The 2027 Cluster 2 calls will be the last under the current programme before FP10 begins within a redesigned Multiannual Financial Framework. But the real challenge is different: how do you turn a year’s worth of strategic planning into a competitive Horizon Europe proposal? This practical month-by-month roadmap starts from one simple idea: your network already includes organisations active in Horizon Europe, the first step is to activate those relationships.

ART+INN, a member of the Impacto network, has just secured a Horizon Europe project with an outstanding score of 14.60 out of 15, including full marks for Impact. While the project was funded under the European Innovation Ecosystems programme rather than Cluster 2, the lessons they shared are highly relevant for any organisation looking to enter Horizon Europe: the value of long-term relationships, the strategic role of NGOs, how international partners can strengthen a project’s scalability, and three practical takeaways from evaluator feedback, even when your proposal is close to perfect.

The SSH dimension is not optional, international cooperation is not an add-on, and civil society organisations are not “gap-filling” partners. We’ve brought together the written, and unwritten, rules for designing Horizon Europe Cluster 2 partnerships that can succeed both in evaluation and implementation, including a closer look at the specific requirements and eligibility considerations for partners from outside the EU.

The HORIZON-CL2-2027-01 call is expected to open in May 2027, giving organisations almost 18 months to build strong consortia instead of rushing to meet deadlines. We’ve selected five topics, from family engagement in civic participation to AI in primary education, that are particularly well suited to mixed consortia involving civil society organisations, research institutions and SMEs. Plus, one 2026 opportunity that deserves a place on your radar.

€697 million, three Destinations, a new European Partnership on Social Transformations and a cluster that, contrary to what many believe, is explicitly open to NGOs, SMEs and civil society organisations. For those who have worked mainly with Erasmus+, CERV or Creative Europe so far, this may be the most accessible entry point into Horizon.

A methodological deep dive into how Impact Hub SB structured Grapes of Change under CERV-DAPHNE: layered intervention logic, KPI architecture, partnership complementarity and budget coherence to build credible structural impact.

A practical guide for designing a strong CERV Gender Equality proposal: from consortium building and KPI strategy to layered concept development and visual clarity in Part B.

A strategic analysis of the CERV Gender Equality call: priorities, partnership logic, policy alignment and key design elements to strengthen your proposal before the April deadline.

As CERV approaches its final cycle in 2027, this article explores what the transition toward AgoràEU means for organisations across Europe, highlighting strategic opportunities, upcoming deadlines and how to position your organisation in a changing EU funding landscape.

A short tribute to the woman whose vision made European student mobility possible.

A practical look at how to clearly distinguish Quality Assurance, Impact Measurement and Dissemination in Erasmus+ applications, and why getting this right matters for evaluation.

Key political signals, emerging priorities and budget debates shaping Erasmus+ in 2026 and beyond, from sustainability and skills to the next EU funding framework.

A clear and accessible overview of the main updates in the Erasmus+ Work Programme 2026, highlighting new partnership opportunities, evolving priorities and key deadlines for the year ahead.

An overview of how the 2025 budget was allocated, what shifted between Round 1 and Round 2, and what these changes tell us about the road towards 2026.