[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 23, 2027

€3,500,000–€4,000,000 per project | Approx. 5 projects funded

Funds interdisciplinary research on the societal impacts of AI, deepfakes, and cyberviolence, with a focus on equality, democracy, and inclusion.

Single-stage application; Horizon Europe RIA; lump sum grant.

--- ## Description This opportunity supports interdisciplinary research investigating the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), including deepfakes and automated content, on equality, democracy, and inclusive societies. Projects are expected to generate evidence-based insights into the ways AI technologies can exacerbate or mitigate social inequalities, facilitate misinformation, amplify cyberviolence (especially targeting women, children, and minorities), and influence public trust and political participation. The grant encourages research that addresses both malicious uses of AI (e.g., disinformation, cyberviolence) and unintended consequences (e.g., algorithmic bias, data-driven amplification of stereotypes). Proposals should emphasize the development of inclusive, ethical, and responsible AI governance frameworks, practical detection and mitigation tools, and strategies to enhance media literacy and public resilience. Collaboration across disciplines—spanning computer science, social sciences, law, ethics, psychology, and gender studies—is strongly encouraged. Projects should also aim to inform EU and global policy, support the implementation of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, and align with broader European strategies on digital rights and combating cyberviolence. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2027: Full application submission deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget for this topic: €20,000,000 - Expected contribution per project: €3,500,000–€4,000,000 (lump sum) - Approximate number of projects funded: 5 - Grant type: Horizon Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), lump sum --- ## Eligibility - Open to consortia including organizations from EU Member States and Associated Countries (see [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) of the Work Programme). - Proposals must be interdisciplinary and can include academic institutions, public bodies, NGOs, industry partners, and civil society organizations. - The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a beneficiary (with zero funding) or as an associated partner. - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity (see [Annex C](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf)). - Proposals must adhere to the page limits and layout specified in the application form. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - The submission system opens May 13, 2027. - Prepare your proposal according to the [standard application form for Horizon Europe RIA/IA](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). - Proposals will be evaluated based on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation as outlined in [Annex D](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). - Lump sum funding: see [guidance on lump sum grants](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-funding-what-do-i-need-to-know_he_en.pdf). - Consult the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) for full details. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should contribute to the implementation of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act and related legislative frameworks (e.g., Directive on combating violence against women, Digital Services Act). - Collaboration with other EU-funded projects and the JRC is encouraged. - Proposals should include strategies for public engagement, media literacy, and policy impact. --- ## External Links - [Full Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [Standard Application Form (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [General FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) - [National Contact Points (NCPs)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |--------------|---------| | General Inquiries | [European Commission Contact](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Research Enquiry Service | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | IT Helpdesk | [Funding & Tenders Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) |

Addressing the impact of artificial intelligence, cyberviolence, and deepfakes on equality, democracy and inclusive societies - European Commission

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