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

September 23, 2026

€3,500,000–€4,000,000 per project; up to 4 projects funded (total €16,000,000 for this topic)

Supports research on how lifelong citizenship education, including VET and adult learning, fosters democratic engagement, civic participation, and digital literacy.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity, under Horizon Europe, targets research on the integration of citizenship education within lifelong learning frameworks. The focus is on understanding how vocational education and training (VET) and adult education programs can enhance civic knowledge, political awareness, and commitment to democratic values such as human dignity, freedom, equality, and the rule of law. Projects should investigate how participation in these programs correlates with increased democratic actions—such as voting, policy engagement, volunteering, and involvement in civil society organizations. Research is also encouraged to explore the role of these educational programs in supporting digital and media literacy, especially for marginalized or underrepresented groups, and to pilot innovative curricula and teaching methods. Proposals must systematically integrate gender and intersectional perspectives and address barriers faced by groups at risk of civic disengagement. Collaboration with the European Partnership on Social Transformations and Resilience is recommended. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2026: Full application submission deadline (by 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget for this topic: €16,000,000 - Expected contribution per project: €3,500,000–€4,000,000 - Indicative number of projects to be funded: 4 - Funding is provided as a lump sum grant under Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA). --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must comply with the general eligibility conditions of Horizon Europe. - Eligible applicants include organizations from EU Member States and Associated Countries; certain non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate under specific provisions (see [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf)). - Proposals must be submitted by a consortium, typically involving at least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries. - Projects must address the specific topic scope and expected outcomes. --- ## 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-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-09?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - The submission system opens on May 12, 2026. - Application must follow the template provided (maximum 50 pages for Part B). - A detailed budget table must be submitted using the provided template. - Evaluation follows the criteria and process set out in the [Horizon Europe General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Only proposals submitted before the deadline will be considered. --- ## Additional Information - The grant is provided as a lump sum; see [lump sum guidance](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-funding-what-do-i-need-to-know_he_en.pdf). - Proposals must integrate a gender and intersectional perspective. - Collaboration with the European Partnership on Social Transformations and Resilience is encouraged. - For further details, consult the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) and [topic page](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-09?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). --- ## External Links - [Call Topic and Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-09?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&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) - [General Annexes 2026-2027](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Application Form Template (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [Detailed Budget Table Template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_he-ls-euratom_en.xlsm) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Citizenship education as part of lifelong learning - European Commission

Sign in to see full grant listing