- Democracy and governance (adaptation of democratic institutions based on current developments, citizens' experience with democratic discourses, practices and institutions, diversity, global competition, technological progress and digitalization and their effects on democracies);
- Cultural heritage (cultural heritage as the basis of our coexistence, as a driving force of the European, national, regional and local economy, as well as a source of inspiration for the creative and cultural industries, European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage);
- Social and economic transformations (impacts, challenges and opportunities of digital, environmental and socio-economic transformation, forward-looking policies for sustainable and inclusive growth, gender equality, promoting well-being, reducing inequalities).
The aim of the funded research and innovation projects is to work on solutions for social challenges using knowledge and expertise from the SSH sector. The concern for real impact on society is a core characteristic of this cluster, so application orientation is the focus. The target group are universities, non-university research institutions, companies, NGOs, SMEs, interest groups as well as artists and cultural workers.
Current tenders
The European Commission has published its work program 2026/27 in Cluster 2. Tenders with a total budget of EUR 298.50 million are available for 2026. The budget for 2027 is EUR 277.00 million. The 2027 work program also includes three two-stage topics in Cluster 2, with a common budget of EUR 58 million. All topics are in Funding & Tenders Portal including lots of other helpful information. On March 25, 2026, applicants will have to virtual Info Day for Cluster 2 the opportunity to ask information and questions about the Topics 2026 directly to the European Commission. Dealing with the topics early and starting on time increase your chances. Get in touch also in a timely manner with our NCPs, who will be available to advise you throughout the entire application process.
Programme focus of Cluster 2 “Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society”
Projects are funded in three program priorities:
- Democracy and governance (adaptation of democratic institutions based on current developments, citizens' experience with democratic discourses, practices and institutions, diversity, global competition, technological progress and digitalization and their effects on democracies);
- Cultural heritage (cultural heritage as the basis of our coexistence, as a driving force of the European, national, regional and local economy, as well as a source of inspiration for the creative and cultural industries, European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage );
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Social and economic transformations (impacts, challenges and opportunities of digital, environmental and socio-economic transformation, forward-looking policies for sustainable and inclusive growth, gender equality, promoting well-being, reducing inequalities).
Other relevant program areas in Horizon Europe
Aside from Cluster 2, the SSH scientific disciplines play an overall important role in Horizon Europe. SSH or SSH-relevant topics (SSH = Social Sciences & Humanities) are assigned to the priority Socio-economic science and humanities in the Funding and tender portal.
In addition, from 2025 on the Societal Readiness Approach (SRA) will be implemented as a pilot in Cluster 5. This approach aims to improve the consideration of various social needs and concerns in research and innovation processes and thereby increase the potential for social acceptance and implementation of innovations.
Since 2025 New European Bauhaus is also anchored in Horizon Europe and offers annual calls relevant to SSH disciplines: 1) Connections of green transformation, social sustainability and local democracy, 2) Circular economy and regenerative approaches to the built environment and 3) Innovative financing and new business models to transform urban districts.
A newer approach from Horizon Europe are the EU missions , which aim to develop solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges within a defined time frame.