European journalism sectors, as one of the pillars of democracy, are facing significant challenges, particularly due to digital transformation. The shift to online media has led to a decline in advertising revenues for traditional media, threatening the economic sustainability of professional journalism. Many media organizations are closing, reducing media diversity and undermining the stable functioning of democracy.
This call aims to address these challenges. It is launched under the Cross-Sectoral Strand of Creative Europe, which promotes cross-sectoral cooperation and innovation not only in the cultural and creative sectors (including audiovisual) but also in the news media sector, with the aim of strengthening a diverse, independent, free, and pluralistic media environment, supporting quality journalism, and enhancing media literacy.
The total budget for this call amounts to €6.900.000. The maximum support per project is €2.500.000, with a maximum European Union co-financing rate of 90% of the total eligible project costs. Applicants are therefore required to co-finance their projects from other sources.
Objective
The “Journalism Partnerships – Pluralism” call aims to support media sectors that play a crucial role in democracy and civic participation by helping them adapt to the digital environment and overcome structural challenges such as shrinking newsroom or media deserts. The support is intended for organizations with proven experience in the media field and will be provided through cascade funding (re-granting / financial support to third parties).
Priorities
Projects should focus on media sectors that are of particular importance for democracy and civic participation — specifically, on their role in strengthening democratic processes, shaping public debate, and delivering benefits to audiences and communities.
Project proposals must establish financial support schemes for third parties, with the requirement that at least 60% of the total grant amount be dedicated to this purpose. These re-granting schemes should target media outlets, organizations, local and regional media, community media, investigative journalism, and entities providing news of public interest, in ways that reinforce a pluralistic media landscape across the European Union. Non-profit and civil society organizations are particularly encouraged to apply
Activities
The focus should be on actions that contribute to sustaining, improving, or transforming the work of the target groups. Activities may include, among others:
• Innovations in editorial production (e.g. formats, content), coverage and revenue models;
• The improvement of distribution and dissemination of news;
• The development and engagement of audiences and community-building strategies;
• The development of technical tools applying to the above topics;
• Training on the above topics.
Applicants are required to design, present, and implement a financial scheme for the allocation of grants, i.e. re-granting/support to third parties. They should cover as many geographical areas and media organizations as possible. Financial support to third parties is allowed under the following conditions:
• the calls must be open, published widely and conform to EU standards concerning transparency, equal treatment, conflict of interest and confidentiality;
• the calls must remain open for at least two months;
• the outcome of the call must be published on the participants’ websites, including a description of the selected projects, award dates, project durations, and final recipient legal names and countries;
• the calls must have a clear European dimension.
Projects may also include accompanying activities such as the development of deontological and management standards, budget preparedness, legal advice, training, and similar actions. The project proposal should clearly explain how the proposed activities will contribute to addressing the identified challenges.
Project proposals should support media markets with limited pluralism and low access to news, and must outline concrete results with clear and measurable indicators of success. In addition, projects must respect professional standards and editorial independence, and include strategies for a sustainable and environmentally responsible media sector. All activities must be implemented in eligible countries, in at least four EU Member States.
Eligible Applicants
Project proposals may be submitted either by individual organizations or by consortia consisting of at least two applicants from countries participating in the Creative Europe programme.
Eligible applicants are legal entities such as media associations, non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, public institutions, universities, research centers, journalism funds and training organizations for media professionals, for-profit entities, foundations, etc.
Project duration: up to 24 months
Preparation and submission of project proposals/applications
• Project proposals must be prepared in accordance with the criteria and conditions outlined in the call document: NEWS – Journalism Partnerships (CREA-CROSS-2026-JOURPART), Version 1.0, 21 October 2025. The link to the call and the call document can be found here.
• Applications are processed and submitted electronically through the Funding & Tenders Opportunity Portal (F&TP) at the following link.