If you are working on a proposal for one of the call topics from the list below, you'd better hold you horses, because these call topics will get cancelled or postponed. The reason behind this drastic action is a huge Work Plan update that aims at putting Europe on the global map again in the field of AI (e.g. LLM), or to broaden the scope (e.g. both 2-dimensional and advanced materials).

Affected call topics

Call HORIZON-CL4-2024-HUMAN-01

The Commission intends to cancel 3 topics included in this call (a human-centred and ethical development of digital and industrial technologies) will get cancelled.

• HORIZON-CL4-2024-HUMAN-01-06: Explainable and Robust AI (RIA), EUR 30.00 million
• HORIZON-CL4-2024-HUMAN-01-07: Collaborative intelligence – combining the best of machine and human (RIA), EUR 20.00 million
• HORIZON-CL4-2024-HUMAN-01-61: Facilitate the engagement in global ICT standardisation development (CSA), EUR 6.00 million

The first two call topics will be replaced by a new call for projects that would better support the policy needs emerging from the fast evolving trend on Artificial Intelligence, in particular around generative Artificial Intelligence. This strategy also aims to secure sovereignty over AI technology, requiring projects with sufficient critical mass.The third call topic one will most likely just be postponed and added (unchanged) to the later call, that would open in April 2024. 

Call HORIZON-CL4-2024-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-CNECT

The Commission intends to cancel 2 topics included in this call (Digital and emerging technologies for competitiveness and fit for the Green Deal)..

• HORIZON-CL4-2024-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-34: Synergy with national and regional initiatives in Europe (CSA), EUR 3.00 million.
• HORIZON-CL4-2024-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-42: Stimulating transnational research and development of next generation quantum technologies, including basic theories and components (RIA), EUR 15.00 million.

For the first call topic, the Commission is considering a new topic in a new call with a broader scope that would support the coordination of national and regional initiatives for both two-dimensional and advanced materials. The latter topic is most likely to be postponed and will be added (unchanged) to the new call for a better coordination with the national funding agencies, that would open in April 2024.

When will there be clarity?

There will be an unclear situation until the beginning of 2024. 

The new call will only be published when an amendment to the Work Programme has been adopted by the European Commission. This is expected to happen in early Feb 2024. Only the adopted work programme will have legal value. The adoption of the amended WP will be announced on the F&T Portal. The Commission expressly disclaims liability for any future changes of the content of this call/topic.