Horizin Europe / strategic plan 2025 till 2027

Hereafter a strategic and structured overview, which involves digital- and industry parties managing such an event!

Overview of EU Funds in the Czech Republic for 2025

Czech Republic is actively utilizing EU funds in 2025, having access to €21.1 billion under five core investment priorities, with a strong track record of fund absorption and project implementation. Horizon Europe’s Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry, Space) offers funding opportunities to achieve leadership in careful digitized industrial value chains.

Funding Opportunities for Digital and Industrial Technologies

Cluster 4 provides significant funding to support the digital transformation of industries, particularly in regions like Central and Eastern Europe, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Key areas include:

1. AI and Advanced Computing:
   • Investment in AI-driven planning tools, simulation systems, and ERP software to optimize industrial processes.
   • Specific calls under Horizon Europe focus on AI applications for manufacturing and logistics, enabling companies to adopt sophisticated tools like Kinaxis or custom ERP solutions35.
2. Circular and Low-Carbon Industries:
   • Funding supports the development of circular industries using advanced digital tools to reduce waste and promote sustainability9.
   • Projects can focus on energy-efficient manufacturing technologies aligned with the European Green Deal objectives113.
3. Scaling Manufacturing Capacities:
   • Horizon Europe promotes scaling EU manufacturing capacities by fostering innovation in regions with less industrial infrastructure.
   • Support includes investments in raw material substitution, recycling technologies, and modular production systems113.

Preparing Agencies and ERP Software Firms

To successfully implement ERP systems and digital infrastructure in regions lacking professional skills:

1. Capacity Building:
   • Horizon Europe funds initiatives for upskilling workers through training programs focused on digital tools like AI interfaces and ERP systems16.
   • Agencies should collaborate with local governments to establish training centers for software development and implementation.
2. Infrastructure Development:
   • Grants are available for building resilient digital infrastructure, including connectivity solutions essential for ERP system deployment115.
   • Companies can apply for funding to develop tailored ERP solutions that address local challenges such as limited IT budgets or infrastructure incompatibilities67.
3. Collaborative Networks:
   • Partnerships between ERP firms, local SMEs, and educational institutions are encouraged under Horizon Europe.
   • These collaborations can facilitate knowledge transfer and ensure the long-term success of ERP implementation projects58.

Strategies for Implementation in Developing Regions

For countries with limited professional skills (e.g., Central/Eastern Europe or Southern Europe):

1. Gradual Deployment:
   • Introduce ERP systems incrementally through pilot projects funded by Horizon Europe.
   • Focus on modular designs that can be scaled as local expertise grows67.
2. Public-Private Partnerships:
   • Leverage partnerships between governments, private companies, and EU funds to address systemic challenges like infrastructure gaps or workforce shortages813.
3. Supportive Policies:
   • Align ERP implementation with national recovery plans (e.g., Portugal’s R&D diversification or Italy’s solar PV manufacturing investments)10.
   • Advocate for policies that incentivize the adoption of digital tools in underserved regions.

Bertrams |Coordinating Complexity| is utilizing Horizon Europe’s funding opportunities strategically, to overcome barriers to implementing sophisticated digital infrastructures while fostering inclusive growth across Europe’s diverse regions.

1. Key EU Funding Programs

Program	Focus Areas	Budget/Allocation
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)	Infrastructure, innovation, digitalization, renewable energy	€10.3 billion (2021–2027)4
Cohesion Fund	Transport infrastructure, environmental projects	Significant share of €21.1 billion23
Modernisation Fund	Energy efficiency, renewable energy, industrial modernization	€4 billion allocated until 202516
Just Transition Fund (JTF)	Transition in coal regions, social inclusion	Part of broader EU JTF package47
Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)	Post-COVID recovery, green and digital transitions	Ongoing funding in multiple sectors67

2. Notable Allocations for 2025

• State Environmental Fund (SFŽP ČR):
  • Total budget: €1.8 billion
  • Focus: Energy-efficient housing (e.g., “New Green Savings” programs), water infrastructure (sewer systems, wastewater treatment), and renewable energy projects1.
• Energy Storage Projects:
  • €279 million for deploying 1.5 GWh of energy storage capacity under the Modernisation Fund5.
• Railway Infrastructure Upgrades:
  • €466 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for modernizing rail lines as part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)7.
• Integration Activities:
  • Funding call under the Foreigners Integration Programme for NGOs to support non-EU nationals (€1-year grants)8.

3. Progress and Achievements

• By early 2025, the Czech Republic had contracted over half of its available EU funds for the current programming period, with a reimbursement rate of 13%—well above the EU average of 7.5%2.
• The country ranks fourth among EU Member States in terms of fund absorption efficiency2.

4. Sectoral Focus Areas

Sector	Key Initiatives
Energy Transition	Renewable energy deployment, industrial decarbonization, energy storage projects funded by Modernisation Fund15.
Transport	Railway modernization projects co-funded by EIB loans and EU grants for safer and greener transport7.
Environment	Water management infrastructure and energy-efficient housing programs under SFŽP ČR1.
Social Inclusion	Integration programs for migrants and vulnerable groups under JTF and national calls8.

