European Programmes

European Competitive Programmes are EU funding instruments that contribute to implementing its core policies. Unlike European (Structural) Funds, they are not allocated by country — funding is awarded based on proposal quality, with no cap on the amount any country can claim or win. Proposals are submitted for approval directly to Brussels, to the European Commission, without intervention from Member State institutions. The Commission evaluates all proposals submitted by EU Member States (which compete against each other) and selects the best through comparative assessment. These programmes are typically transnational, meaning participation of partners from more than one Member State is required when submitting and implementing a proposal. Proposals must also advance transnational and European objectives, creating added value at the European level.