Horizon Europe's Cluster 2 (Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society) under Pillar II focuses on understanding societal transformations, fostering democratic governance, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting inclusive, sustainable, and resilient societies. CL2 addresses research on democracy, cultural heritage, social cohesion, and societal transformations, promoting evidence-based policies and innovative solutions. The 2026 topics of interest include:

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-01: Tackling gender-based violence against politically active women and LGBTIQ people

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-02: Understanding the forms of local democracy in low-income and low-middle income countries

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-03: Government in transition - how governments change the way they work and prepare the civil service for the future

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-04: Sustainable paths to media viability

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-05: Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-06: Governing global commons sustainably

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-07: Supporting post-conflict democracy and reconstruction

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-08: Electoral integrity in the digital context

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-09: Citizenship education as part of lifelong learning

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-10: Digital and media literacy as drivers for democratic and civic resilience

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-01: "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-02: Boosting creative startups for disruptive innovation

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-03: AI integration in CCSI work practice: catalysing innovation and competitiveness

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-04: Towards a fair and transparent market for cultural and creative content in the era of generative AI

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-05: Creative alliances: Fostering global partnerships in cultural policies and CCI innovation

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-06: Safeguarding linguistic diversity in Europe

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-07: Preventing and fighting illicit trafficking of cultural goods

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-02: Open topic: Strengthen Europe's social model and sustainable competitiveness through productivity

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-03: Tackling child poverty and ensuring disadvantaged children's access to Early Childhood Education and Care

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-04: The impact of the use of digital tools outside school and for communication on educational outcomes and mental health

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-05: Contribution of basic skills to productivity, innovation, competitiveness and economic growth

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-06: Making Europe a global magnet for talent - Attracting and retaining students, researchers and high-skilled workers from outside the EU

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-07: Fostering competences for the green transition

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-08: Strengthened implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and a focus on inclusion, integration, and health

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-09: Rethinking long-term care policy in the face of EU demographic shifts

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-10: Fostering cooperation and integration between SSH and STEM research and innovation in the EU

• HORIZON-CL2-2026-02-TRANSFO-01: Co-funded European Partnership for Social Transformations and Resilience

Projects vary in duration and submission process; objectives include fostering innovation, improving healthcare, and addressing societal health challenges

• Open to research organizations, universities, hospitals, and industry partners established in EU Member States or associated countries.

• Specific eligibility criteria vary by topic; consult the official work programme.

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