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

September 23, 2026 (Full application, single-stage, 17:00 Brussels time)

€3,500,000–€4,000,000 per project; up to 3 projects funded; lump sum grants

Supports innovative projects to advance digital transformation and economic sustainability of European news media, empowering citizens and promoting trustworthy journalism.

--- ## Description This grant addresses the urgent need to reinforce the digital transformation and economic viability of the European news media sector. The aim is to develop and deploy new business models, innovative digital tools, and applications that strengthen the resilience, inclusivity, and democratic function of journalism. Projects should empower citizens—especially those facing systemic disadvantages—to make informed choices and foster the news media’s contribution to healthy democratic societies. Key focus areas include: - Developing methods and standards to recognize, categorize, and promote journalistic content (e.g., trust indicators, recommender systems, transparent algorithms). - Integrating AI-driven tools and business models to support newsrooms (e.g., chatbots, dynamic paywalls, ad models). - Ensuring user-centric design and engagement strategies that align with journalistic standards. - Building pan-European platforms, interoperable standards, and federating media industries for joint innovation. - Investigating behavioral aspects of news consumption, trust, and the interplay between human-curated and AI-driven journalism. - Encouraging collaboration across media sectors, research disciplines, and national borders. Consortia must include at least one news media organization, and partnerships with research/academic institutions and tech companies are strongly encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2026: Full application submission deadline (single-stage, 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total indicative budget for this topic: €12,000,000 - Expected contribution per project: €3,500,000–€4,000,000 (lump sum) - Up to 3 projects will be funded --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and eligible associated countries (see [Annex B](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)). - Consortia must include at least one news media organization (core activity: regular production/dissemination of professional news content). - Collaboration across sectors (public, private, sectoral media) and borders is encouraged. - Involvement of research/academic actors (e.g., information science, media studies), tech companies, and social sciences/humanities is strongly encouraged. - Subject to standard Horizon Europe admissibility, financial, and operational capacity rules. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application (deadline: September 23, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time). - Proposals must use the [standard application form for Horizon IA](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf); max 50 pages for Part B. - Mandatory detailed budget table (template in the Submission System). - Submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Evaluation and award criteria, processes, and legal/financial setup as per [Horizon Europe 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). - Clustering and cooperation among selected projects are encouraged. --- ## Additional Information - Eligible costs are funded as lump sums. - Projects are encouraged to leverage European Research Infrastructures and the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). - The granting authority may object to exclusive licensing or transfer of results up to four years after project completion. - Partner search and support resources available via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search). --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&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, rules)](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](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/Portal Helpdesk | [Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Sustainable paths to media viability - European Commission

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