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Strategic Analysis
To secure a winning proposal, the consortium must bridge the gap between social sciences and humanities (SSH) and practical media economics. The core strategy lies in co-designing citizen-centric, small-scale business models that directly address market failures in local and investigative journalism. By establishing robust, interoperable audience measurement standards, the project will empower independent media to negotiate effectively against dominant tech platforms.
bring together academia (including from SSH disciplines), civil society organisations and multiple news sectors representatives (including influencers and other content creators)
where applicable, leverage the data and services available through European Research Infrastructures federated under the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), as well as data from relevant Data Spaces
ensure that the data produced in the context of this topic is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable)
seek collaboration whenever possible with relevant projects selected under previous EU-funded calls, such as the Horizon 2020 call topic TRANSFORMATIONS-10-2020 – “Evolving European media landscapes and Europeanisation” or the Horizon Europe one HORIZON-CL2-2022-DEMOCRACY-01-06 – “Media for democracy – democratic media”
providing comparable European consumer data, market data and models to analyse audience behaviour (including audience measurement tools) across societal groups and across Europe, so as to help news media improve their relevance, editorial quality, distribution channels and business models (including emerging formats, mediums, and technologies such as AI and XR)
identification of market failures in news sectors of specific relevance to democracy, such as local media and investigative journalism, mapping of priority regions and/or themes, identification and analysis of business models that can address them
development, prototyping and testing of small-scale innovative user-centric business models that foster the involvement of citizens in high quality information production, monetisation, distribution and consumption (including community-based, local and accessible solutions, either physical or online)
mapping and development of audience measurement systems, concrete suggestions to increase interoperability of tools and systems around common standards, and proposals for metadata taxonomies, to federate the news sectors and improve their negotiation power vis-à-vis tech and advertising companies
sharing of conclusions and concrete, hands-on action plans and practices for the industry and policy makers, through regular consultation, interactive sessions, active communication, etc.
Key data gaps affecting the news media sectors at European level are addressed and all relevant stakeholders dispose of an updated and comprehensive knowledge base.
Users’ consumption patterns of news are identified (online and offline).
News media organisations and journalists are equipped with better knowledge and tools to adapt to digital transformation, to reach new audiences and to ensure a more resilient public sphere, especially for news sectors that are of particular relevance for democracy.
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 (Article 2)
highArticle 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) establishes the foundational values of the EU, including respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights. It emphasizes that these values are common to all Member States, fostering a society characterized by pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, and solidarity.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate a profound commitment to these foundational values, particularly pluralism, freedom of expression, and democratic resilience. Proposals should explicitly outline how their proposed solutions for news media freedom will safeguard these principles against threats like censorship, disinformation, and political interference.
European Media Industry Outlook (2023)
highThe European Media Industry Outlook is a comprehensive market analysis published by the European Commission to assess the competitiveness, structural challenges, and digital transformation of the EU audiovisual and news media sectors. It provides critical data on media consumption, business models, and technological trends to guide policy and funding initiatives.
Evaluators look for proposals that directly address the market realities, audience trends, and financial vulnerabilities highlighted in the 2023 Outlook. Applicants should show how their user-focused solutions will improve media viability, digital adaptation, and trust in independent journalism based on the report's findings.
Horizon Europe Strategic Plan
mediumThe Horizon Europe Strategic Plan sets out the key strategic orientations for EU research and innovation funding, ensuring alignment with major political priorities such as the green and digital transitions. It defines the expected impacts and key strategic orientations (KSOs) that guide the work programmes and individual call topics.
Evaluators expect proposals to explicitly link their project's pathways to impact with the Key Strategic Orientations (KSOs) of the Strategic Plan, particularly those focused on creating a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic European society. Proposals must clearly articulate how their research outcomes will scale up to meet these high-level EU objectives.
Specific requirements
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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]].
