LUKE 2026 call: funding for transnational research with Ukraine in Romania
The Linking Ukraine to the European Research Area (LUKE) programme is a crucial initiative to encourage collaboration between academic and research communities in Ukraine and EU Member States.
Todos & Company editorial team · EU funding consultancy since 2006
LUKE 2026 programme: an opportunity to integrate research with Ukraine
The Linking Ukraine to the European Research Area (LUKE) programme is a crucial initiative for encouraging collaboration between the academic and research communities of Ukraine and EU Member States. This mechanism aims to strengthen Ukraine's inclusion in the European Research Area, a space that promotes mobility and knowledge exchange. Through UEFISCDI, Romania has allocated EUR 500,000 to the 2026 call, reflecting its commitment to stimulating transnational projects with innovative potential. In the current regional context, this funding becomes a driver of stability and collaborative development, offering multiple opportunities for both researchers and economic actors.
Who can access the funding and who the eligible beneficiaries are
The LUKE 2026 call is aimed at transnational consortia that include research institutions from Romania and Ukraine, as well as other public or private bodies, such as universities, national research institutes, technology start-ups, innovative technology companies and NGOs with a scientific profile. To be eligible, partners must demonstrate relevant expertise in the targeted fields, the capacity to manage the project and a clear vision of collaboration over the medium and long term. The funding is not aimed solely at academia, but also at the private sector, where there is an interest in integrating research results into products or services with economic and social impact.
What types of projects can receive support and what the timetable is
Projects funded through the LUKE call must focus on scientific or technological innovations with potential for rapid implementation or a clear orientation towards applied research. Multidisciplinary projects that support digital, energy or environmental transitions or societal development are encouraged, and they include staff exchanges, researcher mobility and activities to disseminate results. The timetable for the 2026 call was recently updated, and interested entrepreneurs and institutions should prepare in good time for the application submission stage, which requires rigorous coordination between partners and a detailed research plan.
Required documentation and administrative challenges
Applicants must prepare a series of documents attesting to their eligibility and technical capacity: a description of the consortium, the research plan, a detailed budget, partnership agreements, legal status certificates, and financial documents demonstrating stability. In addition, effective risk management is essential, particularly given the geopolitical context in the region. Companies and institutes must also take care to comply with European rules on interoperability, data protection and intellectual property rights for the project results.
What companies need to prepare and what to watch out for
Companies interested in taking part should start discussions with potential Ukrainian partners right from the outset in order to set common objectives, and should check the compatibility of expertise and resources. You are advised to prepare solid documentation that includes a clear strategy for exploiting the results and to ensure that all internal authorisations are in order. Particular attention must be paid to the submission timetable, as deadlines may be strict and inconsistencies can lead to the application being rejected. You must also take into account the logistical and financial impact of the international partnership, including the provisions on researcher mobility in the context of the situation in Ukraine.
The LUKE 2026 call offers an excellent platform for broadening collaborative horizons and bringing together talent from Romania and Ukraine, thereby strengthening competitiveness at European level. A well-planned approach and a thorough knowledge of the requirements are the keys to success in making the most of this funding opportunity. Romanian entrepreneurs are invited to take the step towards this strategic component of European research and to take advantage of the resources made available.
Want to find out what non-refundable funding you can access?
The Todos Company team helps you with the whole process: from checking eligibility and calculating your score, to preparing the application file and submitting the project.
