Understanding Horizon Europe Widening Countries and Outermost Regions

To create a more balanced and inclusive European Research Area (ERA), the European Union utilizes a specific framework known as “Widening.” This initiative targets countries and regions that are less advanced in research and innovation (R&I), providing them with the necessary support to close the innovation gap and integrate more effectively into the global knowledge economy.

What are Widening Countries?

According to the Horizon Europe regulation, Widening countries are those identified as less R&I advanced. These entities are eligible to coordinate widening actions, which are designed to strengthen their research capacities and foster innovation. The primary goal is to ensure that the benefits of European research are not concentrated in a few hubs but are distributed across the continent and its associated partners.

The 2024 European Innovation Scoreboard highlights a persistent divide, noting that many Widening countries and outermost regions are still catching up, particularly in the creation and management of intellectual property ([wideradvance.eu](https://www.wideradvance.eu/widening-countries-what-s-that)).

Eligibility and Coordination

It’s crucial to distinguish between participation and coordination within these actions. While any organization eligible under Horizon Europe can participate in Widening actions, only organizations based in designated Widening countries are eligible to act as coordinators ([European Research Executive Agency](https://rea.ec.europa.eu/horizon-europe-widening-who-should-apply_en)).

Eligible Widening EU Member States

There are 15 EU Member States classified as Widening countries:

• Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia ([wideradvance.eu](https://www.wideradvance.eu/widening-countries-what-s-that)).

Eligible Widening Associated Countries

There are 14 Associated Countries with equivalent R&I performance characteristics:

• Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine ([wideradvance.eu](https://www.wideradvance.eu/widening-countries-what-s-that)).

The Role of Outermost Regions (ORs)

Outermost Regions, as defined in Art. 349 TFEU, are also eligible to coordinate widening actions. These regions are often remote from mainland Europe and face unique geographical and economic constraints ([European Research Executive Agency](https://rea.ec.europa.eu/horizon-europe-widening-who-should-apply_en)).

Which regions are considered Outermost Regions?

The designated Outermost Regions include:

• French overseas departments: Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion ([wideradvance.eu](https://www.wideradvance.eu/widening-countries-what-s-that)).
• French overseas community: Saint-Martin ([wideradvance.eu](https://www.wideradvance.eu/widening-countries-what-s-that)).
• Portuguese autonomous regions: Madeira and the Azores ([wideradvance.eu](https://www.wideradvance.eu/widening-countries-what-s-that)).
• Spanish autonomous community: The Canary Islands ([wideradvance.eu](https://www.wideradvance.eu/widening-countries-what-s-that)).

Challenges Facing Outermost Regions

ORs deal with a population of approximately 5 million people and face systemic difficulties that can hinder their development and participation in research programs ([wideradvance.eu](https://www.wideradvance.eu/widening-countries-what-s-that)). These include:

• Geographical constraints: Remoteness, insularity, modest size, and difficult topography or climate.
• Economic dependency: A reliance on a limited number of products, often tied to natural resources or agriculture.
• The “Innovation Divide”: Some studies suggest that unified research systems can lead to spatial polarization, potentially marginalizing these peripheries if they cannot effectively integrate into the European Research Area ([CNRS HAL](https://cnrs.hal.science/hal-05220491)).

Key Takeaways for Applicants

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a researcher from a non-widening country apply for a fellowship in a widening country?

Yes, researchers applying for a standard European Fellowship can choose a host organisation located in a widening country or an outermost region.

Why are some countries classified as “Widening”?

They are classified based on their R&I performance, specifically those that are less advanced in research and innovation compared to the EU average, making them eligible for targeted support to build a more inclusive ERA ([wideradvance.eu](https://www.wideradvance.eu/widening-countries-what-s-that)).

What is the ultimate goal of these widening actions?

The goal is to transition these regions into knowledge economies and prevent the “innovation divide” from widening, ensuring that geographical remoteness or lower R&I performance doesn’t prevent a region from contributing to European science ([CNRS HAL](https://cnrs.hal.science/hal-05220491)).