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 activity. 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 reviewed.
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 co-payment of at least 10% of 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 its specific requirements:
Low-threshold individual events (Berlin Europe Weeks)
Funding is available for everyday 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 distribution, 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, and themed weeks related to the EU.
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 take an active role in shaping them.
Who can submit an application?
Eligible applicants include individuals and legal entities based in Berlin, such as associations, initiatives, independent organizations engaged in European education, foundations, other 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 SGB VIII. Berlin administrative agencies are not eligible to apply.
