The 2026 budget for Cluster 2 "Culture, creativity and inclusive society" amounts to €298.5 million, with a single call for proposals scheduled for launch on 12 May 2026. The call will cover the cluster’s three priories:
- Democracy and Governance – supporting research on the evolution of democratic institutions, citizen participation, diversity, global competition and the impact of digitalisation on democratic processes.
- Cultural Heritage – strengthening cultural heritage as a driver of European identity, economic development and creativity, including actions linked to the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage.
- Social and Economic Transformations – addressing the opportunities and challenges of digital, environmental and socio‑economic transitions, gender equality, well‑being and reducing inequalities.
The European Research Executive Agency (REA), which manages a substantial share of Horizon Europe’s activities, is seeking proposals from social scientists and humanities scholars capable of generating forward‑looking solutions in areas such as post‑conflict reconstruction, child poverty, and the safeguarding of cultural and creative content in the era of AI.
All topics under Cluster 2 are expected to mainstream Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and integrate a gender dimension in the research approach. Future projects in Cluster 2 are expected to contribute to three intervention areas aligned with the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan (2025–2027):
- Green transition
- Digital transition
- A more resilient, competitive, inclusive and democratic Europe
These priorities reflect the EU’s ambition to strengthen societal resilience, reinforce democratic values and ensure that cultural and social research contributes meaningfully to long‑term policy goals.’
Join a Cluster 2 Info Day on 26 March 2026
The European Commission will host the Horizon Europe Cluster 2 Info Day online on 26 March 2026. The event aims to inform potential applicants about the 2026 topics and the wider objectives of the 2026–27 work programme.
Participants will receive guidance on:
- Upcoming call topics and expected impacts
- Evaluation and award processes
- Programme priorities under Pillar 2
- The role of SSH research in addressing EU policy objectives
The Info Day also provides an opportunity to engage directly with representatives of the European Commission and gain practical insights ahead of the call opening.
Horizon Europe at a glance
Horizon Europe is the EU’s central funding mechanism for research and innovation, designed to boost scientific excellence, support emerging technologies, and strengthen Europe’s global leadership. It encourages cross‑border collaboration to tackle global challenges including climate change, public health, security and digital transformation. The European Research Executive Agency manages around 23% of the programme’s budget for 2021–2027, aiming to turn innovative research ideas into concrete solutions.
