The Horizon Europe Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) subprogramme addresses inequalities within the EU in research and innovation (R&I) and focuses on reducing these gaps. Its objective is to enable all European countries to participate in excellent research and innovation, thereby strengthening the European Research Area (ERA) as a whole.

The Purpose of Horizon Europe WIDERA

Through the Horizon Europe WIDERA programme, the EU aims to increase research capacity and innovation in lower-performing R&I countries, while also boosting participation from underrepresented countries in programmes such as Horizon Europe and across the broader European R&I landscape.

Horizon Europe WIDERA pillars

The Horizon Europe WIDERA programme is structured around two main pillars:

WIDERA-Widening

The first pillar, Widening Participation & Spreading Excellence (WIDERA-Widening), focuses on building research and innovation capacity in less developed countries. This includes actions such as establishing new or enhanced centres of excellence, strengthening networking activities between research institutions, and involving universities in research and innovation.
This pillar specifically targets one part of Europe: countries that lag in R&I performance.

WIDERA-ERA

The second pillar, Reforming & Enhancing the European R&I System (WIDERA-ERA), concentrates on structurally reforming the European R&I system as a whole. This involves improving research policies and systems, enhancing research culture, developing better career opportunities for researchers, and creating stronger links between R&I and society.
Unlike WIDERA-Widening, the focus here is on Europe-wide policy, culture, and structures, rather than physical research capacity.

Funding budgets and calls

For the 2021–2027 work programme, a budget of € 3.2 billion has been allocated to Horizon Europe WIDERA. In November 2025, a new work programme was launched: WIDERA 2026–2027, which includes several upcoming calls.

Information Days

• ERA calls: 11 December 2025
• Widening calls: 22 January 2026

2026 Calls

• ERA calls: 10 December 2025 – 12 March 2026
• Widening calls: dates not yet announced

Need support with your grant application?

Are you curious about your funding opportunities or need assistance preparing your application? Our specialists have extensive experience with various Horizon Europe programmes, and are ready to support you. Contact one of our specialists to schedule a meeting. You can reach us via 088 495 20 00, info@hezelburcht.com or by filling in the contact form. We are happy to help!