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

December 1, 2025 (12:00 Brussels time)

€5,000–€50,000 per project | Total call budget: €396,000 | Project duration: 1–12 months

Funds R&D projects advancing privacy-preserving, open-source digital payment systems based on GNU Taler for a trustworthy, inclusive internet economy.

All results must be open access and software/hardware fully open source.

--- ## Description This open call, funded by the European Commission and the Swiss State, supports research and development projects that advance privacy-preserving, resource-efficient, and inclusive digital payment systems, specifically building on GNU Taler. The aim is to empower users, merchants, and institutions by enabling secure, reliable, and low-overhead digital payments, fostering alternatives to advertising- and subscription-based business models. Projects can include new GNU Taler capabilities, auxiliary tools, user experience enhancements, integrations with FOSS applications, infrastructure improvements, or other contributions to the open digital payments ecosystem. All funded work must be released as open access and under recognized free and open source licenses. --- ## Due Dates - Proposal deadline: December 1, 2025 (12:00 Brussels time) - Single-stage submission --- ## Funding Amount - Individual project grants: €5,000–€50,000 - Total available budget: €396,000 - Project duration: 1–12 months (flexible) --- ## Eligibility - Open to private individuals and organizations of any type worldwide. - Proposals must have a clear European dimension and align with the [NGI vision](https://nlnet.nl/NGI/vision). - Projects must focus on research and development. - All scientific outcomes must be published open access; all software/hardware must be under a recognized free and open source license. - Activities may include (but are not limited to): - Scientific research - Open source software/hardware development - Security audits and formal proofs - Usability and inclusive design improvements - Validation, documentation, standardization, packaging, and deployment support - Participation in technical/community events - Project management and essential infrastructure costs --- ## Application Process - Submit proposals via [NLnet’s application portal](https://nlnet.nl/propose). - Review the [guide for applicants](https://nlnet.nl/taler/guideforapplicants) and [eligibility criteria](https://nlnet.nl/taler/eligibility) before applying. - Main application should be concise (max. two pages). - Proposals are evaluated on technical merit (30%), strategic relevance to NGI TALER (40%), and value for money (30%). - Projects must score above 5.0 out of 7 to be selected. - All outcomes must be open access and fully open source. --- ## Additional Information - Projects can contribute directly to GNU Taler, develop integrations, or address broader infrastructure and user experience challenges. - Successful projects may be eligible to scale up through related NLnet/NGI funding programs. - The call is part of the Next Generation Internet initiative, aiming to restore European digital sovereignty and democratic ownership. --- ## External Links - [Call details & EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/11904?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Main call page & FAQ](https://nlnet.nl/taler) - [Guide for Applicants](https://nlnet.nl/taler/guideforapplicants) - [Application portal](https://nlnet.nl/propose) - [GNU Taler Technology](https://taler.net/) - [NGI Vision](https://nlnet.nl/NGI/vision) - [NGI TALER Project Site](https://ngi.taler.net/) --- ## Contact Information | Topic | Contact Details | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [European Commission Contact](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Application Support | [NLnet contact form](https://nlnet.nl/contact) | | NGI TALER Community | [GNU Taler Integration Community Hub](https://ich.taler.net/och) |

NGI TALER open call (2025-12T)

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