The last dance of CERV

A couple of years ago we believed the new CERV programme was here to stay, then in 2026 the European Commission surprised us with the announcement that CERV will perform its final dance in 2027.

Are we happy about this news? The answer is not straightforward. From one perspective, the announcement of the future AgoràEU programme can be seen as positive. We were expecting a stronger and more integrated EU approach to financing key topics such as Union values, democracy and equality, together with a renewed commitment to priorities like gender mainstreaming and civic participation.

At the same time, one of the most interesting and uncertain aspects concerns the creative sector. The final dance will not involve only CERV, Creative Europe will also undergo a major transition as the European Commission plans to integrate programmes within the next Multiannual Financial Framework. This may open new opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, but it also risks creating overlaps and unclear positioning between culture, education and social impact actions.

From the point of view of beneficiaries, we should consider some key elements:

• the last phase of CERV is not just the final funding cycle of the programme, it represents a strategic window for organisations across Europe to position themselves, strengthen partnerships and shape their long-term European presence before the transition to the next EU funding framework.

• for organisations working on democracy, equality, rights and civic participation, this phase is not simply about applying for grants, it is about using CERV as a strategic tool for growth, visibility and transnational collaboration.

• we are not only talking about funding volumes, which historically tend to increase across EU programming periods, we are witnessing a significant change in direction. The integration of different sectors without a fully clear roadmap may generate overlaps and competition, affecting many organisations across Europe.

• this transition phase invites a broader reflection, where is EU funding heading for key sectors such as culture, civic participation and social innovation, and how can organisations position themselves strategically within this evolving landscape?

Looking at the 2026 calls calendar, beneficiaries must also consider a demanding timeline and a wide thematic coverage:

• Gender Equality call (deadline april 14th), focused on work-life balance, pay transparency and women’s participation in decision-making, ideal for organisations working on inclusion, labour rights and gender policies.

• Data Protection calls (deadline May 28th), more institutional but strategic for public authorities and specialised organisations working on rights and governance.

• Citizens engagement and participation call (deadline April 29th), one of the largest opportunities, supporting democratic participation, civic innovation and community engagement across Europe.

• Networks of Towns and Town Twinning calls (April 16th and September 23rd), powerful tools for municipalities and civil society to build long-term European networks and test participatory approaches at local level.

• European Remembrance call (September 30th), supporting projects on shared history, democracy and social cohesion, with strong potential for cultural and educational partnerships.

• Daphne call (September 10th), focusing on preventing gender-based violence and protecting vulnerable groups, particularly relevant for NGOs and social services.

• Charter and Union Values calls (September 15 and March 9th 2027), key strategic opportunities for large-scale projects strengthening fundamental rights, civic space and democratic resilience across Europe.

The first deadlines will arrive between April and May 2026, making early preparation absolutely essential. Organisations that begin mapping partnerships, aligning priorities and building their project pipelines now will be far better positioned not only for the 2026 calls, but also to strategically prepare for the larger and more complex opportunities expected in 2027.

And what can we expect from 2027? Most likely, the final EQUAL call, alongside new developments and pilot directions within the LITI CHARTER priorities, and perhaps a few surprises that have yet to be revealed. The next phase is still taking shape, and we are looking forward to discovering what comes next.