Safeguarding linguistic diversity in Europe

Overview

Funding for transdisciplinary projects that document, map, and safeguard Europe’s linguistic diversity, including regional, minority, and endangered languages. Targets researchers, civil society, and communities working to promote multilingualism, intergenerational language transmission, and digital preservation.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, NGOs, public bodies, and consortia) from EU Member States, Horizon Europe-associated countries, and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions. Community-led organizations and cultural institutions are encouraged to participate.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €6,000,000
• Funding rate: Lump-sum contributions (exact percentage not specified)
• Financial support to third parties: Up to €60,000 per third party, provided as grants

What Is Funded

• Documentation and mapping of Europe’s linguistic diversity, including regional, minority, and endangered languages.
• Research on multilingualism, language revitalization, and intergenerational transmission, with a focus on oral traditions and gendered components.
• Development of policy recommendations and strategies to combat linguistic marginalization, particularly for itinerant or stateless communities.
• Exploration of digital tools (e.g., AI, language technologies) for language preservation and overcoming the digital linguistic divide.
• Analysis of non-linguistic benefits of language maintenance (e.g., wellbeing, identity, health) and its impact on local economies.
• Creation of linguistic cartography tools and visual representations for education and research.
• Engagement with local communities, civil society, and youth through participatory approaches.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4–6 (technology validated in lab to demonstrated in relevant environment)

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-11
• Deadline: 2026-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Part B of the application limited to 50 pages, with a mandatory detailed budget table.
• Evaluation based on standard Horizon Europe criteria (excellence, impact, implementation).

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting: Standard Horizon Europe reporting requirements apply.
• Dissemination: Results must be shared with policymakers, communities, and stakeholders, including recommendations for safeguarding linguistic diversity.
• Ownership/licensing: The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must build on existing EU-funded initiatives (e.g., Euromosaic, Mercator Centre) and establish synergies with related Horizon Europe actions.
• Proposals must include transdisciplinary collaborations (e.g., linguistics, heritage studies, media, socio-economic research).
• Financial support to third parties is permitted but capped at €60,000 per entity.