European funding mechanisms open to companies in the Cultural and Creative Industries in 2025
European funding is a strategic lever in supporting and developing creative and cultural industries across Europe. Several European Union funding programs aim to strengthen the competitiveness of these sectors while encouraging innovation and supporting cultural diversity.
RADAR Mapping of European Funding
What are the main financing programs?
1. Sectoral financing
Creative Europe
Creative Europe is a program dedicated to culture and audiovisual, with a budget of 2,44 billion euros for the period 2021-2027.
Objectives? To preserve and promote European cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as to increase the competitiveness of the cultural and creative sectors.
Who is he talking to ?
-To cultural and creative organizations EU member countries and other countries.
This program is divided into three parts:
1. Culture component: supports projects aimed at promoting artistic and cultural cooperation at European level.
What are the flagship Calls for Projects in the Culture section?
-Call for Transnational Cooperation Projects: brings together cultural organizations from different countries to work together on joint projects.
-Call for Projects for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage: aims to protect and enhance European cultural heritage, including digitization and restoration.
-Call for Projects to Promote Cultural Diversity: highlights the linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe through festivals, exhibitions and artistic events.
2. MEDIA section: aims to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of the European audiovisual sector, are applicable to the audiovisual sector, including cinema, television and video games.
What are the flagship Calls for Projects in the MEDIA section?
-Call for Projects Development of audiovisual content: aims to create high-quality films, television series, documentaries and video games.
-Call for Projects Distribution and Promotion: aims to improve the distribution and visibility of European audiovisual works, including streaming platforms and film festivals
-Calls for Technological Innovation Projects: intended for projects that integrate innovative technologies such as virtual and augmented reality to enrich the user experience
3. Cross-sectoral component : aims to strengthen collaboration between the different sectors of culture and creation.
What are the key Calls for Projects in the Cross-Sectoral component?
-Call for Projects Creative Innovation Laboratories: designs and tests innovative digital solutions to improve access, distribution and promotion of cultural content.
-Call for Journalistic Partnership Projects: promotes collaboration between media professionals to develop innovative business models and journalistic standards.
-Call for Media Education Projects: encourages media literacy and awareness of the issues of pluralism and media freedom
EIT Culture & Creativity
EIT Culture & Creativity* is the 9th Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), dedicated to the cultural and creative sectors. This community aims to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable growth of creative and cultural industries in Europe.
Who is he talking to ?
- Audiovisual media, Fashion, Architecture, Cultural heritage, Video games
Among its features:
1. Innovation programs : supports innovative projects that create cross-sector opportunities and promote the growth of cultural and creative businesses.
2. Educational programs : provides training and resources to equip students and professionals to meet future challenges.
3. Accelerator : An intensive 8-week program for SMEs and scale-ups in the creative industries, providing the tools, expertise and connections needed to expand into international markets.
2.General financing
Eurostars
Eurostars* is a program designed to primarily support SMEs engaged in innovative, collaborative, international and market-oriented projects.
There are two calls for projects per year: the first in January and the second in July.
Who is he talking to ?
-The project must bring together at least 2 partners, from at least 2 member countries of the Eurostars program.
-The consortium leader must be an SME.
- A balance must be respected in the distribution of costs: at most a distribution of 30%-70% between two partners or two countries.
-One or more SMEs must bear at least 50% of the costs, excluding subcontracting;
French winners receive up to 40% of the grant, capped at 3 million euros.
Being a Eurostars winner can also allow you to benefit from the Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator - Eureka.
Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the European Union's framework programme for research and innovation, with a budget of €95,5 billion for the period 2021-2027.
Who is he talking to ?
- Researchers and innovation personnel
- Companies
- Organizations funding or managing doctoral and/or postdoctoral programs
This program also offers opportunities for innovative creative and cultural industries through three pillars:
1. Pillars of Scientific Excellence : supports fundamental research and cutting-edge research infrastructures, including innovative cultural projects that use advanced technologies
2. Pillars Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness : funds projects aimed at solving global challenges, such as climate change and health, with applications in the creative and cultural sectors (notably in Cluster 2, dedicated to culture, creativity and an inclusive society.)
3. Pillars of Innovative Europe : encourages innovation by supporting SMEs and start-ups, as well as public-private partnerships, to develop digital and creative solutions
More information about the Horizon Europe program
What are the advantages of European funding?
1. Substantial Financial Support : Programs like Creative Europe and Horizon Europe offer grants covering up to 100% of eligible expenses. This includes project development costs, salaries, and travel expenses, reducing the financial burden on your business.
2. Access to a European Network By participating in EU-funded projects, your company can collaborate with partners across Europe. This opens up opportunities for knowledge exchange, co-productions, and strategic partnerships.
3. Visibility and Recognition EU-funded projects benefit from increased visibility at the European level. This can strengthen your company's reputation and attract new customers and partners.
4. Innovation and Competitiveness European funding encourages innovation by supporting creative and technological projects. This allows your company to stay at the forefront of the industry and stand out from the competition.
Enterprise Europe Network
With 3 experts present in more than 000 countries, it is the largest support network for European SMEs, located throughout the world. This program offers free support and provides access to new markets, personalized services (taxation, contracts, public procurement, intellectual property, regulations), assistance with European financing and the search for technological and commercial partners.
More information on Enterprise Europe Network: https://een.ec.europa.eu/
How to apply?
Bpifrance and Entreprise Europe Network are here to help you
Identifying the right calls for projects, setting up a consortium, writing a solid proposal: each step in responding to a European call can prove complex.
Bpifrance and the European Commission's Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) offer support to companies wishing to position themselves on these systems.
Some additional help elements:
-Online database “Partnership Opportunity Database (POD): publication of offers and requests for commercial, technological and R&D cooperation, search for partners, etc.
-* International Technology Partnership Diagnosis (ITP Diagnosis): complete diagnosis with partner search, legal assistance, drafting assistance, etc. (The service will be covered by 50% by Bpifrance via this device)
- Proofreading and expert advice to maximize a project's chances of success
Bpifrance is here to help you
- If you are interested in Horizon Europe, Erasmus + or Europe Creative schemes, you can contact us at: international.innoproject@bpifrance.fr
- Bpifrance also supports French creative industries through the Touch plan! More information on support solutions
Similar items
- All
- Visual arts & Art de vivre
- Film & Audiovisual
- Cultur'Export
- Edition
- Video games
- Fashion & Design
- Music & Performing Arts
- Headquarter
- South by southwest