This call covers media sectors that are particularly relevant for democracy. Certain sectors having an important role for democratic debate lack the means to adapt to the digital environment, and phenomena such as shrinking newsrooms or media deserts can lead to a deterioration of pluralism. Support is thus needed for them to improve their position, adapt their methods, continue providing a first-hand source of original reporting to citizens, help keep decision-makers accountable and ultimately contribute to a more diverse and independent sector.

Eligibility criteria

• legal entities (public or private bodies)
• be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:

          -EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories

          (OCTs))

          -listed EEA countries and countries associated to the Creative Europe programme (list)

Consortia composition

Proposals must be submitted either by a single applicant or by a consortium of at least two applicants (beneficiaries; not affiliated entities), from eligible Countries.

Eligible activities

• Innovations in editorial production (e.g. formats, content), coverage and revenue models
• The improvement of distribution and dissemination of news
• The development and engagement of audiences and community-building strategies
• The development of technical tools applying to the above topics
• Training on the above topics
• Proposals must put in place funding schemes for news media entities and independent journalism and dedicate at least 60% of the total amount of the grant to it.

Total budget

EUR 6.900.000

How to apply

Apply though the EU funding & tenders portal 

Deadline: 4 February 2026, 17.00 (CET)

Read more here.

Opportunity offered by: European Commission