May 24, 2021 The European Commission has reassured those involved in plastics packaging R&D that, despite the dominant position of the European Green Deal (EGD), plastics, bioplastics and the circular economy will still play an important role in multi-partner, Commission-funded research projects over the next few years. The EU’s new Horizon Europe Framework Programme is an integral part of the implementation of the EGD, explained Hans-Christian Eberl, policy officer in the Commission’s DG Research & Innovation. As the successor to Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe will run as the EU’s prime funding vehicle for research and innovation up to 2027, with a budget of €95.5 billion ($116.6bn). Innovation actions are classified among six themed ‘clusters’, the first five being: health; culture; civil security; digital & industry; and climate & energy. Areas including the circular economy and bioeconomy are among the ‘destinations’ listed under Cluster 6 of the programme.