The European Commission has established six executive agencies which will all be located in Brussels. The executive agencies will assist the European Commission in the implementation of the Union programmes in the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF), among others the European framework programme for research and innovation Horizon Europe, and in addition assist with the ongoing Horizon 2020 projects. The following five agencies are established from 1 April 2021 until 31 December 2028:
- the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA, previously INEA); which will follow up on Horizon Europe pillar II cluster 5 (Climate, energy and mobility)
- the European Research Executive Agency (previously REA); which will follow-up on the Horizon Europe pillar I Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and research infrastructures, pillar II cluster 2 (culture, creativity and inclusive society), cluster 3 (Civil security for society), and cluster 6 (Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment), and the horizontal programmes (Reforming and enhancing the European R&I system and Spreading excellence and widening participation).
- the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (previously EASME); which will follow-up on the Horizon Europe pillar III European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Innovation Ecosystems
- the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA);
- the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA); which will follow-up on the Horizon Europe pillar I European Research Council (ERC).
A new European Health and Digital Executive Agency (EHDEA) is established from 16 February 2021 until 31 December 2028 and follows-up on Horizon Europe pillar II cluster 1 (health) and cluster 4 (Digital, industry and space research). The Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (CHAFEA) which is currently based in Luxemburg ceases to exist.
More details on the division of portfolios can be found in the European Commission implementing decision on the establishment of the executive agencies. This Nether news article includes a quick overview of each agency and their complete Horizon Europe portfolios.