EU-SME Centre in China

Opened

Code: 35108 | Identifier Code: SMP-COSME-2024-SMECC-01 | Programme name: 3856 | Start submission calls: 24/10/2024 | End submission calls: 15/01/2025

The overall objective of this call for proposals is to ensure the continuation of the EU SME Centre in China. The latter must provide a first line of advice to target SMEs, namely SMEs operating in China or willing to enter this market, to increase and diversify their knowledge on acquisition, exports, imports and investments. In this regard, during phase V the Centre will continue to offer a set of business support services to help target SMEs overcome barriers and constraints they face in their efforts to enter, stay, or de-risk from the Chinese market.

NEWS – Media Freedom Rapid Response Mechanism

Opened

Code: 35106 | Identifier Code: CREA-CROSS-2025-MFP | Programme name: 3948 | Sub-program: Cross-sectoral strand | Start submission calls: 24/10/2024 | End submission calls: 15/01/2025

The European Democracy Action Plan stresses that physical and online threats and attacks on journalists are on the rise in several Member States and proposes sustainable funding for projects with a focus on legal and practical assistance to journalists in the EU and elsewhere, including safety and cybersecurity training for journalists and diplomatic support. The Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report refers to physical and online threats and attacks on journalists as a persistent issue across Europe. In September 2021 the Commission adopted a Recommendation on ensuring the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists and other media professionals in the European Union.

NEWS – Media Literacy

Opened

Code: 35104 | Identifier Code: CREA-CROSS-2025-MEDIALITERACY | Programme name: 3948 | Sub-program: Cross-sectoral strand | Start submission calls: 24/10/2024 | End submission calls: 06/03/2025

Support will encourage knowledge sharing and exchanges on media literacy policies and practices to enable the development of innovative cross-border media literacy initiatives and communities across Europe, in a continuously changing digital media landscape and taking into account current user behaviour among various age groups.

Creative Innovation Lab

Opened

Code: 35102 | Identifier Code: CREA-CROSS-2025-INNOVLAB | Programme name: 3948 | Sub-program: Cross-sectoral strand | Start submission calls: 24/10/2024 | End submission calls: 24/04/2025

The InnovLab support shall support the design, development and/or spread of innovative tools, models or solutions applicable in the audiovisual and other cultural and creative sectors (CCSs) with a high potential of replicability in those sectors.

The objectives of the scheme is to encourage cooperation between the audiovisual sector and other CCSs in order to accompany their environmental transition and/or to improve their competitiveness and/or the circulation, visibility, discoverability, availability, diversity and the audience of European content across borders. The support also aims to enable the European audiovisual sector and other CCSs to better adapt to the opportunities offered by the development of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Worlds.

Operating grants to framework partners active in the area of Union values

Opened

Code: 35100 | Identifier Code: CERV-2025-OG-SGA | Programme name: 2926 | Start submission calls: 24/10/2024 | End submission calls: 05/02/2025

The objective of this call is to protect, promote and raise awareness of rights, as laid down in the EU Treaties, in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (“the Charter”) and in the applicable international human rights conventions by providing financial support to European networks, civil society organisations active at EU level, and European think tanks in promoting and cultivating those rights. The call thereby also aims at strengthening the protection and promotion of Union values including respect for the rule of law and contributing to the construction of a more democratic Union, democratic dialogue, transparency as well as good governance.
The call aims to support the strive for a Union where there is no place for hate, racism, discrimination, or violence in any of its forms.

Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways – Works

Opened

Code: 35098 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2024-GATEWAYS-WORKS | Programme name: 3569 | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 13/02/2025

The objective of this call is to support the deployment of strategic networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality of connectivity within the Union as well as with third countries. Access to backbone connectivity in EU Member States may differ significantly. In certain regions a lack of adequate backbone connectivity may have an impact on the development of, and service provided by access networks, and may generate possible imbalances in the prices of services, both for network operators in these regions, as well as for the users. This can be the case, for example, for Member States that are themselves islands and/or have islands as part of their territory. For some remote territories such as islands, Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories, commercial prices and other conditions of backbone connectivity may hinder the full participation of both users and enterprises in the digital European economy.

Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways – Studies

Opened

Code: 35095 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2024-GATEWAYS-STUDIES | Programme name: 3569 | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 13/02/2025

The objective of this call is to support the deployment of strategic networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality of connectivity within the Union as well as with third countries. Access to backbone connectivity in EU Member States may differ significantly. In certain regions a lack of adequate backbone connectivity may have an impact on the development of, and service provided by access networks, and may generate possible imbalances in the prices of services, both for network operators in these regions, as well as for the users. This can be the case, for example, for Member States that are themselves islands and/or have islands as part of their territory. For some remote territories such as islands, Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories, commercial prices and other conditions of backbone connectivity may hinder the full participation of both users and enterprises in the digital European economy.

This topic will support studies for the deployment of backbone connectivity for routes within Member States (including OCTs), between Member States (including OCTs), and between Member States (including OCTs) and third countries.

European Quantum Communication Infrastructure – The EuroQCI initiative – Works

Opened

Code: 35090 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2024-EUROQCI-WORKS | Programme name: 3569 | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 13/02/2025

CEF Digital actions to co-fund the terrestrial backbone network components will be complementary to those developed through the Digital Europe Programme and will be focused on supporting cross-border links between two or more national quantum communication networks in Member States, and/or linking the EuroQCI’s terrestrial and space segments.

The first services provided by EuroQCI will be based on QKD, which uses the properties of quantum physics to establish a secure encryption key at each end of a communications line in order to protect against vulnerabilities, namely eavesdropping. The first phase of the EuroQCI infrastructure deployment is focused on the deployment of terrestrial backbone components. It should aim for solutions providing end-to-end security.

5G large scale pilots – 5G and Edge for Smart Communities – Works

Opened

Code: 35087 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2024-5GLSP-SMARTCOM-WORKS | Programme name: 3569 | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 13/02/2025

The overall objective of the call “5G Large-scale pilots” is to deploy large-scale 5G SA infrastructures that integrate connectivity and edge cloud capacities along the 3C Network value chain. Each pilot is expected to maximise the number of use cases enabled by 5G systems in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, education, mobility, transport (including use cases for Connected and Automated Mobility for road, railway and inland waterway as well as coastal maritime automation, or multimodal transport as appropriate) etc., targeting urban, sub-urban, rural, and cross-border areas.

Specific objectives are the following:

• 5G SA large-scale pilots will stimulate a wider and faster deployment and takeup of 5G across Europe, while providing the foundation for developing “lead markets” for 5G and edge cloud systems, relying where applicable on technologies and standards developed under other EU programmes, in particular the Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots should demonstrate the benefits gained in specific vertical applications, following the evolution from current electronic communications networks towards virtualised and cloud-native network functions and distributed telco edge cloud, opening new opportunities to Europe’s key industries.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots funded under this call for proposals are expected to leverage 5G infrastructures delivering leading-edge connectivity characteristics e.g.: symmetric gigabit performance, high-user-density, ubiquitous coverage (e.g. to connect IoT devices), low latency and very high reliability. They will contribute to the integration of devices, networks, cloud and edge computing, and communication capabilities for telco edge cloud deployment to realise a ubiquitous mesh of computing and communication resources. Where necessary, the pilots should bundle 5G networks with a cloud-to-edge middleware stack capable of supporting the data intensive use cases and applications designed for a multi-purpose context (5G corridors and/or 5G applications for socio-economic drivers).
• These large-scale pilots are encouraged to cover multiple use cases. Crosssector synergies between multiple use cases are expected to be enabled by 5G SA supporting local smart communities and connecting multiple sites distributed across multiple countries and regions.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots should be designed in a way that, with adaptations due to possible different requirements, they can be replicated across Europe, for instance under other funding programmes such as ERDF, EAFRD or national investments. Projects may be preceded by inception studies or best practices funded in earlier calls under this programme or may be based on any other preparatory work funded under other programmes (such as R&I under Horizon Europe).

