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Horizon Europe
1 phase
Strategic Analysis
This Innovation Action (IA) calls for the development and piloting of concrete, scalable, and ethical AI-driven solutions to ensure the economic viability and trustworthiness of professional journalism in Europe. A winning proposal will demonstrate a clear path to sustainable revenue generation for news media, while simultaneously safeguarding journalistic standards, promoting media pluralism, and empowering citizens in AI-driven information ecosystems. Emphasis should be placed on multi-stakeholder collaboration and the practical implementation of prototypes and robust business case studies.
TRL 4 → 8
Based on programme defaults
ensuring that journalistic content remains economically viable in AI-intermediated information spaces;
ensuring that journalistic content retains relevance and prominence in AI-driven search tools and future information ecosystems in Europe;
ensuring that algorithms based on journalistic standards (such as accuracy and inclusion) are developed enhancing professional journalism and preserving a trustworthy information ecosystem;
making sure that citizens are presented with multiple views online to make well-informed decisions;
development and integration of journalistic trust indicators in recommender systems, browsers and/or European news aggregators;
take-up of recommender systems that prioritise trusted sources and professional journalism;
development of better digital advertising business models for news producers, through proprietary systems that offer more brand safety and sufficiently detailed feedback to advertisers through joint metadata and audience measurement tools;
development of EU-level business case studies, explaining their impact on creation of advertising revenues, subscription revenues, etc.;
development and adoption of prototypes for recommender systems, proprietary crawlers, proprietary metadata generators, paywalls, advertising systems or other revenue-generating systems that can strengthen the economic viability of journalism.
Reinforced digital transformation of the news media industry by facilitating the development of new business models, contributing to a more resilient and inclusive democracies.
Citizens, particularly those facing systemic disadvantages, are empowered and better equipped to make informed decisions, and news media’s role as contributor to a healthy, reinvigorated and fair democracy is enhanced.
Reinvigorating democratic governance by improving the independence, accountability, transparency, effectiveness and trustworthiness of institutions and policies based on rule of law, and through the expansion of active and inclusive citizens’ participation and engagement empowered by the safeguarding of fundamental rights.
Treaty on European Union
highThe Treaty on European Union (TEU) is one of the primary treaties of the European Union, establishing its fundamental principles, objectives, and institutional framework. It outlines the EU's values, such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, and sets out the Union's competences and decision-making procedures. It also defines the EU's common foreign and security policy.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental values and objectives enshrined in the TEU, particularly regarding the EU's commitment to peace, security, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights globally. Proposals should show how their activities align with the EU's broader strategic goals and contribute to strengthening the Union's role on the international stage, especially in areas related to global governance and common challenges.
Horizon Europe Strategic Plan
highThe Horizon Europe Strategic Plan sets out the strategic orientations for EU research and innovation for a specific period, translating the EU's political priorities into R&I actions. It identifies key strategic areas, expected impacts, and cross-cutting issues like gender equality and international cooperation, guiding the content of the Horizon Europe Work Programmes.
Evaluators expect proposals to clearly align with the strategic orientations and expected impacts outlined in the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan. This includes demonstrating how the proposed research and innovation contributes to the EU's overarching policy priorities, addresses identified challenges, and integrates cross-cutting issues such as sustainability, digital transformation, and societal engagement.
Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme
highThe Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme aims to protect and promote Union values, rights, equality, and democracy. It supports civil society organisations, promotes civic participation, fights against discrimination and violence, and fosters remembrance, thereby strengthening the European public sphere and democratic engagement.
Evaluators expect proposals to clearly demonstrate how they contribute to the CERV Programme's objectives, such as promoting democratic participation, civic engagement, and the protection of fundamental rights and EU values. Proposals should show a clear impact on fostering equality, combating discrimination, or strengthening civil society's role in democratic life.
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
highRegulation (EU) 2021/695 establishes Horizon Europe as the EU's framework programme for research and innovation for the period 2021-2027. It defines the programme's overarching objectives, structure (Pillars, Missions, Partnerships), funding instruments, and general rules for participation, aiming to strengthen the EU's scientific and technological bases and foster competitiveness.
Proposals must demonstrate full compliance with the Horizon Europe Regulation, including its general objectives, ethical principles, and rules for participation. Evaluators expect proposals to articulate how they contribute to the broader strategic goals of Horizon Europe, such as achieving scientific excellence, fostering innovation ecosystems, and addressing EU strategic priorities like digital transformation and strategic autonomy.
