[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 23, 2026 (Full application deadline, single-stage)

€3,000,000–€4,000,000 per project; up to 3 projects funded

Supports research and innovation to ensure fairness, transparency, and sustainability in the cultural and creative sectors impacted by generative AI.

--- ## Description This grant, under Horizon Europe, aims to foster a fair and transparent market for cultural and creative content in the context of generative AI. It targets the socio-economic impacts of generative AI on the cultural and creative sectors, with a focus on creators’ rights, remuneration, diversity, market dynamics, and copyright infrastructure. Projects are expected to develop solutions for content provenance, rights management, discoverability of trustworthy content, and preservation of AI-generated works. The initiative also encourages adaptive policy frameworks and innovative business models that embed ethical, legal, and sustainable practices, reinforcing the EU’s leadership in creativity and cultural diversity. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2026: Full application submission deadline (single-stage), 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative budget for this topic: €12,000,000 in total - Expected contribution per project: €3,000,000–€4,000,000 (lump sum) - Indicative number of projects to be funded: 3 --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities established in EU Member States and associated countries, as specified in [Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Some non-EU/non-associated countries may participate if they provide their own funding (see [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)). - Proposals must demonstrate both financial and operational capacity. - Standard Horizon Europe rules for exclusions and eligibility apply. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Submission system opens May 12, 2026. - Proposal (Part B) page limit: 50 pages. - Must include a detailed budget table (template provided in the submission system). - Evaluation and award criteria as per Horizon Europe [Annex D](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Applications must use the [standard HE RIA/IA application form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Grants are awarded as lump sums. - Projects must address the socio-economic impacts of generative AI, propose solutions for rights management, and develop adaptive policy and business frameworks. - Collaboration with projects funded under related calls is encouraged. - Refer to the [Horizon Europe Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) for step-by-step guidance. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic and Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (eligibility, evaluation, legal)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Online Manual (submission process)](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Method | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General enquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research queries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National support | [National Contact Points (NCPs)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/Portal support | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone (main EC) | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Towards a fair and transparent market for cultural and creative content in the era of generative AI - European Commission

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