New EC document: GEPs – How to be ready for ex-post checks
25/01/2026
During 2026 the well-known Excel template for preparing detailed lump sum budgets will be progressively replaced by an online detailed budget table integrated directly in the Part A proposal forms.
The new format is already in use for selected topics in Cluster 5. For these calls, applicants must enter their lump sum budget directly in the online form — no Excel file is provided. The level of detail required and the evaluation approach remain unchanged, with step-by-step instructions embedded in the form itself.
As the roll-out is gradual, both systems (Excel and online table) will temporarily run in parallel. Updated guidance on lump sum grants and dedicated FAQs for relevant topics are planned.
Topics using the online lump sum budget table:
HORIZON-CL5-2026-05
HORIZON-CL5-2026-07
For these topics, no Excel budget template is available in the submission system.
The Commission will later collect structured feedback to further improve the online budgeting experience.
25/01/2026
13/01/2026
05/01/2026