MSCA Financial Guide – an updated version has been published

The European Commission has published an updated version of the Financial Guide for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Version 2.0, dated 1 September 2026, introduces several updates and clarifications concerning the implementation of MSCA projects. The main changes include:

  • Clarification that recruitment in the public sector counts as equivalent direct contract (even if through public law appointment act).
  • Clarification of the mobility rule exemptions regarding temporary protection and refugee status.
  • Clarification on the definition of the country of main activity within the mobility rule.
  • Increase of the secondment duration limit in MSCA-DN, MSCA-PF, and MSCA-COFUND from one third to one half of the fellowship duration.
  • Removal of the requirement of one-month prior employment as an eligibility for MSCA-SE and intersectoral secondments between Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
  • Introduction of the new MSCA Choose Europe for Science 2025 related explanations.
  • Addition of link to the Indicative Audit Programme (IAP) for details on record-keeping.
  • Update to the new Financial Regulation 2024/2509.