Reality Check on implementation aspects of Horizon Europe
As part of the European Commission’s approach to better implementation and simplification, the Commission’s Research and Innovation Directorate-General is organising a online event titled Reality Check on implementation aspects of Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation Framework Programme, from 10:00 – 12:00 CEST (Brussels time) on 23 September 2025.
This Reality Check will focus on practical experience with Horizon Europe, aiming to collect feedback on implementation from external stakeholders and identify opportunities for simplification. It will take the form of a virtual round table, featuring a panel of researchers/innovators with extensive experience across the three main pillars of Horizon Europe. The Commission services will be primarily in listening mode.
This Reality Check will also follow up on specific aspects raised at the Implementation Dialogue with Commissioner Zaharieva on 16 September 2025, for discussion in more technical detail.
Target audience: researchers and innovators who are (potential) applicants and beneficiaries of Horizon Europe, together with stakeholder organisations representing them (for example, universities, research centres, industry, National Contact Points etc.).
Programme:
- 10:00
Welcome and Introduction
Matthias Will, Director Common Implementation Centre, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission
- 10:05
Simplification in Horizon Europe: state of play
Peter Haertwich, Head of Unit Common Service for Business Processes, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission
- 10:15
Practical experience with Horizon Europe – opening statements by invited speakers, followed by discussion with panel and Commission services
- 11:00
Round table discussion with panel, based on inputs from online participants
Moderated by Peter Haertwich and Ulrich Genschel (Common Service for Business Processes)
- 11:45
Wrapping up: closing remarks by panelists and Commission services
- 12:00
End of the meeting
To register for the online event, please complete the following form. Registered participants will receive the link to the YouTube live stream.
A Slido session (Q&A Polls) is also organised. It is not available yet. Please come back on 23 September 2025 at 10:00 CEST & refresh the page (CTRL+F5). Before asking your question, please, make sure the answer is not included in the presentation.
