Commission launches €5 million call to strengthen European fact-checking network

The Commission has launched a call for proposals to support the growth of a European Network of Fact-Checkers, in line with President von der Leyen’s 2024–2029 political guidelines, which introduced the European Democracy Shield initiative.

The call aims to contribute to fostering a more trustworthy and safer online environment for European citizens.

The initiative will strengthen the capacity of the fact-checking community across Europe, with the aim of ensuring availability in all EU member states and official languages. It will build on, complement, and expand the work of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) and other key efforts such as the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN).  

Key actions to be implemented through the call will include the implementation of a fact-checkers protection scheme against harassment, the building of a repository of fact-checks and the creation of fact-checking response capacity including for emergency situations.

Open from 15 April to 2 September, the call includes a total funding envelope of €5 million. It is open not only to stakeholders from EU member states, but also from candidate and accession countries, as well as neighbouring countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme - regions particularly vulnerable to disinformation and foreign interference, including pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives.

Read further information on the Funding & Tenders Portal.

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