The European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) is a strategic financial initiative by the European Union aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of European industries, particularly in the face of growing economic pressure. The fund supports investments in innovation, sustainability, digitalisation, and strategic autonomy to ensure that Europe remains a key player on the world stage. The idea is to bring together multiple funding sources together in one single programme and to simplify the process for applications. The EU Competitiveness Fund is part of the new Multiannual Financial Framework in the period from 2028 – 2034.
What is the goal of the EU Competitiveness Fund?
The goal of the ECF is to accelerate innovation and lead the global race for clean and smart technologies and to secure supply chains of the EU. The fund will simplify and accelerate EU funding and catalyse private and public investment, focusing on four topics:
- Clean transition and decarbonizations (hydrogen, solar, carbon capture);
- Digital transitions (AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity);
- Health, biotech, agriculture and bioeconomy (raw materials, advanced manufacturing);
- Defence and space (defence technologies and safety).
Consolidating EU funding instruments into one framework
The fund will simplify and accelerate EU funding by consolidating roughly 14 existing EU funding instruments into one streamlined framework to ensure faster, clearer access for innovators. The goal is a seamless investment journey from research and development to industrial deployment and manufacturing.
The ECF includes activities currently carried out under the programmes: Horizon Europe, Innovation Fund (IF), Digital Europe, CEF Digital, European Defence Fund (EDF), the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), EU4Health, the European Space Programme, IRIS, InvestEU, Single Market Programme (SME Strand) and the LIFE programme.
For whom is the ECF?
The fund targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including:
- SMEs and large companies in the High Tech, Energy, and Manufacturing industries.
- Research institutions and innovation hubs working on advanced technologies.
- Public-private partnerships aiming to strengthen EU industrial capacity.
Companies operating within strategic value chains – such as clean energy, digital infrastructure, or sustainable mobility – are especially well-positioned to receive funding.
How can you get funding and support?
The Competitiveness Fund opens in 2028, during the new Multiannual Financial Framework. Organisations can receive grants, loans, equity and blended finance, next to that, it opens support from national governments or private investors. Once the new MFF has been approved, specific calls are expected to be published within the ECF.
How can you apply for EU Competitiveness Funding?
First, identify open calls under relevant programmes or contact FirstBlue to get notified about relevant calls. Then, prepare a strong business case aligned with the EU priorities. If possible, then partner with research institutions or industrial partners. After that, write a compelling proposal that meets all the requirements and conditions of the ECF. Our specialists support you in preparing and writing the proposal.
Interested in the ECF?
Are you interested? Do you believe that you have a project that contributes to the EU’s competitiveness? Then, contact our specialists and ensure you are prepared for when the new MFF starts. Contact FirstBlue for more information and our services. Email info@firstblue.com or call our secretary in the Netherlands via +31 (0)8 495 20 00.
