Fighting against disinformation while ensuring the right to freedom of expression

The grant opportunity titled "Fighting against disinformation while ensuring the right to freedom of expression" falls under the Horizon Europe Cluster 2, focusing on culture, creativity, and inclusive society. This initiative aims to address the challenges of disinformation while reinforcing digital rights and democratic integrity.

Eligible applicants include research organizations, universities, NGOs, and public entities engaged in media, cybersecurity, or democratic governance. A consortium of at least three independent legal entities from different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries is required to apply.

The funding is structured as a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, with amounts typically between €3 million to €3.5 million per project, aligned with similar topics in Cluster 2. The initiative emphasizes consortia with multi-country participation, and it is open to all EU Member States and associated countries.

Projects are expected to focus on research and innovation in areas such as media regulation, cybersecurity, information technology, and democracy, promoting media literacy and safeguarding freedom of expression. The application process is a single-stage open call, and the deadline for submission is September 16, 2025.

The estimated success rates for applications range between 10% to 39%, following the competitive nature of Horizon Europe grants. Importantly, there is typically no co-funding requirement for Research and Innovation Actions under this grant.

Overall, the grant seeks to support transnational collaborative efforts in developing innovative strategies to combat disinformation, with funding designated for actionable solutions that promote a healthy online media environment. The directive encourages research into the functions of media systems and proposes the development of tools and regulations to safeguard fundamental rights while combating disinformation, particularly addressing the operations of platforms and market incentives that may exacerbate these issues.

This is a summary of EU funding opportunities related to culture, creativity, inclusive society, and democracy, specifically focusing on combating disinformation while ensuring freedom of expression.

General Conditions:

1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposals must adhere to specific page limits and layout guidelines as detailed in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form. For Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) using lump sum funding, Part B is limited to 50 pages, and a detailed budget table must be submitted.

2. Eligible Countries: Eligibility is determined by Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries have provisions for funding participants in Horizon Europe projects, as outlined in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

3. Other Eligible Conditions: As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.

4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion: As described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.

5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds: As described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.

5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes: As described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.

5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement: As described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.

6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants: Eligible costs will be reimbursed as a lump sum, as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021. Additional details are in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Specific Conditions:

Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.

Application and Evaluation:

Application form templates are available in the Submission System. A standard application form (HE RIA, IA) is used. Evaluation form templates will be used with necessary adaptations, using a standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA).

Guidance Documents:

HE Programme Guide

Model Grant Agreements (MGA):

Lump Sum MGA

Call-specific instructions

Detailed budget table (HE LS) (version 3.3)

Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"

Additional Documents:

HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 1. General Introduction

HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 5. Culture, creativity and inclusive society

HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 14. 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

Additional Information:

Partner Search: LEARs, Account Administrators, or self-registrants can publish partner requests for open and forthcoming topics.

Electronic Submission Service: Accessed via the submission button, confirming the choice of action type and model grant agreement.

Draft Proposals: Accessed through the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Online Manual: A guide on procedures from proposal submission to grant management.

Horizon Europe Programme Guide: Detailed guidance on structure, budget, and political priorities.

Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions.

Research Enquiry Service: For questions about European research and EU Research Framework Programmes.

National Contact Points (NCPs): Guidance, practical information, and assistance on participation.

Enterprise Europe Network: Advice to businesses, especially SMEs, on EU research funding.

IT Helpdesk: For technical questions about the Funding & Tenders Portal.

European IPR Helpdesk: Assistance on intellectual property issues.

CEN-CENELEC/ETSI Research Helpdesks: Advice on standardisation in project proposals.

European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct: Guidelines for roles, responsibilities, and entitlements of researchers.

Partner Search: Assistance in finding partner organisations.

Call Topics and Budget Overview for 2025:

The following table summarizes the call topics, budget, action type, opening and deadline dates, contribution amounts, and indicative number of grants for the 2025 calls:

