Deadline: 03-Sep-2026
The European Commission is offering €12–13 million per project to advance European capabilities in space EEE (Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical) components. The grant supports developing resilient, high-performance technologies, secure supply chains, and reducing non-EU dependencies for key EU missions like Galileo, Copernicus, IRIS2, and In-Orbit Space Operations.
Overview of the Grant
This funding opportunity is part of the EU’s effort to:
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Enhance EU strategic autonomy in space operations
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Reduce non-EU dependencies on critical EEE components
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Ensure unrestricted access to technologies essential for EU space missions
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Develop products with equivalent or superior performance to non-EU alternatives
The program targets projects that mature critical space EEE components, establish resilient supply chains, and strengthen global competitiveness of EU space industries.
Funding Details
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Total budget for this topic: €12,740,000
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Funding per project: €12,000,000 – €13,000,000
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Eligibility: Any legal entity worldwide, including non-associated third countries and international organizations, in compliance with Horizon Europe regulations
Strategic Objectives
1. EU Strategic Autonomy
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Develop EEE components and technologies that reduce reliance on non-EU sources
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Establish trustworthy and resilient supply chains using EU or approved third-country sources
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Ensure supply chains are secure and free from export restrictions
2. Mission-Critical Technology Access
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Support EU space missions including Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, IRIS2, and In-Orbit Space Operations
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Advance technologies for Quantum Gravimetry and other pilot missions
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Provide state-of-the-art EEE components meeting high-performance requirements
3. Competitiveness and Performance
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Develop products capable of competing globally
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Achieve equivalent or superior performance compared to non-EU alternatives
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Strengthen European space industry leadership
Who Can Apply?
Eligible participants include:
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European and non-European legal entities
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Research institutions, companies, and international organizations
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Any entity that complies with Horizon Europe regulations
Key Requirements
Applicants must provide:
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Detailed technology descriptions and processes for developing space EEE components
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High-level supply chain breakdown for all components
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Evidence that the supply chain and final product are free from legal export restrictions (e.g., ITAR or equivalent)
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Technology development plans that prevent vulnerabilities and avoid non-EU export restrictions
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For TRL 5+ projects, list relevant standards or technical guidance for formal space evaluation and qualification
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Deliverables including a sensitive data pack for submission to the qualification authority
Project Expectations
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Mature critical space EEE components to reduce dependency on non-EU suppliers
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Establish long-term, sustainable supply chains primarily within the EU
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Include third-country sources only when necessary, ensuring reliability and compliance
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Successfully evaluated hardware is expected to display the EU emblem
Compliance and Risk Management
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Supply chains must align with EU strategic autonomy objectives
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Projects must assess supply chain vulnerabilities
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All technologies must avoid legal export restrictions to ensure secure EU mission operations
Why This Grant Matters
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Reduces EU dependence on non-EU space components
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Ensures security and operational independence of EU space missions
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Promotes high-performance, competitive European technologies
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Strengthens EU space industry capabilities and global leadership
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the purpose of this grant?
To develop resilient, high-performance space EEE components and ensure EU strategic autonomy in space missions.
2. Who can apply?
Any legal entity worldwide, including non-associated third countries and international organizations, provided Horizon Europe regulations are met.
3. How much funding is available per project?
€12,000,000 – €13,000,000 per project.
4. Which EU missions are supported?
Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, IRIS2, In-Orbit Space Operations, and Quantum Gravimetry pilot missions.
5. Are there export control requirements?
Yes. Supply chains and final products must be free from ITAR or equivalent restrictions, and projects must mitigate vulnerabilities.
6. What additional deliverables are required?
TRL 5+ projects must submit technical standards references and a sensitive data pack for qualification authorities.
7. Will successfully evaluated hardware carry the EU emblem?
Yes. Hardware meeting evaluation criteria is expected to display the EU emblem.
Conclusion
This European Commission funding opportunity enables projects that strengthen EU strategic autonomy, secure supply chains, and enhance global competitiveness in space EEE technologies. By supporting high-performance, resilient components, the grant ensures EU missions are secure, independent, and prepared to meet future challenges in space exploration and operations.
For more information, visit European Commission.