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
highCouncil Decision (EU) 2021/764 establishes the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe, detailing the specific objectives, budget breakdown, and broad lines of activities for each pillar and cluster, including the 'Digital, Industry and Space' cluster. It provides more granular guidance on the types of research and innovation activities to be supported within the broader Horizon Europe framework.
Proposals should clearly align with the specific objectives and expected impacts outlined in the Specific Programme Decision for the relevant cluster (e.g., Cluster 4 'Digital, Industry and Space'). Evaluators will look for how the project contributes to the detailed work programme priorities and expected outcomes, demonstrating a clear understanding of the strategic direction for space research and innovation within Horizon Europe.
Digital Europe Programme
mediumThe Digital Europe Programme (DEP) is a funding programme focused on bringing digital technology to businesses, citizens, and public administrations across the EU. It aims to boost Europe's digital transformation, investing in areas such as supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and the wide use of digital technologies across the economy and society. Its goal is to strengthen Europe's strategic digital capacities and facilitate their widespread deployment.
Evaluators will expect proposals to clearly demonstrate how they contribute to the overarching objectives of the Digital Europe Programme, particularly in deploying advanced digital solutions for public services or industry. This includes showing how the project will foster digital transformation, enhance digital skills, or strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty and competitiveness.
Global Europe: Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument
mediumThe Global Europe: Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) is the EU's main financial instrument for its external action. It supports sustainable development, democracy, human rights, peace, and stability worldwide, focusing on geographical programmes for neighbourhood, sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and the Americas, as well as thematic programmes and rapid response actions.
Proposals should demonstrate how they align with the EU's external policy objectives and contribute to sustainable development, democracy, human rights, and peace in partner countries. Evaluators will look for clear links to the NDICI's geographical or thematic priorities, showing how the project fosters international cooperation and delivers tangible impact in the targeted regions or sectors.
Technical Support Instrument
lowThe Technical Support Instrument (TSI) provides tailor-made technical support to EU Member States for designing and implementing reforms. It helps Member States address challenges in areas such as public administration, competitiveness, climate action, digital transition, and social policies, aiming to improve administrative capacity and foster sustainable growth.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to the objectives of the TSI by supporting Member States in implementing reforms, enhancing administrative capacity, or fostering policy development. Evaluators will look for clear links to national reform agendas and a tangible impact on improving governance and public services.
Erasmus+ Programme
lowErasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. It provides opportunities for individuals to study, train, gain experience, and volunteer abroad, and for organisations to cooperate on innovative projects, fostering personal development, employability, and European identity.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how they align with the objectives of the Erasmus+ Programme, such as promoting learning mobility, fostering cooperation among educational institutions, or supporting policy reforms in education, training, youth, and sport. Evaluators will look for a clear impact on skill development, social inclusion, and the internationalisation of education.
European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Programme
lowThe European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the EU's main instrument for investing in people, supporting employment, education, social inclusion, and health. It aims to help Member States tackle unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion, and to strengthen human capital, particularly in the context of the green and digital transitions.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how they contribute to the ESF+ objectives, such as promoting employment, improving access to education and training, fostering social inclusion, or enhancing health and long-term care. Evaluators will look for a clear impact on reducing inequalities, supporting vulnerable groups, and strengthening social cohesion.
Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
lowThis Decision provides the legal basis for the use of lump sum contributions in Horizon Europe, aiming to simplify financial management for beneficiaries and reduce administrative burden. It sets out the conditions and principles under which lump sums can be used, promoting a focus on results and deliverables rather than detailed cost reporting.
For proposals opting for lump sum funding, evaluators expect a clear and robust methodology for defining the lump sum amount, including a detailed breakdown of work packages, deliverables, and associated costs. Proposals must demonstrate a clear understanding of the lump sum principles, ensuring that the proposed activities and expected results justify the requested funding.
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
lowEU-funded European Research Infrastructures
lowEU-funded European Research Infrastructures are facilities, resources, and services of a unique nature that are used by the research community to conduct top-level research across all scientific domains. They can be single-sited, distributed, or virtual, and are crucial for fostering scientific excellence, innovation, and international collaboration.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate how they will effectively utilize existing European Research Infrastructures (e.g., by accessing data, services, or expertise) or contribute to their development, sustainability, and wider accessibility. Proposals should highlight how leveraging these infrastructures enhances the quality, impact, and reach of the proposed research.
