Deadline: 23-Sep-2026
The European Commission’s Horizon Europe call supports research and innovation projects that promote multilingualism, protect linguistic heritage, and preserve endangered and marginalised languages across Europe. With €11.5 million in funding, it focuses on language documentation, multilingual education, digital inclusion, and community-based approaches to sustaining linguistic diversity and intergenerational transmission.
What is this EU Multilingualism Initiative?
This funding opportunity is part of the Horizon Europe launched by the European Commission.
It supports research and innovation projects aimed at strengthening linguistic diversity and protecting Europe’s endangered and minority languages.
Purpose of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Promote multilingualism across Europe
- Protect endangered and marginalised languages
- Strengthen linguistic heritage preservation
- Improve multilingual education systems
- Enhance digital language inclusion
- Support intergenerational language transmission
- Map and document linguistic diversity
- Highlight cultural and wellbeing benefits of language diversity
Key Focus Areas
Language preservation and documentation
- Mapping linguistic diversity across Europe
- Documenting endangered languages
- Preserving oral traditions and storytelling
- Recording cultural and linguistic heritage
Multilingual education and inclusion
- Strengthening multilingual learning systems
- Supporting language learning in schools and communities
- Enhancing access to multilingual education resources
- Promoting inclusive language policies
Digital and technological inclusion
- Digital tools for language preservation
- AI and data-driven language documentation
- Expanding digital access for minority languages
- Supporting multilingual digital environments
Cultural and community engagement
- Community-based language preservation initiatives
- Intergenerational language transmission
- Oral heritage, music, and storytelling traditions
- Gender and cultural dimensions of language use
Research and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Linguistics and heritage studies
- Media, theatre, and literary studies
- Migration and socio-economic research
- Cultural and museum studies
Funding Details
- Total funding available: €11,500,000
- Funding type: Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA)
- Focus: Research, innovation, documentation, and policy-relevant outputs
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants:
- Any legal entity worldwide
- EU and non-EU countries
- International organisations
- Entities from non-associated third countries
Additional eligible participants:
- Affiliated entities
- Associated partners
- EU bodies and agencies
- Joint Research Centre (JRC)
- Associations and interest groups
- Entities without legal personality (under conditions)
Administrative Requirements
- Registration in the Participant Register is mandatory
- A Participant Identification Code (PIC) must be obtained
- Validation required before grant agreement signature
- Compliance with Horizon Europe rules and call-specific conditions
Expected Outcomes
Projects funded under this call are expected to deliver:
- Comprehensive mapping of European linguistic diversity
- Documentation of endangered languages and oral traditions
- Improved multilingual education frameworks
- Digital tools for language preservation
- Policy recommendations for language protection
- Community engagement models for language revitalisation
How the Programme Works
- Consortia or eligible entities submit proposals
- Projects are evaluated under Horizon Europe criteria
- Selected projects receive funding under HORIZON-RIA scheme
- Research and community-based implementation begins
- Outputs include tools, maps, datasets, and policy guidance
- Findings support EU cultural and linguistic policy development
Key Requirements for Strong Proposals
- Strong interdisciplinary research design
- Integration of digital and community-based approaches
- Clear methodology for language documentation and mapping
- Inclusion of minority and marginalised language communities
- Collaboration across cultural, academic, and policy sectors
- Alignment with EU linguistic diversity goals
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on academic research without community engagement
- Ignoring digital inclusion and technology components
- Weak documentation or mapping methodology
- Lack of interdisciplinary collaboration
- Poor alignment with EU cultural and heritage priorities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Combine linguistic research with digital innovation
- Include strong community participation strategies
- Focus on practical preservation tools and outputs
- Demonstrate measurable impact on language preservation
- Build diverse, transnational research consortia
- Align with UNESCO and Council of Europe frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this EU call about?
- It supports projects that preserve languages and promote multilingualism in Europe
- Focuses on linguistic heritage, education, and digital inclusion
- What is the funding amount?
- €11,500,000 under Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action
- Who can apply?
- Any legal entity globally, including universities, NGOs, and international organisations
- What types of languages are included?
- Endangered, marginalised, minority, and regional languages in Europe
- What are key activities funded?
- Language mapping, documentation, digital tools, and education initiatives
- Is community involvement required?
- Yes
- Projects must include cultural and community-based approaches
Conclusion
The multilingualism and linguistic heritage call under the Horizon Europe supports Europe-wide efforts to preserve endangered languages and strengthen linguistic diversity. Through interdisciplinary research, digital innovation, and community engagement, it aims to safeguard cultural heritage and promote inclusive multilingual societies across the EU.
For more information, visit European Commission.