EU Framework Programmes
The EU Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development (currently: Horizon 2020) are the most important instruments for implementing the European Research Area (ERA).
Since 1984, the EU Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development have been the chief instruments in research funding at European level and are currently the key instruments for the implementation of the European Research Area (ERA). Starting with the Seventh Framework Programme, the period for each programme was lengthened from its previous four years to seven years.
The current Eighth Framework Programme, Horizon 2020 (2014-2020), will be succeeded in 2021 by Horizon Europe, the Ninth Framework Programme (2021-2027). Negotiations among the EU institutions on the major features of Horizon Europe have already been completed. The budget and certain sub-issues are still being negotiated and should be decided by 2020 at the latest.