What is the Euratom Research and Training Programme?
The Euratom Research and Training Programme is a complementary funding programme to Horizon Europe which covers nuclear research and innovation. It uses the same instruments and rules for participation as Horizon Europe.
The programme is planned in five-year cycles, with an extension for another two years in order to align with the Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU’s seven-year budget cycle.
It funds direct actions, which are research activities undertaken by the Commission's Joint Research Centre, and indirect actions - research activities undertaken by multi-partner consortia. The indirect actions are coordinated by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission.
The 2026-2027 Euratom work programme for research is extending the 2021-2025 programme. It has a budget of €330 million:
- €222 million for indirect actions in fusion research and development
- €108 million for indirect actions in nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection
In nuclear fission, the indirect actions are complemented by direct actions undertaken by the Joint Research Centre.
Factsheet: Euratom research and training programme 2026-2027
Objectives
The Euratom Research and Training programme aims to:
- foster the development of fusion energy as a future source for electricity production,
- improve nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radiation protection, waste management and decommissioning - for power and non-power applications of nuclear technologies,
- further develop expertise and competence in the nuclear field within the EU,
- support the policy of the EU and its members on continuous improvement of nuclear safety, safeguards and security.
Fusion and fission
The Euratom Programme is a part of the EU's efforts to further its strategic autonomy in the energy sector, its technological leadership and its progress towards carbon-neutrality by 2050.
The indirect actions of the Euratom Programme focus on
- fusion energy research and development
- nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection
Nuclear fusion research and development
Fusion energy comes with transformative perspectives for safe, large‑scale, low carbon electricity production.
Europe is well positioned on the fusion energy map, including as the host and key contributor to ITER.
The fusion sector, while having science and research at its core, is now also driven by the development of the industry, including SMEs and startups.
In this context, the support for fusion energy research will partially shift in 2026-2027. While maintaining a focus on excellent science through EUROfusion, the new Euratom work programme will support developing the European fusion industry and foster the emergence and growth of innovative fusion startups and SMEs.
It introduces the first calls under a new European Public-Private Partnership for Fusion Energy to help mature key technologies for future fusion power plants. The PPP makes the industry a key partner in fusion energy research.
The programme also includes contributions to new European Innovation Council’s (EIC) Fusion Challenges to stimulate startups and SMEs scale up, access private capital and develop their technology in the EU.
Nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection
The Euratom Research and Training Programme funds research and innovation for the highest standards of safety, security, safeguards, radiation protection, safe spent fuel, radioactive waste management and decommissioning in the nuclear field.
The 2026-2027 work programme will most notably support key safety research for the long term operation of existing power plants, as well as future Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor designs. It also reinforces European partnerships in waste management (EURAD), nuclear materials (CONNECT-NM), and radiation protection (PIANOFORTE).
Research into the non-power application of ionising radiation continues to be an important part of the programme with actions in support of a secure supply of medical radioisotopes in Europe, notably used in cancer care.
Education and Skills
The Euratom Programme also prioritises developing and attracting nuclear competence and talent, ensuring Europe's independence and ability to safely use current nuclear technologies while advancing and implementing new ones.
Researchers’ mobility through Horizon Europe's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and improved open access to and development of research infrastructures continue to be encouraged in the 2026-2027 work programme.
In addition, the Euratom Research and Training Programme fosters initiatives on skills, notably through the European Nuclear Skills Academy, facilitating workforce’s mobility and increased gender balance in the nuclear sector. It also supports Ukrainian nuclear research in integrating the European Research Area.
Discover testimonials from Young professionals in the nuclear field.
Euratom synergies
The Euratom Research and Training Programme is building bridges with the Health cluster and the Digital, Industry & Space cluster of Horizon Europe. It works in synergy with the EU Mission: Cancer, Europe’s beating cancer plan, the SAMIRA Action Plan and the European Radioisotope Valley Initiative (ERVI).
Apply for funding
All the funding information and details on how to apply are on the Funding and Tenders portal
Work Programme
Funding opportunities are set out in Work Programmes, which cover the support available.
2026-2027
Euratom Work Programme (2026-2027)
2023-2025
Euratom Work Programme (2023 – 2025)
2021-2022
Euratom Work Programme 2021-2022 (amendment)
Prizes
The Euratom programme funds 2 prizes for researchers
Open call for nuclear expertise
The Commission is regularly on the lookout for expertise in the nuclear fields (safety and security, waste management, radiation protection and fusion). If you are an expert, we invite you to read the text of the permanently open call and, if interested, to register as an expert. If you had registered in the past, we recommend you access your entry to check that the details are still correct.
Webinars
Webinars for proposal/grant coordinators, participants and other stakeholders.
- Lump Sum Funding in Horizon Europe: How does it work? How to write a proposal?
- Info session on Horizon Results Booster – steering research towards a strong societal impact
- Avoiding common errors in declaring other direct costs under H2020
- Coordinators’ Day on Horizon Europe Grant Management
All webinars were virtual and the recordings are available to watch.
Documents
The Euratom Research and Training Programme is the EU’s main instrument for advancing key safety research, innovation and training in nuclear technologies.
European Commission proposes €6.7 billion for the Euratom Research and Training Programme with the objective: pursue research into safe and innovative nuclear technologies with the potential, among other things, to unleash ample sustainable energy, strengthening Europe’s autonomy in the energy sector.
Fusion Expert Group opinion paper:The Fusion Expert Group (FEG) supports the development of an EU Fusion Strategy, expected to be published in view of the proposal of the Euratom Research & Training Programme for 2028–2032.
Priorities for European nuclear research and training - An STC Opinion
Nuclear safety research: The results of the Euratom research and training programme
Euratom research in action and opportunities for Europe
Euratom research and training programme 2021-2025 - 28 projects
Small modular reactors and medical applications of nuclear technologies