EU Funding in 2026: A pivotal year for the Social Economy
Introducing Euclid Network’s 2026 EU Funding Toolkit
As we enter the final stages of the 2021–2027 EU funding cycle, 2026 is shaping up to be a decisive year for social enterprises and the organisations that support them. The combination of mid-term reviews, delayed implementation across Cohesion Policy, new thematic priorities, and the first discussions around the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 creates an unusually dynamic landscape.
To help our members navigate this moment, Euclid Network is delighted to launch the EU Funding Toolkit: 2026 Edition — a practical, up-to-date guide to opportunities, trends and strategic directions across ESF+, Erasmus+, Interreg, Horizon Europe, the Single Market Programme, Digital Europe, NDICI – Global Europe and Horizon Europe.
Why 2026 matters
Across many programmes, the mid-term evaluations show slow implementation and shifting priorities. This means 2026 will see:
- Accelerated calls and contracting, especially under ERDF, ESF+ and Interreg;
- New opportunities created by reprogramming, particularly for green and digital transition, competitiveness and skills;
- Stronger alignment with macro-regional strategies and territorial cooperation;
- Simplification and streamlined processes, especially in Erasmus+, SMP and Digital Europe.
Notably, ESF+ has undergone a regulatory update, explicitly prioritising the social economy in new areas such as civil preparedness, cybersecurity and skills for the green transition. Interreg will intensify its focus on cooperation, governance and cross-border resilience, while Horizon Europe and Digital Europe will sharpen their emphasis on strategic technologies, innovation and skills.
The Toolkit Provides:
- A clear overview of 2026 funding opportunities across EU programmes;
- Summaries of key mid-term review findings and what they mean for social economy actors;
- A horizon scan of the next MFF (2028–2034) and expected programme evolutions;
- Practical guidance for members preparing project ideas, partnerships and advocacy strategies.
- Call to action: Help shape the future of EU-funded collaboration in the social economy! Fill in the survey and share your insights and needs – link: https://forms.gle/xa3cGLq9EoM7MDxV7
What Comes Next
In Q1 2026, Euclid Network will hold a member-only online webinar, offering deeper insights into 2026 opportunities and how members can position themselves for both funding and policy influence in the next MFF 2028-2034 cycle.
In March 2026, at the EN Impact Summit, we will go even further — hosting interactive sessions on funding, advocacy and the new MFF. Together with our members, we aim to co-shape the social economy’s role in future EU programmes and policies.
Explore the Toolkit
The EU Funding Toolkit is now available via the EN Knowledge Centre here. We invite all members and partners to dive in, share it with their teams, and reach out to us with ideas for collaboration.
Let’s make 2026 a strong year for the social economy — and prepare together for the next EU funding era.