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 demonstrate concrete, actionable solutions over purely theoretical analyses. They will look for:
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1bring together academia (including from SSH disciplines), civil society organisations and multiple news sectors representatives (including influencers and other content creators) | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2where applicable, leverage the data and services available through European Research Infrastructures federated under the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), as well as data from relevant Data Spaces | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3ensure that the data produced in the context of this topic is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable) | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4seek collaboration whenever possible with relevant projects selected under previous EU-funded calls, such as the Horizon 2020 call topic TRANSFORMATIONS-10-2020 – “Evolving European media landscapes and Europeanisation” or the Horizon Europe one HORIZON-CL2-2022-DEMOCRACY-01-06 – “Media for democracy – democratic media” | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5providing comparable European consumer data, market data and models to analyse audience behaviour (including audience measurement tools) across societal groups and across Europe, so as to help news media improve their relevance, editorial quality, distribution channels and business models (including emerging formats, mediums, and technologies such as AI and XR) | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6identification of market failures in news sectors of specific relevance to democracy, such as local media and investigative journalism, mapping of priority regions and/or themes, identification and analysis of business models that can address them | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7development, prototyping and testing of small-scale innovative user-centric business models that foster the involvement of citizens in high quality information production, monetisation, distribution and consumption (including community-based, local and accessible solutions, either physical or online) | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8mapping and development of audience measurement systems, concrete suggestions to increase interoperability of tools and systems around common standards, and proposals for metadata taxonomies, to federate the news sectors and improve their negotiation power vis-à-vis tech and advertising companies | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC9sharing of conclusions and concrete, hands-on action plans and practices for the industry and policy makers, through regular consultation, interactive sessions, active communication, etc. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Key data gaps affecting the news media sectors at European level are addressed and all relevant stakeholders dispose of an updated and comprehensive knowledge base. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Users’ consumption patterns of news are identified (online and offline). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3News media organisations and journalists are equipped with better knowledge and tools to adapt to digital transformation, to reach new audiences and to ensure a more resilient public sphere, especially for news sectors that are of particular relevance for democracy. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Consortium representation across academia, civil society, and news sectorsConsortia should bring together academia (including SSH disciplines), civil society organisations, and multiple news sectors representatives, including influencers and other content creators. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) integrationResearch requires integration of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines alongside practical media economics and industry actors. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Leverage EOSC-federated research infrastructures and Data SpacesWhere applicable, consortia should leverage the data and services available through European Research Infrastructures federated under the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), as well as data from relevant Data Spaces. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4FAIR data complianceProposals must ensure that data produced in the context of the project is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable (FAIR). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Collaboration with previous EU-funded media projectsConsortia should seek collaboration whenever possible with relevant projects selected under TRANSFORMATIONS-10-2020 and HORIZON-CL2-2022-DEMOCRACY-01-06. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Clustering and cooperation among selected and relevant projectsClustering and cooperation among the selected projects under this topic and other relevant projects are strongly encouraged. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Stakeholder sharing and consultation with industry and policymakersSharing of conclusions and concrete action plans and practices for the industry and policymakers should occur through regular consultation, interactive sessions, and active communication. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ8Synergies with named EU funding programmesInteraction and synergies are encouraged with Digital Europe (DIGITAL), Technical Support Instrument, CERV, Erasmus+, ESF+, and Global Europe. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ9Engagement with European Research Infrastructures in SSHApplicants are encouraged to consider services offered by EU-funded European Research Infrastructures in the SSH domain, such as CESSDA, ESS, SHARE, or EHRI. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ10Openness of process, criteria, methodologies, and data to civil societyWhen applicable, projects are encouraged to open up the research process, criteria, methodologies, and data to civil society in the course of the research. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ11International cooperation encouragedInternational cooperation is encouraged whenever relevant in the proposed topics to maximise the impacts of R&I. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Reinvigorating 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. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1treaty on european union article 2Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) establishes the foundational values of the EU, including respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights . It emphasizes that these values are common to all Member States, fostering a society characterized by pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, and solidarity. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2european media industry outlookThe European Media Industry Outlook is a comprehensive market analysis published by the European Commission to assess the competitiveness, structural challenges, and digital transformation of the EU audiovisual and news media sectors. It provides critical data on media consumption, business models, and technological trends to guide policy and funding initiatives. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
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