Open topic on reinvigorating and shielding European democracy
Horizon Europe · Cluster 2 – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society · HORIZON-CL2-2027-02-DEMOCRACY-09-TWO-STAGE
Open research topic on protecting European democracy and strengthening citizen participation, trust and civil society.
This call is announced but not open yet. Dates and conditions can still change.
What is this call about?
This open topic funds research and innovation on threats to European democracy and on solutions that strengthen citizens' trust, political participation, inclusive institutions and civil society.
What does this call fund?
Scope
Under this open topic, proposals address existing, upcoming or unforeseen challenges to European democracy, or creative and disruptive solutions to protect it. Themes include enhancing citizens' trust and political participation, making democratic institutions and practices more inclusive and fair, and supporting and protecting civil society. The topic is linked to the planned European Democracy Shield. Proposals are encouraged to explore digital and civic tech solutions and alternative models of democratic participation.
How projects should work
- Address unmet research needs and build on, without duplicating, earlier Horizon Europe research.
- Form interdisciplinary consortia with all disciplines relevant to the chosen challenge.
- Directly engage citizens and civil society organisations.
- Plan a mid-term deliverable in which democracy practitioners and policymakers assess the project's contribution.
- Coordinate with other successful proposals under the topic and ensure data are FAIR.
Expected outcomes
- Institutions, decision-makers, civil society and citizens are better equipped with data, knowledge and methods to confront threats to democracy and make it more inclusive.
- Stronger long-term civic engagement beyond elections and increased trust in democratic institutions.
What are the key facts?
- Topic budget
- €22,000,000
- Minimum amount per project
- €2,000,000
- Maximum amount per project
- €3,700,000
- Call code
- HORIZON-CL2-2027-02-DEMOCRACY-09-TWO-STAGE
- Programme
- Horizon Europe
- Expected number of projects
- 6
Who can apply for this call?
- Applicants should build consortia that bring together all disciplines relevant to the selected democratic challenge.
- Collaboration with the JRC Competence Centre on Participatory and Deliberative Democracy is encouraged.
Check your eligibility and how your project fits
In your free account, we check the eligibility conditions against the call documents for your organisation and assess how well your project fits this call.
When is the deadline?
4 May 2027 (180 days)
Two-stage call: the first-stage deadline is 4 May 2027 and the second-stage deadline is 30 September 2027.
Interested in this call? Summary written with AI from the official call documents. Details can differ, so check the official call page before you apply. Read the official call documents before you decide. The official text is always binding.
Source: EU Funding & Tenders Portal and the official call documents. Official call page Last updated 6 October 2026.