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As described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
The page limit of the Part B of the Innovation Action (IA) application using lump sum is 45 pages.
In addition, it is mandatory to submit a detailed budget table using the template available in the Submission System.
As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
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. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
Subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks.
In order to achieve the expected outcomes, consortia must include, as beneficiaries or affiliated entities, at least one news media organisation[[ News media organisations are those in which a core activity is the regular production and dissemination of professional news content and/or factual programming, irrespective of its format (audio-visual media, broadcasting, printed news, newswires, multimedia, radio, online, etc.), under the editorial workflows, standards and responsibility of the said organisation.]].
In addition, as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
As described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
As described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
As described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
As described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf]].
The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5.
In addition, as described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
As described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
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 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
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that present tangible, near-market solutions (IA type) with a strong business case for sustainable journalism. They will look for innovative prototypes and business models that directly address the economic challenges faced by news media in AI-intermediated spaces, while also ensuring journalistic integrity, fostering diverse perspectives, and enhancing citizen trust. The consortium's ability to demonstrate practical uptake, measurable impact, and a clear strategy for scaling solutions across Europe will be crucial.
The AI has drafted potential core elements based on the call analysis. To start building your project proposal structure, select the elements that resonate with your consortium's concept. You can refine and rewrite them fully once your project workspace is created.
Professional news media organisations struggle to maintain sustainable business models and generate sufficient revenue in an increasingly complex digital landscape dominated by AI-driven platforms and evolving advertising markets.
The proliferation of AI-intermediated content often leads to reduced visibility for trusted journalistic sources, challenges in maintaining journalistic standards, and a decline in public trust in online information, hindering informed decision-making.
There is a critical need for the development and adoption of new digital advertising models, recommender systems, and other revenue-generating technologies that are specifically designed to support professional journalism while upholding ethical standards and transparency.
Citizens often encounter filter bubbles and echo chambers in AI-driven online environments, limiting their exposure to multiple, trustworthy perspectives necessary for making well-informed decisions and fostering a healthy democracy.
Organisations involved in the regular production and dissemination of professional news content, seeking new business models and technological solutions for economic viability.
Technology providers and AI developers interested in creating and integrating ethical AI solutions, recommender systems, and advertising technologies for the news media sector.
Individuals who consume news and information online, particularly those facing systemic disadvantages, who will benefit from more trustworthy, diverse, and accessible journalistic content.
Professionals working in the news media industry who will benefit from enhanced tools, standards, and sustainable economic frameworks for their work.
Government bodies and regulatory authorities responsible for media policy, digital governance, and the safeguarding of democratic values in the information space.
Individuals and entities involved in creating and disseminating online content, who can contribute to understanding and shaping future information ecosystems.
Academics and researchers in social sciences, humanities, communication studies, and AI ethics, who will benefit from new data, methodologies, and insights generated by the project.
This objective aims to create and test innovative revenue-generating systems and digital advertising models that enhance the economic viability of journalistic content in AI-intermediated information spaces. It includes the development of proprietary systems for brand safety, detailed advertiser feedback, and tools like crawlers, metadata generators, and paywalls.
This objective focuses on developing and integrating algorithms based on journalistic standards (accuracy, inclusion) and trust indicators into recommender systems, browsers, and news aggregators. The goal is to ensure professional journalism retains relevance and prominence, thereby preserving a trustworthy information ecosystem.
This objective seeks to ensure citizens are presented with multiple views online to make well-informed decisions, supported by the development of EU-level business case studies that explain the impact of new models on advertising and subscription revenues. This directly contributes to a more resilient and inclusive democracy.
The project will lead to the adoption of new, sustainable business models and revenue streams for news media organisations, ensuring their long-term economic viability and capacity to provide high-quality journalism.
By promoting journalistic standards and trust indicators in AI systems, the project will empower citizens to make more informed decisions, increasing their trust in online news and fostering active participation in democratic processes.
The project will contribute to the development and adoption of AI algorithms and recommender systems that are transparent, accountable, and aligned with journalistic ethics, thereby preserving a trustworthy information ecosystem.