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

September 23, 2027

€3,500,000–€4,000,000 per project; typically 3 grants awarded; lump sum funding

Funds research and innovation to address data gaps and foster user-focused solutions for a resilient, independent, and democratic news media sector in Europe.

--- ## Description This grant supports projects aimed at strengthening news media freedom in Europe by addressing critical data gaps and equipping stakeholders with updated, comprehensive knowledge about users' news consumption patterns both online and offline. The initiative seeks to help news organizations and journalists adapt to digital transformation, reach new audiences, and build resilience in the public sphere—particularly in sectors vital to democracy, such as local media and investigative journalism. Funded projects are expected to: - Provide comprehensive European consumer and market data. - Identify and analyze market failures affecting key news sectors. - Develop, prototype, and test innovative, user-centric business models. - Improve and standardize audience measurement systems. - Share practical action plans for industry and policymakers. Collaboration among academia (including social sciences and humanities), civil society, and news sector representatives is strongly encouraged, as is leveraging European research infrastructures and ensuring produced data is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable). --- ## Due Dates - Full application/submission deadline: September 23, 2027 (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Each awarded project will receive between €3,500,000 and €4,000,000 as a lump sum. - The call expects to fund approximately 3 projects. - Funding is provided under the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) scheme. --- ## Eligibility - Open to consortia including academia (especially social sciences and humanities), civil society organizations, and representatives from multiple news sectors. - Eligible countries: EU Member States and countries associated with Horizon Europe (see [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) for details). - Non-EU/non-associated countries may participate if they secure their own funding or meet specific eligibility provisions. - Applicants must have the financial and operational capacity to carry out the project. --- ## 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-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Proposals must follow the guidelines and page limits set out in the Horizon Europe application forms ([template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf)). - Evaluation criteria and process are detailed in the [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). - Lump sum grants; detailed budget table required at submission. - The portal provides partner search tools and additional support resources. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should ensure produced data is FAIR and, where applicable, leverage the European Open Science Cloud. - Clustering and cooperation with other relevant EU-funded projects is encouraged. - The action is subject to the Horizon Europe Model Grant Agreement and financial regulations. --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&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/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [Partner Search Service](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search) - [Online Manual (application guidance)](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [European Commission Contact](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Support | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contacts | [National Contact Points (NCPs)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/Portal Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Identifying user-focused solutions to support news media freedom - European Commission

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