TWINNING 2026 Call Open

The HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02-WIDENING-01: TWINNING call was opened today. The main objective of the TWINNING instrument is institutional networking, which will enable the transfer of knowledge and skills and the exchange of best practices, raise the research profile of the institution and its staff, and place particular emphasis on strengthening research management and administrative skills. Up to 30% of the total budget can be spent on research and innovation activities, which should be presented in a dedicated workpackage (WP1) entitled ‘Research component’. At least 50% of the budget for this component should be allocated to the coordinator.

The duration of the projects is set at up to 3 years. The recommended budget per project ranges from €0.8 to €1.5 million. The total budget for the call is €264.5 million. It is expected that 210 projects will be funded. Projects will be funded using a lump sum model. However, applicants do not need to divide activities into a larger number of work packages (as is usually the case with the lump sum model) because there will be only one reporting period, at the end of the project. The EC has newly reduced the maximum page limit for CSA lump-sum project proposals from 35 to 28 pages. Applicants can submit proposals until April 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CEST. Part B templates can be found bellow. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found in the “Topic Q&As“ section on the FTP.

On January 22, 2026 the European Commission (DG RTD) is organizing an online information day focused on the destination “Improved access to Excellence” (Widening). Its agenda can be found here.

The Technology Centre Prague and the National Office of Horizon CVTI SR are organizing a Czechia-Slovakia online webinar on February 5, 2026, on the Twinning 2026 call. Its preliminary agenda is available here.