What's it about?
Through the “Berlin Lives Europe” call for proposals, the Berlin Senate Chancellery supports projects and initiatives that bring Europe to life in everyday life. The goal is to convey European values, fundamental principles, and cohesion in an accessible way and to encourage diverse target groups to engage actively with Europe.
Funding is available for time-limited projects to be implemented in Berlin in 2026 that clearly fall within one of the specified areas of action. Funding is provided as a voluntary project grant from the State of Berlin; there is no legal entitlement to it.
| Project Duration | April 1 through December 31, 2026 |
| Grant Amount | €2,000 – €20,000 |
- If there is a high volume of applications, a selection will be made with the goal of covering all areas of activity and achieving the broadest possible local distribution throughout Berlin.
- Applications must be submitted in German in hard copy by the deadline and simultaneously sent digitally via email. Applications submitted only digitally will not be considered.
What is covered?
Funding is provided for specific project activities and initiatives, including, for example, workshops, events, creative formats, educational programs, or public participatory activities. The projects must have a clear European focus and their content must align with the objectives of the respective action area.
Funding is provided as a project grant to cover the shortfall in funding. A minimum 10% contribution toward the total costs is required in all action areas.
Travel activities, such as student exchanges, town-twinning trips, or trips to Brussels, Strasbourg, or other European regions, are not eligible for funding.
Areas of Activity
The funding program is divided into five areas of focus. Each application must be clearly assigned to one of these areas and meet the relevant content requirements:
Low-threshold individual events (Berlin Europe Weeks)
Funding is available for community-based initiatives taking place during the Berlin Europe Weeks (April 30–May 31, 2026) that highlight European ideas, values, and identity. The goal is to ensure the broadest possible local participation, ideally with at least one project per district.
Europe Days and EU Project Weeks in Schools
Support is provided for projects at Berlin schools that teach European topics in a way that appeals to young people, is engaging, and is age-appropriate. These include project days, school activities, or themed weeks with an EU focus.
Multilingual EU Initiatives
Funding is provided for initiatives that highlight Europe’s linguistic diversity, promote exchange, and strengthen European cohesion. Multilingualism is a central element of these initiatives.
Including EU initiatives
This section is aimed at projects that make Europe accessible to people with physical, cognitive, sensory, or mental disabilities and break down barriers.
EU Initiatives by Young People for Young People
Funding is provided for projects that are developed and implemented together with young people, for young people. The programs should be accessible, impart knowledge, and empower young people to help shape them.
Who can submit an application?
Eligible applicants are individuals and legal entities based in Berlin, such as associations, initiatives, independent organizations engaged in European policy education, foundations, organizations, or nonprofit limited liability companies (GmbHs).
Depending on the area of activity, additional requirements may apply, such as partnerships with schools or recognition under Section 75 of Book VIII of the Social Code (SGB VIII). Berlin administrative agencies are not eligible to apply.