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

April 14, 2026 | April 15, 2026

€4,000,000 total; 1 grant expected; project duration typically 36 months; single lump sum grant.

Funds a central hub for cataloguing, validating, and sustaining Open Internet Stack open source projects, with a focus on branding, policy compliance, and EU digital sovereignty.

Lump sum grant; single-stage application; strict eligibility and country rules apply.

--- ## Description This Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action (CSA) supports the development of a unified European hub for Open Internet Stack components and projects. The call aims to ensure the long-term sustainability, visibility, and compliance of open source digital infrastructure in Europe. Activities include cataloguing and reviewing open source solutions, performing security and accessibility audits, advising on sustainability and licensing, creating training materials, and developing a cohesive branding and communication strategy. The action also seeks to build links with national and pan-European open source initiatives, promote EU compliance (e.g., GDPR, DSA/DMA, CRA), and establish mechanisms for continued support and recognition (such as open source awards) beyond the grant's duration. --- ## Due Dates - April 14, 2026: Full application submission deadline (as listed on the HORIZON-CL4-2026-04 calls listing for topic HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-03) - April 15, 2026: Full application submission deadline (as listed on the Open Internet Stack Support for Scale topic page — deadline 15 April 2026 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total available budget: €4,000,000 (2026 call) - Expected number of grants: 1 - Project duration: typically 36 months (other durations possible) - Funding is provided as a single lump sum grant covering all eligible activities --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Legal entities (public or private) established in: - EU Member States (including their outermost regions) - Horizon Europe Associated Countries - **Consortium requirements:** For Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), applications may be submitted by one or more legal entities from eligible countries. - **Exclusions:** - Entities established in Russia, Belarus, or non-government controlled territories of Ukraine are not eligible. - Entities subject to EU restrictive measures are not eligible. - Legal entities established in China are generally not eligible for this destination (see General Annex B for details). - Additional restrictions apply for entities assessed as high-risk suppliers for European communication networks. - **Other requirements:** - Public bodies, research organisations, or higher education institutions from Member States/Associated Countries must have a Gender Equality Plan in place at grant signature. - Proposals must focus exclusively on civil applications. - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Procedure:** Single-stage application and evaluation. - **Proposal requirements:** - Use the standard Horizon Europe CSA application forms (Part A and Part B). - Provide a detailed project plan, including objectives, methodology, impact, implementation, and a plan for dissemination and exploitation. - Submit a detailed lump sum budget table (Excel format) as an annex. - **Evaluation:** Proposals will be evaluated on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation, following the standard Horizon Europe CSA criteria. - **Page limits:** 25 pages for Part B (CSA), 28 pages if lump sum funding is used. --- ## Additional Information - **Lump sum grant:** No actual cost reporting is required; payment is based on completion of work packages as described in the grant agreement. - **Eligible activities:** Cataloguing open source solutions, security/accessibility audits, training, branding, outreach, policy sandboxing, and sustainability planning. - **Grant agreement:** The Model Grant Agreement (Lump Sum) applies. Amendments are needed for changes in work package budgets. - **Open science:** Proposals must address open science practices and data management. - **Ethics and security:** Proposals must comply with EU ethical standards and address any security considerations. --- ## External Links - [Official Topic Page & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&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, and Grant Rules (2026-2027)](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) - [Lump Sum Funding Guidance](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-funding-what-do-i-need-to-know_he_en.pdf) - [Model Grant Agreement (Lump Sum)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/agr-contr/ls-mga_en.pdf) - [Standard CSA Application Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-csa_en.pdf) - [Standard CSA Evaluation Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/ef/ef_he-csa_en.pdf) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [National Contact Points Directory](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact/Link | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC contact | +32 2 299 11 11 | | EC contact form | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Funding & Tenders IT help | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Ask a question](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | ---

Open Internet Stack Support for Scale (CSA)

Sign in to see full grant listing