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-01: Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), Budget: EUR 3,500,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 1, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-02: Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), Budget: EUR 3,000,000, Contributions: EUR 2,500,000 to EUR 3,000,000, Indicative Grants: 1, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-03: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,500,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-04: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 7,000,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 2, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-05: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,500,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-06: Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), Budget: EUR 3,500,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 1, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-07: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,500,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-08: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,500,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-09: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,500,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-10: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,500,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-11: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,500,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-12: Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), Budget: EUR 3,500,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 1, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-03: Innovation Actions (IA), Budget: EUR 26,000,000, Contributions: EUR 2,500,000 to EUR 4,000,000, Indicative Grants: 8, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-04: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 15,000,000, Contributions: EUR 4,000,000 to EUR 5,000,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-05: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,500,000, Contributions: EUR 2,500,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-06: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 13,500,000, Contributions: EUR 3,500,000 to EUR 4,500,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-07: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 12,000,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 4,000,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-08: Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), Budget: EUR 3,500,000, Contributions: EUR 2,500,000 to EUR 3,500,000, Indicative Grants: 1, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-09: Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), Budget: EUR 2,000,000, Contributions: around EUR 2,000,000, Indicative Grants: 1, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-01: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,200,000, Contributions: around EUR 3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-02: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,200,000, Contributions: around EUR 3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-03: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,200,000, Contributions: around EUR 3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-05: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,200,000, Contributions: around EUR 3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-06: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,200,000, Contributions: around EUR 3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-07: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,200,000, Contributions: around EUR 3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-08: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 15,000,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 5,000,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-09: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,200,000, Contributions: around EUR 3,400,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-10: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Budget: EUR 10,200,000, Contributions: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 4,000,000, Indicative Grants: 3, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-11: Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), Budget: EUR 2,000,000, Contributions: around EUR 2,000,000, Indicative Grants: 1, Opening: 2025-05-15, Deadline: 2025-09-16

The overall objective of these funding opportunities is to support research and innovation actions that contribute to a better understanding of and solutions to combat mis- and disinformation and information manipulation, while ensuring the protection of freedom of expression. This involves investigating media systems, market incentives, regulatory frameworks, and the role of various stakeholders, including media organizations, practitioners, and technology platforms. The funding supports both research and innovation actions (RIA) and coordination and support actions (CSA) across various topics related to democracy, heritage, and transformations within the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society domain. The indicative budget and number of grants vary by topic, with a single-stage submission process and a deadline of September 16, 2025.

In simpler terms, this EU funding initiative aims to tackle the spread of fake news and manipulated information while upholding the right to free speech. It encourages research into how media systems can be exploited for disinformation, explores ways to regulate digital media without infringing on citizens' rights, and supports the development of tools and policies to counter disinformation. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of independent media and fact-checking organizations. The funding is available for various projects, from research to coordination activities, focusing on democracy, cultural heritage, and societal transformations. The goal is to equip EU institutions, policymakers, and citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex information landscape and safeguard democratic values.

Eligible Applicant Types: The opportunity is open to a wide range of stakeholders and societal actors, including public bodies, policymakers, private corporates, media organisations, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, fact-checkers, educational bodies, education and security practitioners, libraries, and other cultural heritage institutions. This suggests that startups, SMEs, large enterprises, universities, research institutes, nonprofits, and governmental bodies could all be eligible, provided they align with the specified stakeholder categories.

Funding Type: The primary financial mechanism is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, as indicated by the type of MGA (Model Grant Agreement) being HORIZON-AG-LS. The actions funded are primarily HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA) and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA), with some HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) also available.

Consortium Requirement: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on involving a wide range of stakeholders and societal actors, including both scientific and non-scientific entities, strongly suggests that a consortium approach is preferred, if not required. The partner search announcements further reinforce this idea.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The opportunity is part of the Horizon Europe program, which generally includes EU member states and associated countries. The text mentions that 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.

Target Sector: The program targets the following sectors: culture, creativity, media, education, security, information technology, and democracy. It focuses on combating mis- and disinformation, promoting media literacy, and safeguarding freedom of expression.

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity is focused on the European Union, with mentions of EU institutions and national decision-makers. There is also a reference to non-EU and non-associated countries, indicating that some third countries may be eligible or involved in projects.

Project Stage: The opportunity supports research and innovation actions, coordination and support actions, and innovation actions. This suggests that the expected project stages range from research and development to demonstration and validation, and potentially even early stages of commercialization for innovation actions.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the type of action. HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) have budgets around EUR 2 000 000 to EUR 3 500 000. HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) have budgets ranging from EUR 7 000 000 to EUR 10 500 000, with some around EUR 10 200 000. HORIZON Innovation Actions (IA) have a budget of EUR 26 000 000. The indicative number of grants varies from 1 to 8 depending on the action.

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 is a single-stage process.

Success Rates: The success rates cannot be determined from the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call, under the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society pillar, aims to fund projects that combat mis- and disinformation while upholding freedom of expression. The call seeks to improve the understanding and prevention of disinformation and information manipulation among EU institutions, national decision-makers, and various societal actors. It encourages research into the functioning of media systems, market incentives that promote disinformation, and regulations that can counter disinformation without infringing on fundamental rights. The call also emphasizes the development of tools and policy recommendations to foster a healthy online media environment and counter phenomena like astroturfing. Projects should involve a wide range of stakeholders, including media organizations, fact-checkers, policymakers, and educational institutions. Funding is provided as lump sum grants, with varying budgets depending on the type of action (Coordination and Support Actions, Research and Innovation Actions, and Innovation Actions). The application process is a single-stage open call, with a deadline of September 16, 2025.