The European Commission has carefully assessed the challenges experienced by applicants for Horizon Europe grants affected by the situation in the Middle East.
See Commission’s statement

Taking into account these challenges, a decision has been taken to postpone the deadlines of the following grant competitions:

• ERC Starting Grant call - from 24 October to 7 November,
• ERC Synergy Grant call - from 8 to 15 November.

This extension applies to all applicants.

Similar extensions have also been agreed for some European Innovation Council calls (see separate announcement by the EIC).

Other flexibility measures that can be used by applicants for ERC grants include the description of ‘life events’ in the ‘track record’ part of the applications, or the extension of eligibility in cases of national service or long term illnesses. 

Existing grantees may ask for extensions to the duration of their grants.