1.1. Understand the topic structure

Key concept 1. Understand the Topic structure

Microlearning: How to read a Horizon Europe call topic

Part of the “Proposal Assistance” Microlearning series - NCP@UEFISCDI

When you open a Horizon Europe call on the Funding & Tenders Portal, the text may look long and complex, but it always follows a logical structure. Think of it as a map: if you know how to read it, you’ll know exactly what the European Commission expects from your proposal.

Let’s break it down.

Each topic belongs to a Destination - a strategic objective within the Work Programme. The Destination explains why this research area matters for Europe, for example, promoting democracy, digital transformation, or green innovation.

Under that Destination, you’ll find one or more Calls, each addressing a specific aspect of that broader goal.

Within a Call, each Topic describes the actual challenge to be solved. This is the level where you, as an applicant, need to respond.

The topic text contains several recurring elements:

Expected Outcomes - the short-term changes or results your project should deliver;
Scope - what kind of activities are in and out of focus;
Type of Action - for example, RIA, IA, or CSA, which determines funding rate and TRL;
Specific conditions - eligibility, number of participants, and sometimes budget guidance.

1. Every Topic has a logic

Horizon Europe call texts may look complex, but they all follow the same logic. Think of it as a map:

Destination → the overall policy goal
Call → a group of related topics
Topic → the specific challenge you must address
Type of Action → what kind of project (RIA, IA, CSA)

Each level helps you understand why your idea matters and how it fits EU priorities.

NOTE:

When you read a call on the Funding & Tenders Portal, remember that you’re entering a structured hierarchy.

The “Destination” tells you the big picture (the societal or policy change the EU wants).
The “Topic” is where your project lives.

Knowing how these pieces connect helps you position your idea strategically from the start.

Let’s look at an example.

Imagine a topic under Cluster 2 – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society:
“Fighting against disinformation while ensuring the right to freedom of expression.”

The Destination is “Innovative research on European cultural heritage and the cultural and creative industries.”

The Type of Action is Research and Innovation Action (RIA).

The Expected Outcomes include better understanding of online disinformation dynamics and stronger protection of freedom of expression.

This is a real example from Cluster 2.

Notice how the Destination defines the big policy ambition, while the Topic narrows it to a specific problem.

When drafting your proposal, your entire story (objectives, work plan, and impacts) should point back to these Expected Outcomes.

When you read a topic, start by asking:

“What problem does the EU want solved here?”

“What changes or outcomes are expected by the end of the project?”

“What kind of project (research, innovation, or coordination) fits this need?”

If you can answer those questions clearly, you’ve already decoded the most important part of any call text.