Twinning

Twinning actions aim to enhance networking activities between research institutions and infrastructures in Widening countries by linking them with at least two internationally leading research institutions from different Member States or Associated Countries. The actions target raising the research profile and management capacity of coordinating institutions from Widening countries, advancing research excellence, closing the gap within the European Union, and fostering strategic collaboration. Activities include joint research, staff exchanges, trainings, workshops, summer schools, and dissemination, with additional focus on improved gender equality, inclusiveness and researcher mobility.

Check your compatibility

Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, NGO, Government organization, Other
Start date	8 Jan 2026
End date	9 Apr 2026
Max funding	Up to 1,500,000 EUR per grant.
Budget	223,000,000 EUR for 2026 41,500,000 EUR for 2027
Coverage	Lump sum contributions as defined in the Horizon Europe Programme. A research and innovation component not exceeding 30% of the total Horizon Europe grant may be included, with at least 50% of the budget for this component allocated to the coordinator.

Grant application conditions

Eligible Participants	Coordinators must be legal entities established in Widening countries, as per Horizon Europe regulation. Consortium must include at least two internationally leading research institutions from two different Member States or Associated Countries.
Eligible Countries	Eligible countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may be eligible if they provide funding for their participants.
Project Duration	Up to 3 years.
Budget Component Restriction	Research and innovation component must not exceed 30% of the total grant, and at least 50% of this component's budget should go to the coordinator.
Joint Research Activities	Applicants must provide a strategy for joint research and innovation activities in their proposal, including scientific collaboration, staff exchange, training, and outreach.
Reporting and Legal Setup	Eligible costs are established as a lump sum according to Horizon Europe rules. Legal and financial set-up is described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Gender Equality	Activities should take into account participants’ gender equality plans and contribute to increased gender equality and inclusiveness.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02-WIDENING-01

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements