ECF focuses on four key areas:
ECF integrates 14 existing EU funding programmes and is complemented by contributions from Member States, EU institutions, international organisations, and other stakeholders.
ECF will be implemented in close synergy with the EU framework programme Horizon Europe and the Innovation Fund. Both programmes continue as standalone funding instruments; however, activities of the Innovation Fund related to industrial decarbonisation will be integrated into the ECF.
Thematic areas (clusters) under Pillar II of Horizon Europe shall be structured in line with the ECF four policy windows:
resilience, security and defence industry;
digital leadership;
clean transition and industrial decarbonisation;
health, biotechnology, agriculture and the bioeconomy.
The second pillar of the EU’s new long-term budget amounts to 451 billion euros, of which EUR 234,3 billion is allocated to the ECF.
EU for Business network will be established to help businesses become more competitive and innovative, and to grow and scale in the Single Market and beyond. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, scale-ups and small mid-cap companies.
The network will provide businesses with:
business advisory, partnerships and capacity building
support for innovation, technology access and market uptake
access to finance and markets, including internationalisation
insight into EU policies and support for a better business environment
entrepreneurship and skills development
The implementation of the ECF will begin in 2028. In 2026, negotiations between Member States are taking place in the Council ad hoc working group, with the aim of finalising the regulation establishing the ECF. This will be followed by the preparation of sectoral work programmes and the investment guidelines under InvestEU in 2027.
Useful links
Proposal for a Regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund
Last updated: 30.04.2026
