Convergence of EU-13 Countries in EU Framework Programmes: Trends, Divergences and Limits - Reflection ahead of the CZEDER Conference

Central and Eastern Europe (EU-13) are gradually strengthening their participation in Horizon Europe. Their share of Framework Programme (FP) funding increased from 6.7% in Horizon 2020 (H2020) to 8.6% in Horizon Europe (HE). Widening plays an important role in this growth; however, the data show that EU-13 convergence towards the EU average and more advanced Member States rests on a broader base. Higher participation by EU-13 is also supported by instruments focused on scientific excellence and human capital (ERC, MSCA), as well as by smaller but fast-growing areas such as Health and Civil Security.

With a touch of metaphor, the convergence of EU-13 towards EU-14 can be seen as a long motorway journey. Widening acts as the “engine” – it provides power to the participation of EU-13 countries in the programme, significantly strengthens it, and is one of the main drivers of their growth in HE. But the engine alone is not enough to get the EU-13 car to its destination. MSCA and ERC function as the “transmission”: they do not immediately bring the largest volumes of funding, but they build institutional reputation, develop human capital, strengthen scientific quality and credibility, and thereby create the conditions for a more active role in other parts of the FP. The thematic areas of Health and Civil Security can be viewed as the “turbo” — EU-13 are growing fastest here and catching up with EU-14. Key thematic areas such as Digital, Industry & Space; Climate, Energy & Mobility; Food, Bioeconomy & Environment; and the EIC are the main “corridors” of the FP where the largest funding volumes are concentrated and where overall results are decided.

The convergence process is not even across EU-13 countries and will only be sustainable if the growth in their participation gradually carries over into open, competitive consortium calls — especially in Climate, Energy & Mobility; Digital, Industry & Space; Food, Bioeconomy & Environment; and EIC/FET. Only then can EU-13 approach EU-14 not just in growth rates but also in the overall volume of funding secured.

See the detailed analysis here.

Author: Daniel Frank, frank@tc.cz, Technology Centre Prague, 16 October 2025