5G large scale pilots – 5G coverage along Transport Corridors – Works

Opened

Code: 35085 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2024-5GLSP-CORRIDORS-WORKS | Programme name: 3569 | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 13/02/2025

The overall objective of the call “5G Large-scale pilots” is to deploy large-scale 5G SA infrastructures that integrate connectivity and edge cloud capacities along the 3C Network value chain. Each pilot is expected to maximise the number of use cases enabled by 5G systems in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, education, mobility, transport (including use cases for Connected and Automated Mobility for road, railway and inland waterway as well as coastal maritime automation, or multimodal transport as appropriate) etc., targeting urban, sub-urban, rural, and cross-border areas.

Specific objectives are the following:

• 5G SA large-scale pilots will stimulate a wider and faster deployment and takeup of 5G across Europe, while providing the foundation for developing “lead markets” for 5G and edge cloud systems, relying where applicable on technologies and standards developed under other EU programmes, in particular the Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots should demonstrate the benefits gained in specific vertical applications, following the evolution from current electronic communications networks towards virtualised and cloud-native network functions and distributed telco edge cloud, opening new opportunities to Europe’s key industries.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots funded under this call for proposals are expected to leverage 5G infrastructures delivering leading-edge connectivity characteristics e.g.: symmetric gigabit performance, high-user-density, ubiquitous coverage (e.g. to connect IoT devices), low latency and very high reliability. They will contribute to the integration of devices, networks, cloud and edge computing, and communication capabilities for telco edge cloud deployment to realise a ubiquitous mesh of computing and communication resources. Where necessary, the pilots should bundle 5G networks with a cloud-to-edge middleware stack capable of supporting the data intensive use cases and applications designed for a multi-purpose context (5G corridors and/or 5G applications for socio-economic drivers).
• These large-scale pilots are encouraged to cover multiple use cases. Crosssector synergies between multiple use cases are expected to be enabled by 5G SA supporting local smart communities and connecting multiple sites distributed across multiple countries and regions.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots should be designed in a way that, with adaptations due to possible different requirements, they can be replicated across Europe, for instance under other funding programmes such as ERDF, EAFRD or national investments. Projects may be preceded by inception studies or best practices funded in earlier calls under this programme or may be based on any other preparatory work funded under other programmes (such as R&I under Horizon Europe).

Cross-border renewable energy studies projects

Opened

Code: 35083 | Identifier Code: CEF-E-2025-CBRENEW-STUDIES | Programme name: 3569 | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Energy Infrastructure | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 16/01/2025

This topic aims at financing projects contributing to the goals and objectives of the European Green Deal, as well as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 climate and energy targets and the EU’s objectives for climate neutrality, in accordance with recitals 5 and 30 of the CEF Regulation and in line with the Multi annual Work Programme. This topic refers to projects for studies contributing to the implementation of a CB RES project.

Cross-border renewable energy works projects

Opened

Code: 35081 | Identifier Code: CEF-E-2025-CBRENEW-WORKS | Programme name: 3569 | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Energy Infrastructure | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 16/01/2025

This topic refers to works projects contributing to the implementation of a CB RES project. Works in the meaning of CEF Energy include the purchase, supply and deployment of components, systems and services including software, the development, construction and installation activities relating to a CB RES project, the acceptance of installations and the launching of a CB RES project.

This call aims to enable CB RES projects which have significant socioeconomic benefits to be implemented, within the framework of the renewable energy sector and in particular to support cross-border cooperation in the field of renewable energy. In particular, the financial assistance under this call for proposals shall contribute to supporting CB RES projects that do not receive adequate financing from the market and should maximise its added value towards uptake of renewable energy investments.

Circulation of European literary works

Opened

Code: 35077 | Identifier Code: CREA-CULT-2025-LIT | Programme name: 3948 | Sub-program: Culture | Start submission calls: 15/10/2024 | End submission calls: 11/02/2025

This action supports projects that translate, publish, distribute, and promote European works of fiction.

Joint Cluster Initiatives (EUROCLUSTERS) for Europe’s recovery

Opened

Code: 35071 | Identifier Code: SMP-COSME-2024-CLUSTER-01 | Programme name: 3856 | Start submission calls: 15/10/2024 | End submission calls: 05/02/2025

The main objective of this call for proposals, for both strands, is to support innovation and adoption of new processes and advanced technologies for strategic autonomy, to build capacity in the most critical areas of the relevant ecosystem(s) and to reinforce transformation into a greener, more digital, and resilient economy.