5. Lessons from Czechia’s Success

• Efficient Coordination: The Ministry of Regional Development acts as the National Coordination Authority (NCA), ensuring streamlined fund management3.
• Sectoral Alignment with EU Priorities: Projects align closely with EU Green Deal objectives, including decarbonization and digitalization.
• Proactive Fund Absorption: Early contracting and high demand for grant calls have maximized fund utilization.

The Czech Republic’s approach demonstrates the importance of aligning national priorities with EU objectives, maintaining efficient coordination mechanisms, and focusing on high-impact sectors like energy transition and transport modernization.

Overview of EU Funds for Hungary in 2025

Hungary’s EU funding situation in 2025 remains complex due to ongoing rule-of-law disputes with the European Commission. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Cohesion Funds

• Total allocation for 2021-2027: €22 billion1
• Current status: 55% (approximately €12.1 billion) remains frozen13
• Key areas:
  • Energy efficiency: €6.7 billion
  • Labor market support: €5.3 billion
  • Transport infrastructure: €1.7 billion
  • Green energy transition: €215 million1

Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)

• Status: Payments suspended pending fulfillment of rule-of-law milestones1
• Approved amount: €3.9 billion in loans and €0.7 billion from REPowerEU7

Permanent Loss

• €1.04 billion from 2022 cohesion policy payments permanently lost as of January 1, 20253
• Potential risk: Additional €1.1 billion (2023 tranche) may be lost by end of 2025 if conditions not met3

Fiscal Expenditure Path

• Council recommendation for net expenditure growth:
  • 2025: Not to exceed 4.3%
  • 2026: Not to exceed 4.0%2

Available Funding

• Hungary received €6.5 billion in EU funds in 2023, with a net gain of €4.5 billion after EU budget contributions1
• Continued access to:
  • Remaining funds from 2014-2020 cohesion framework
  • New Common Agricultural Policy funds1

Business Support

• European Investment Fund and UniCredit Group guarantee agreement:
  • Aims to support around 2,500 SMEs and mid-cap businesses
  • Expected to mobilize €1 billion in debt investment5

Conditions for Fund Release

• Hungary needs to pass 17 rule-of-law measures, subject to European Commission approval3
• Key areas of concern:
  • Transparency in EU fund spending
  • Anti-corruption measures
  • Efficiency in public prosecutions3

Despite the ongoing disputes, Hungary maintains its commitment to domestic research and student mobility schemes to compensate for blocked EU funding6. The situation remains fluid, with potential for changes based on Hungary’s compliance with EU requirements and ongoing negotiations.

Overview of EU Funds in Romania for 2025

Romania continues to benefit significantly from EU funding programs aimed at economic development, innovation, and sustainability. Below is a detailed summary of the major funding streams and initiatives active in 2025.

Key Funding Programs

1. National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)
   • Total Allocation: €28.5 billion in non-refundable grants.
   • Focus Areas: Economic recovery post-COVID-19, green transition, digitalization, and infrastructure development26.
   • Deadline: Funds available until the end of 20263.
2. Structural and Cohesion Funds (2021-2027)
   • Purpose: Bridging economic disparities between EU member states.
   • Focus Areas: Public investments (90% of funds) and private business projects (10%).
   • Examples: Infrastructure, education, healthcare, and community development35.
3. Modernization Fund (until 2030)
   • Focus: Energy transition projects, including renewable energy production and energy efficiency measures3.
4. StartUp Nation 2025 Program
   • Grant Amount: Up to 250,000 RON (€50,000) per project.
   • Eligibility: Entrepreneurs who create and maintain two jobs for at least two years.
   • Phases: Entrepreneurial skills training followed by submission of business plans2.
5. Agricultural Investments via CAP Strategic Plan (DR-22)
   • Budget Increase: €259.3 million allocated for food processing projects in 2025.
   • Projects Funded: Conditioning, storage, and processing of agricultural products1.
6. EU Funding for Romanians Abroad
   • Annual grants for cultural preservation and community projects targeting Romanians living outside the country7.

Achievements with EU Funds

• Romania has surpassed €100 billion in total EU funds received since joining the EU in 20075.
• Major infrastructure improvements include nearly 900 km of highways built and sewage connections for over 3 million households5.
• Over 100,000 companies have received development grants, supporting entrepreneurship and job creation5.

Challenges

• Romania’s absorption rate of EU funds depends heavily on administrative efficiency and political stability.
• The government aims to improve tax collection to complement EU funding while addressing fiscal deficits4.

Opportunities for Businesses

Romanian businesses can access funding through various channels:

• Structural Funds for innovation and sustainability projects.
• StartUp Nation grants for new entrepreneurs.
• Agricultural subsidies under CAP Strategic Plan DR-22.

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to focus on green transition projects or digitalization initiatives to align with EU priorities such as the Green Deal.

By leveraging these programs effectively, Romania remains a “funding paradise” for public investments and private sector growth.