Funding and tenders

EU funding and EU tenders: what is the difference?

The European Union provides financial support and works with external organisations in two main ways: funding and tenders. While both involve spending of EU budget, they serve different purposes and follow different rules.

Funding

EU funding is used to support projects that contribute to EU policy objectives, such as research, innovation, climate action, education, or social inclusion. Applicants typically submit proposals for projects in response to a “call for proposals”. Successful applicants receive a financial contribution to carry out their project.

Funding opportunities

Learn about the different funding opportunities. Find out how to apply, what the selection process involves and how projects are managed once they are selected. You can also explore the results and impact of these programmes on citizens, organisations and communities across Europe.

Tenders

EU tenders are used when the European Commission needs to buy goods, services or works to support its operations or policy implementation. Contracts are awarded through "calls for tenders" to which companies submit their offers to provide a specific product or a service.

Tender opportunities

Discover the EU’s tender opportunities and the different procedures used to award contracts. Learn about rules and guidelines that apply when submitting a bid, as well as the public procurement tools.

Management of EU funding

Explore how the EU’s budget is planned and implemented. Learn about the rules and principles that govern EU funding and tenders, as well as how transparency and accountability are safeguarded.