The European Commission has adopted the Horizon Europe Work Programmes for 2026–2027, setting out priorities and call topics for the final two years of the programme. While Horizon Europe is not a social economy programme per se, several work programmes offer clear and concrete entry points for social enterprises, cooperatives, social finance actors, Academics and SESOs.
Below we highlight where social economy organisations are particularly well positioned.
Where social economy actors fit best:
New business and funding models with social impact
The New European Bauhaus Facility (WP13) and European Innovation Ecosystems (WP10) explicitly recognise innovative business, governance and funding models that deliver social and environmental value. This includes collective ownership, blended finance, community investment and the role of foundations, philanthropic actors and mission-driven capital.
Inclusive and community-led innovation
WP5 (Culture, Creativity & Inclusive Society) supports social innovation, participatory governance and community-based approaches to inclusion, democracy and cultural value creation. Social economy actors are particularly relevant as co-creators and implementation partners.
Sustainable and fair value chains
WP9 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment) supports place-based, circular and regenerative models in food systems and the bioeconomy. Cooperatives, producer organisations and community-anchored social enterprises play a key role in delivering fair and inclusive transitions.
Ecosystem building and widening participation
WP11 (Widening Participation & Strengthening the ERA) focuses on strengthening innovation ecosystems, institutional capacity and citizen engagement, particularly in less-connected regions. Social economy networks and intermediaries can act as ecosystem builders and connectors between research, policy and practice.
We plan to host a New Year online session in January focused specifically on Horizon Europe opportunities, including where Euclid Network Members can realistically engage and how to position early.
Help us tailor support
We encourage all members to complete this short form to indicate their interests, experience and priorities related to EU funding including Horizon Europe.
If you haven’t already, download the EU Funding Toolkit to explore the world of Funding for social entrepreneurship and more in a practical, member-oriented way.
