthen the role of venture builders in research-performing organisations
• A topic focused on making academic intellectual assets more accessible to industry, SMEs and startups

These Cluster 4 topics opened on 13 October 2026 and close on 2 February 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time. Further information is available on the Commission’s knowledge valorisation page for the 2026–2027 Work Programme.

Together, these topics point to greater attention to knowledge valorisation across the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026–2027. Organisations can prepare by reviewing their research results and considering what will be needed to take them towards further development and use.

Getting ready for FP10

The Commission’s proposal for FP10, covering 2028–2034, places greater emphasis on the links between research, innovation and deployment. The proposed structure includes a pillar dedicated to innovation and a stronger connection between research results and the European Competitiveness Fund. Bridging Actions give organisations an opportunity to apply this approach under current rules.

Preparing a proposal can help organisations:

• Review the potential of existing project results
• Identify partners for the next stage, including companies, investors, public authorities and innovation intermediaries
• Strengthen exploitation and valorisation plans
• Build consortia and experience relevant to FP10

How NCP Luxembourg can help

As Luxembourg’s National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe, Luxinnovation supports organisations throughout the process. The NCP team can help you understand the amended Work Programme, identify relevant topics, assess eligibility and requirements, and review your proposal.

“Preparing a bridging proposal is also a practical way to get ready for FP10,” explains Francesca Borrelli, Head of European Funding at Luxinnovation. “Reviewing your Horizon Europe results, building partnerships beyond your consortium and thinking early about uptake may put you in a better position for the next framework programme. And our NCP team at Luxinnovation is happy to help.”