Horizon Europe, the EU's premier research and innovation programme, continues its mission in 2025 to drive impactful transformation across sectors. Cluster 2 — Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society — plays a vital role in shaping resilient democracies, supporting social inclusion, and fostering cultural and creative industries. This article highlights the priorities, challenges, and funding opportunities available in Cluster 2 of the 2025 Work Programme.
What is Cluster 2?
Cluster 2 supports research and innovation (R&I) that addresses societal challenges linked to democracy, cultural heritage, social resilience, and inclusion. It contributes to the EU’s strategic goals by encouraging the creation of policies and tools that strengthen democratic governance, combat misinformation, and leverage Europe’s rich cultural assets for sustainable growth.
Cluster 2’s goals align with EU priorities such as the European Democracy Action Plan, the European Pillar of Social Rights, and the New European Bauhaus initiative. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and empowers citizens to actively shape Europe’s democratic and cultural future.
Key Destinations in Cluster 2
The 2025 Work Programme outlines three primary “destinations” — thematic focus areas that define expected impacts and guide funding calls:
1. Destination: Innovative Research on Democracy and Governance
This destination addresses:
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Resilience of democratic institutions and civic participation
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Fighting disinformation and foreign interference
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Safeguarding fundamental rights and the rule of law
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Supporting media pluralism and political inclusivity
Projects under this destination aim to reinforce citizen engagement and increase transparency and trust in democratic processes.
2. Destination: Cultural Heritage and the Cultural and Creative Industries
This destination supports:
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Preservation and promotion of tangible and intangible cultural heritage
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Innovation in the creative and cultural industries (CCI)
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Climate resilience of cultural sites
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Launch of a new European Partnership for Resilient Cultural Heritage
R&I in this area contributes to sustainable tourism, economic growth, and digital transformation of the CCI sector — including the use of AI in creative processes.
3. Destination: Social and Economic Transformations
Projects in this domain tackle:
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Gender equality, inclusion, and mental health
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Migration dynamics and integration strategies
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Reducing socio-economic inequalities
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Strengthening educational systems and digital skills
This destination promotes policies that make societies more inclusive, equitable, and better prepared for demographic and technological change.
Funding Priorities and Opportunities
In 2025, Horizon Europe will dedicate €101.8 million from Cluster 2 to actions that directly support climate, biodiversity, digital transition, and inclusive governance. A strong emphasis is placed on cross-cutting topics such as AI ethics, climate-resilient cultural heritage, and policies addressing polarisation and social fragmentation.
Special efforts are made to involve underrepresented regions and actors, aligning with the broader EU goals of widening participation and spreading excellence.
How to Apply
Funding opportunities under Cluster 2 are published in the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Calls are organized under specific destinations and typically require collaborative projects involving multiple stakeholders across eligible countries.
For detailed guidance on how to apply, check out Part 1 of this guide, where you can find more info about the Horizon Europe programme, including eligibility, priorities, and proposal tips.
Conclusion: Shaping Europe’s Inclusive Future
Cluster 2 of Horizon Europe addresses some of the most urgent societal challenges of our time — from defending democracy to empowering culture and building fairer, more inclusive societies. By fostering innovative ideas across sectors, this cluster paves the way for sustainable development, stronger communities, and shared European identity.
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