Digital and media literacy as drivers for democratic and civic resilience

The funding opportunity HORIZON-CL2 aims to enhance democratic resilience through improved media and digital literacy as part of the Horizon Europe program under the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society cluster. The action type is categorized as a Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA) using a lump sum grant mechanism. This call is open for submissions from May 12, 2026, until September 23, 2026, with grants expected to support three projects, each receiving between €3,500,000 and €4,000,000, out of a total budget of €12,000,000. Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, civil society organizations, and other relevant entities from EU member states, EEA countries, and some non-associated countries under specific provisions. The consortium requirement necessitates collaboration among multiple organizations, emphasizing a multi-actor approach. The primary focus of the funded projects will be on combatting disinformation, understanding user engagement in digital spaces, and developing strategies that empower citizens to navigate digital information wisely, especially in crisis scenarios. This includes examining the role of technology and algorithms in influencing behavior and decision-making regarding media consumption. Funding will support eligible costs such as personnel, equipment, and travel, and successful proposals are expected to produce frameworks for policymakers intended to strengthen democratic engagement through awareness and critical engagement with media. The evaluation process will be based on standard Horizon Europe criteria, and there is no mandatory co-funding requirement from applicants. Overall, this initiative aims to equip European societies with the necessary tools and knowledge to foster informed democratic participation and resilience against disinformation, focusing on vulnerable populations throughout the region.

This EU funding opportunity, HORIZON-CL2, aims to bolster democratic resilience through enhanced media and digital literacy. It falls under the Horizon Europe Programme, specifically the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society 2026 call. The action type is a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (RIA), utilizing a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant agreement. The planned opening date for submissions is May 12, 2026, with a deadline of September 23, 2026, at 17:00:00 Brussels time. The expected outcomes of funded projects are: 1. Improved understanding among EU institutions and national decision-makers on fostering democratic resilience through media and digital literacy. This includes equipping societies to adapt to technological, political, and societal challenges. 2. Empowered citizens who can navigate the digital landscape with discernment and critical thinking, actively engage with media and other information sources, and ensure informed democratic participation. The scope of the research includes: * Addressing hybrid threats, foreign information manipulation, and interference (FIMI) to enhance democratic resilience across the EU. This aligns with initiatives like the European Democracy Action Plan and the Digital Services Act (DSA). * Recognizing preparedness as a collective responsibility, emphasizing the need to strengthen trust in institutions, especially during crises. Vulnerable groups, such as children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, ethnic or religious minorities, and those facing poverty or social exclusion, should be a particular focus. * Countering disinformation, which undermines public confidence and exacerbates crises. The research should emphasize the role of engaged, informed, and empowered citizens in ensuring democratic resilience. * Exploring user behaviors in the digital age, including how individuals seek, evaluate, and engage with information online and offline. This includes analyzing the emotional dynamics in the dissemination of disinformation and polarization on digital platforms, especially in crisis contexts. * Investigating how algorithms amplify emotive content, fostering polarization and undermining trust in democratic institutions and crisis response. The research should develop digital and media literacy strategies to counter emotionally manipulative narratives, such as populist and post-truth discourses. * Examining factors influencing digital literacy, information-seeking habits, and online engagement, with a focus on improving citizen participation and engagement through digital means (including civic tech) and informed decision-making. * Exploring the critical role of digital and media literacy in fostering societal resilience and information integrity, enabling citizens to navigate and resist misinformation and disinformation. * Planning a critical assessment of media and digital literacy initiatives to assess their effectiveness in enhancing citizens’ resilience and identifying new approaches to equip citizens against evolving manipulation tactics. * Identifying strategies to improve media literacy and digital and media literacy to enhance critical thinking, promote evidence-based decision-making, and counter the negative impacts of disinformation on democratic societies. * Utilizing computational tools, such as Social Network Analysis and Natural Language Processing, to map and mitigate the dissemination of disinformation across multiple platforms. This includes identifying Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour and analysing both textual and visual content to inform media literacy initiatives. * Identifying other relevant EU-funded projects related to media and digital literacy and exploring potential collaboration opportunities. Clustering and cooperation with other selected projects under this topic and other relevant projects are strongly encouraged. * Collaborating with the JRC to seek synergies with its work on innovation for democracy and public governance. General conditions for participation include: 1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposals must adhere to the page limits and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form. The page limit for Part B of the RIA application is 50 pages. A detailed budget table must be submitted using the template in the Submission System. 2. Eligible Countries: As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries have specific provisions for funding participants in Horizon Europe projects, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. 3. Other Eligible Conditions: The Joint Research Centre (JRC) can participate as a member of the consortium with zero funding or as an associated partner but will not participate in proposal preparation or submission. 4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion: As described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5. Evaluation and award: The award criteria, scoring, thresholds, submission, and evaluation processes are detailed in Annex D and Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is also in Annex F. 6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants: Eligible costs will be in the form of a lump sum, as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021. The granting authority may object to a transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years after the action's end. Specific conditions: * Application form templates are available in the Submission System. * Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) and evaluation form templates will be used with necessary adaptations. * Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide. * Model Grant Agreements (MGA) include the Lump Sum MGA. * Call-specific instructions, a detailed budget table (HE LS), and guidance on lump sums are available. Additional documents include: * HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction * HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 5. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society * HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes * HE Programme Guide * HE Framework Programme 2021/695 * HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 * EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 * Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme * Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment * EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement * Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual * Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions * Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement The budget overview for the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society 2026 call includes various topics, each with its own budget, opening date, deadline, contribution amounts, and indicative number of grants. The HORIZON-CL2 topic has a budget of €12,000,000, is a single-stage action, opens on 2026-05-12, closes on 2026-09-23, and has an indicative contribution range of 3,500,000 to €4,000,000, with an indicative number of 3 grants. Partner search announcements can be viewed and edited by LEARs, Account Administrators, and self-registrants after logging into the portal. The submission system is planned to open on the date stated in the topic header. General support and FAQs are available on the Funding & Tenders Portal. This funding opportunity is focused on research and innovation actions aimed at strengthening democratic resilience by improving media and digital literacy among citizens. It seeks to address the challenges posed by disinformation, foreign interference, and the amplification of harmful content through algorithms. The goal is to empower citizens with the skills and knowledge to critically evaluate information, engage in informed democratic participation, and resist manipulation. Projects should assess existing media literacy initiatives, identify effective strategies, and utilize computational tools to map and mitigate disinformation. Collaboration with other relevant projects and the JRC is encouraged to maximize impact and synergy. The funding is provided as a lump sum, and proposals must adhere to specific guidelines regarding page limits, eligibility, and financial regulations.

