In the context of simplification, the Commission has introduced the following substantial changes in the Standard Application Form (Version 5.0) for Horizon Europe Research & Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA) and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA):
- Simplified section 2.1 'Project's pathways towards impact':
Several guidelines have been removed from this section, among which the requirement to include scale and significance. Commission's justification: Initially introduced as a measure to help participants, it has turned out to be complex and in many cases difficult to quantify expected impact.
- Simplified section 3.1 'Work plan and resources'
The tables on 'other cost categories' and 'in kind-contributions' have been removed. The table on 'purchase costs' has been simplified. Commission's justification: For the evaluation of the implementation criterion, evaluators mainly need information on the major equipment to be purchased. Additional details could be asked at a later phase for proposals retained for funding.
- Reduction of the page limit
- RIA & IA: the page limit is set at 40 pages. For topics using lump sum funding, it is set at 45 pages.
- CSA: the page limit is set at 25 pages. For topics using lump sum funding, it is set at 28 pages.
Note that the revised templates are applicable for the 2026 and 2027 call topics.
!Please do keep in mind that the correct template to be used as an applicant to a specific call topic is always the one linked to this topic in the submission system!