Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Climate Energy Mobility is a key pillar of the EU’s research and innovation strategy, addressing some of Europe’s most pressing societal challenges. As part of its long-term investment in research and innovation, the European Commission is directing major funding to Horizon Europe’s Cluster 5, which focuses on climate, energy, and mobility. The cluster benefits from the programme’s overall €15.1 billion budget for 2021–2027, with €2.2 billion allocated under the 2026–2027 Work Programme—particularly for Destination 3, Energy Supply.
Horizon Europe Cluster 5 supports collaborative research and innovation aimed at accelerating Europe’s transition to climate neutrality, strengthening energy security, and developing sustainable, smart mobility systems. It brings together researchers, industry, public authorities, and civil society to deliver solutions that combine scientific excellence with tangible real-world impact.
EURESEARCH Information Day on Horizon Europe Cluster 5
An online information session dedicated to Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Climate Energy Mobility was held on Monday, 19 January and organised by EURESEARCH, the Swiss national information and advisory network for European research and innovation. With regional offices across Switzerland, EURESEARCH supports researchers, higher education institutions, companies, and public organisations in accessing cooperation and funding opportunities within Horizon Europe and related European initiatives.
The session provided participants with a comprehensive overview of upcoming funding opportunities, eligibility rules, and strategic priorities for future calls. Practical aspects such as proposal preparation, consortium building, and participation requirements were also discussed.
Switzerland’s participation in Horizon Europe Cluster 5
A key focus of the event was Switzerland’s participation in Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Climate Energy Mobility. As an associated country, Switzerland enables its research and innovation actors to apply as beneficiaries, act as coordinators, and receive direct EU funding under the same rules and conditions as EU Member State partners.
Collaborative projects under Cluster 5 typically require consortia consisting of at least one partner from an EU Member State and two additional partners from two different countries.
“We receive frequent questions about Switzerland’s participation in the Horizon Europe Programme. Since Switzerland’s status changed on 1 January 2025, many researchers and innovators are understandably uncertain about what this means in practice. It is therefore crucial for Swiss actors to re-engage as an associated country in European research and innovation,”
Francesco Kienzle, Director, EURESEARCH
Priorities and funding approach
Cluster 5 forms part of Pillar II of Horizon Europe (2021–2027), which addresses global challenges and European industrial competitiveness. Funding follows a top-down approach, with the European Commission defining policy-driven challenges and launching targeted calls for innovative solutions.
Recent trends within Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Climate Energy Mobility include:
- Fewer but larger call topics
- Increased use of lump-sum funding
- Stronger alignment with the Clean Industrial Deal
- Greater focus on Europe’s strategic autonomy
Source: EURESEARCH, Information Event on Horizon Europe Cluster 5, 19 January 2026
Thematic scope of Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Climate Energy Mobility
The cluster covers a broad thematic scope and is structured around six destinations addressing:
- Climate science and adaptation
- Cross-sectoral solutions for the climate transition
- Sustainable and competitive energy supply
- Efficient energy use
- Clean, connected, and automated mobility
Across all destinations, Horizon Europe Cluster 5 places strong emphasis on solution-oriented projects, including testing, demonstration, and deployment activities. Planned calls in climate sciences include actions on Earth system science, climate risk modelling, policy support, science communication, and cooperation with regions heavily affected by climate change, notably Africa.
Cluster 5 is also closely linked to the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, which focuses on implementation at regional and local level. While Cluster 5 supports the development of climate knowledge and future projections, mission-driven actions prioritise practical, place-based solutions such as local energy transitions and climate adaptation measures involving municipalities and local authorities.
How MARTEL supports applicants
The event concluded with practical guidance for prospective applicants, including identifying relevant topics, forming strong international consortia, and accessing proposal-writing support. Early engagement with National Contact Points for Cluster 5 was strongly encouraged to ensure alignment with EU priorities and to strengthen proposal competitiveness.
Martel, with over 30 years of experience in EU-funded projects, is well positioned to support Swiss partners applying under Horizon Europe Cluster 5. Drawing on extensive expertise across the entire project lifecycle, Martel ensures strategic alignment with EU priorities, full compliance with funding requirements, and a clear, compelling proposal structure—significantly enhancing the chances of successful funding. Check here the collaboration opportunities.
