Horizon Europe Cluster 2 - Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

The 2026 Horizon Europe Cluster 2 calls are now open

Unlocking new opportunities for organizations working at the intersection of culture, creativity, democracy, social innovation, education, inclusion, and community development, Cluster 2 was specifically designed to support projects that strengthen Europe's cultural vitality, democratic resilience, and social cohesion. This year's calls address some of Europe's most pressing societal challenges and opportunities, including:

• Cultural heritage preservation, digitisation, and accessibility

• Cultural and creative industries and creative entrepreneurship

• Social innovation and inclusive growth

• Democracy, participation, and citizen engagement

• Migration, integration, and social inclusion

• Skills development and lifelong learning

• Equality, diversity, and social cohesion

• Competences for the green and digital transitions

Among the newly opened opportunities are topics focusing on strengthening the Union of Equality, supporting creative startups and disruptive innovation, improving the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, fostering inclusion and health, and developing the skills needed for Europe's green transition.

Why Cluster 2 Matters

Recognizing that Europe's future competitiveness depends not only on technological innovation, but also on strong communities, vibrant cultural ecosystems, democratic participation, and social resilience, Cluster 2 supports projects that help:

• Build more inclusive societies

• Strengthen cultural and creative sectors

• Improve policymaking through evidence and innovation

• Foster citizen engagement and trust

• Create new opportunities for learning, participation, and social mobility

For organizations working directly with communities, Cluster 2 offers one of the most accessible entry points into Horizon Europe. The newly opened Cluster 2 calls are particularly relevant for:

• Cultural organisations and institutions

• Museums, archives, and heritage organisations

• Creative hubs and cultural and creative industries

• Municipalities and regional authorities

• NGOs and civil society organisations

• Social enterprises

• Universities and research centres

• SMEs working in culture, tourism, education, inclusion, or civic innovation

Citizenship education as part of lifelong learning

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-09

Open topic: Strengthen Europe's social model and sustainable competitiveness through productivity

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Rethinking long-term care policy in the face of EU demographic shifts

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-09

The impact of the use of digital tools outside school and for communication on educational outcomes and mental health

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-04

Making Europe a global magnet for talent - Attracting and retaining students, researchers and high-skilled workers from outside the EU

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Contribution of basic skills to productivity, innovation, competitiveness and economic growth

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Strengthened implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and a focus on inclusion, integration, and health

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Government in transition – how governments change the way they work and prepare the civil service for the future

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-03

Fostering cooperation and integration between SSH and STEM research and innovation in the EU

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-10

Tackling child poverty and ensuring disadvantaged children's access to Early Childhood Education and Care

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-03

Safeguarding linguistic diversity in Europe

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-06

Tackling gender-based violence against politically active women and LGBTIQ people

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-01

Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality

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Creative alliances: Fostering global partnerships in cultural policies and CCI innovation

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-05

Understanding the forms of local democracy in low-income and low-middle income countries

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-02

Sustainable paths to media viability

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Co-funded European Partnership for Social Transformations and Resilience

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Electoral integrity in the digital context

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Digital and media literacy as drivers for democratic and civic resilienceHORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-10

“Artistic intelligence” : harnessing the power of the arts to address complex challenges, enhance soft skills and boost innovation and competitiveness

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-01

Towards a fair and transparent market for cultural and creative content in the era of generative AI

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-04

Supporting post-conflict democracy and reconstruction

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-07

Boosting creative startups for disruptive innovation

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-02

Governing global commons sustainably

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Preventing and fighting illicit trafficking of cultural goods

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AI integration in CCSI work practice: catalysing innovation and competitiveness

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-03

SUSTAINAGRO

Sustainability in Rural Enterprises and Innovation

A member of the Social Innovation Stakeholders Network - www.SocialInnovationActions.Org

Contact: info@sustainagro.net

@RURALITIES