The new Call for Proposals for European Cooperation Projects has been published under the Culture sub-programme of Creative Europe for the year 2026.
This action is one of the European Union’s main funding instruments supporting cooperation between cultural and creative organisations across Europe.
With a budget of around €60 million, the action will foster cooperation between organisations active in the field of culture, increasing the cross-border dimension of creation and circulation of European artistic content. It will also encourage the development, experimentation, dissemination, and application of new and innovative practices.
The action is expected to support around 150 projects.
European Cooperation Projects support transnational initiatives implemented by organisations from different countries participating in the programme. Their aim is to strengthen collaboration among cultural operators, promote the cross-border circulation of artists and works, and encourage innovation and the development of new practices within the cultural and creative sectors.
The call is open to organisations from all cultural and creative sectors, regardless of size. Eligible applicants include small organisations, cultural institutions, local authorities, non-profit organisations, as well as private entities active in the cultural field.
The call covers two main categories of projects:
1. Small-scale Cooperation Projects
Proposals must be submitted by a consortium of at least three organisations from three different eligible countries. The maximum EU grant is €200,000, while the co-financing rate may reach up to 80% of the total project budget.
2. Medium-scale Cooperation Projects
Proposals must be submitted by a consortium of at least five organisations from five different eligible countries. The maximum EU grant may reach €1,000,000, with a co-financing rate of up to 70% of the total project budget.
Projects supported under this call must contribute to one of the core objectives of the action. The first objective focuses on strengthening the transnational creation and circulation of European works and artists, thereby promoting European cultural production and expanding audience engagement. The second objective aims to foster innovation and skills development in the cultural and creative sectors, through activities such as knowledge exchange, the development of new practices, digital transition, and new models of cooperation.
At the same time, proposed projects are expected to integrate the cross-cutting priorities of the European Union, including environmental sustainability, gender equality, social inclusion, digital transition, and the strengthening of international collaboration.
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal. Interested organisations are encouraged to carefully study the call documents and develop proposals that demonstrate a clear European dimension of cooperation, high-quality implementation, and strong impact on the cultural sector.
The deadline for submitting applications is 5 May.
Important note: Applicants are strongly advised to read the call document carefully before preparing and submitting their proposal.