This call is expected to contribute to the following other supporting objectives:

• to establish networks and strategic partnerships to improve the resilience of the EU industrial ecosystems by developing and strengthening value chains in the EU Single Market;
• to provide training to foster upskilling and reskilling of the workforce and attracting talents;
• to go international to boost access to global supply and value chains.

Information measures for the EU Cohesion policy for 2024

Opened

Code: 35059 | Identifier Code: IMREG-2024-INFOME | Programme name: 17855 | Start submission calls: 09/10/2024 | End submission calls: 07/01/2025

The main aim of the call is to provide support for the production and dissemination of information and content linked to EU Cohesion policy, including inter alia the Just Transition Fund, or relevant support from the Technical Support Instrument.

Support for information measures relating to the Common Agricultural Policy for 2025

Opened

Code: 35057 | Identifier Code: IMCAP-2025-INFOME | Programme name: 16396 | Start submission calls: 15/10/2024 | End submission calls: 16/01/2025

The general objective of the call is to raise awareness about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) within the EU, amongst all citizens, farmers and non-farmers alike and to disseminate information about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the key messaging should be fully consistent with the Commission’s legal requirement to carry out information measures on the CAP within the meaning of Article 46 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116.

The CAP plays a key role in supporting the EU’s farming sector and rural areas. It aims to ensure a competitive and sustainable agriculture model with respect to economic, social and environmental aspects.

The information measures should specifically focus on the role of the CAP and CAP Strategic Plans:

• in supporting a fair and sufficient income for farmers),
• in ensuring food security and the long-term competitiveness of EU agriculture,
• in the resilience and the transition to sustainable food production systems, including for the livestock sector,
• in supporting generational renewal and improving gender balance and participation of women, and
• in strengthening the position of farmers in the value chain and protecting them from unfair trading practices.

SPIRIT 2nd Open Call

Opened

Code: 35055 | Identifier Code: SPIRIT | Programme name: 20613 | Start submission calls: 17/10/2024 | End submission calls: 19/12/2024

The second SPIRIT Open Call (OC2) is open to a wide range of third-party contributors to validate and test their applications on the SPIRIT platform, Europe’s first multi-site and interconnected platform for real-time immersive telepresence applications.

NGI Mobifree 4th Open Call – “More ethical and human mobile software”

Opened

Code: 35053 | Identifier Code: MOBIFREE | Programme name: 20613 | Start submission calls: 01/10/2024 | End submission calls: 01/12/2024

NGI Mobifree is a pilot programme designed to push beyond the status quo of mobile software and create a virtuous cycle of innovation through free and open source software, libre hardware and open standards. Under this call, project proposals are invited to contribute to help reshape the state of play of mobile software and give European citizens and organisations more choice in, and access to, human-centered and ethical mobile software.

NGI TALER 4th Open Call – “Privacy-preserving digital payments”

Opened

Code: 35050 | Identifier Code: TALER | Programme name: 20613 | Start submission calls: 01/10/2024 | End submission calls: 01/12/2024

NGI TALER is a project funded by the European Commission and the Swiss State to roll out a new electronic payment system that benefits everyone: people, merchants, banks, financial authorities, auditors and anti-corruption researchers. Part of the budget of NGI TALER is reserved for open calls to fund additional free and open source efforts that are aligned with the topics and approach of NGI TALER. Under this call project proposals are invited to help reshape the state of play of digital payment systems, and to help create an open, trustworthy and reliable internet for all.

NGI FEDIVERSITY 2nd Open Call – “Creating the hosting stack of the future”

Opened

Code: 35048 | Identifier Code: Fediversity | Programme name: 20613 | Start submission calls: 01/10/2024 | End submission calls: 01/12/2024

Fediversity is a comprehensive effort to bring easy-to-use, hosted cloud services with service portability and personal freedom at their core to everyone. It wants to provide everyone with high-quality, secure IT systems for everyday use.