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Horizon Europe Cluster 2 — Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

Identifying user-focused solutions to support news media freedom

Funds research and user-focused tools that help news media remain free, independent and resilient.

ScheduledEuropean CommissionEU

Projects should deliver a comprehensive European knowledge base, comparable consumer and market data, practical tools and action plans for news organisations and policymakers. Work may cover community-based and accessible models, audience measurement systems, common standards and metadata, and ways to reach underserved groups. Consortia must bring together academia, civil society and multiple news

This Research and Innovation Action addresses data gaps and market failures affecting European news media, especially local, investigative and other public-interest journalism. Projects should study user and audience behaviour, test scalable user-centric business models, improve audience measurement and interoperability, and support media organisations and journalists adapting to digital transformation while protecting editorial independence.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.23 Sept 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.22 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€12M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-06Source: ec.europa.eu