Eligible Applicant Types: Public authorities, schools, universities and training institutions, youth initiatives, civil society organisations and associations, social partners, businesses, local networks and communities, and citizens from an early age are eligible applicants. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding as a beneficiary with zero funding, or as an associated partner. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant. The actions are HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions and HORIZON Innovation Actions. Consortium Requirement: A multi-actor approach is required, implying a consortium. Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU member states and associated countries, with specific provisions for some non-EU/non-associated countries. Target Sector: The target sector is Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society, focusing on media and digital literacy, democracy, and civic resilience. It also touches upon areas like ICT, education, innovation, and security/cybersecurity due to the focus on disinformation and online manipulation. Mentioned Countries: While no specific countries are mentioned, the focus is on the European Union and associated countries. Project Stage: The project stage is research and innovation actions, innovation actions and coordination and support actions. Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic, with contributions ranging from around €3,000,000 to €6,000,000. HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-01 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3500000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-02 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3500000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-03 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €8 000 000, contributions 3500000 to €4000000, 2 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-04 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3500000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-05 - HORIZON-CSA HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions €4 500 000, contributions 4000000 to €4500000, 1 grant HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-06 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3500000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-07 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3500000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-08 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3500000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-09 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €16 000 000, contributions 3500000 to €4000000, 4 grants HORIZON-CL2 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3500000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-01 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €15 000 000, contributions 4500000 to €5000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-02 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 5000000 to €6000000, 2 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-03 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions €15 000 000, contributions 4000000 to €5000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-04 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3000000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-05 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €15 000 000, contributions 3000000 to €3750000, 4 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-06 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €11 500 000, contributions 5000000 to €5750000, 2 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-07 - HORIZON-CSA HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions €5 000 000, contributions 4500000 to €5000000, 1 grant HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-02 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3000000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-03 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3000000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-04 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3000000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-05 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3000000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-06 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €10 000 000, contributions 3000000 to €3300000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-07 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3000000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-08 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €12 000 000, contributions 3000000 to €4000000, 3 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-09 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions €15 000 000, contributions around €3750000, 4 grants HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-10 - HORIZON-CSA HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions €3 500 000, contributions around €3500000, 1 grant Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process. Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant. Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage. Success Rates: Success rates cannot be determined from the provided text. Co-funding Requirement: Co-funding requirements are not explicitly mentioned, but Horizon Europe projects often involve some level of co-funding, which would need to be confirmed in the specific call documents. Summary: This Horizon Europe call, under the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society pillar, aims to bolster democratic resilience by improving media and digital literacy. The call invites proposals for research and innovation actions, innovation actions, and coordination and support actions. These projects should empower citizens to critically engage with media, counter disinformation, and promote informed democratic participation. The funding is provided as lump sum grants, and the call is open to a wide range of applicants, including public authorities, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and businesses from the EU and associated countries. The call emphasizes the use of computational tools like Social Network Analysis and Natural Language Processing to address disinformation and encourages collaboration among projects and with the Joint Research Centre. The ultimate goal is to equip European societies with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital age and strengthen trust in democratic institutions.