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

September 23, 2027

€3,500,000–€4,000,000 per project | 3 grants expected | Lump sum

Supports research on the impact of development aid on democratic governance, inequality, and security, emphasizing innovative strategies and EU partnerships in third countries.

--- ## Description This Horizon Europe opportunity funds research projects examining the complex relationships between development aid, democratic governance, socio-economic and gender equality, and security in third countries. The aim is to clarify how development assistance affects democratic institutions and processes, reduces inequalities, and supports effective strategies for democracy and stability. Proposals should address funding gaps, innovative support mechanisms, and the roles of non-EU donors—including public, private, and philanthropic actors—in shaping governance outcomes. The scope includes the influence of EU economic and geopolitical competitors and seeks to enhance EU soft power through dedicated diplomacies (e.g., climate, water, science). A gender-sensitive and intersectional approach is mandatory, with participatory research and collaboration with relevant EU-funded projects encouraged. The geographic focus covers EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood countries and low- and lower middle-income countries in relation to the EU. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2027: Full application submission deadline (single-stage) --- ## Funding Amount - Expected contribution per project: €3,500,000–€4,000,000 (lump sum) - Indicative number of grants: 3 - Total topic budget: €12,000,000 --- ## Eligibility - Open to entities from EU Member States and countries associated with Horizon Europe. - International cooperation is strongly encouraged, especially with organizations from EU Enlargement, Neighbourhood, and low- and lower middle-income countries. - Proposals must be gender-sensitive and intersectional, and are encouraged to involve civil society organizations. - For full eligibility details and exceptions (including participation of some non-associated third countries), see [Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) and the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application: submit full proposal by the deadline. - Proposals must follow the format in Part B of the Application Form (available on the [Submission System](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-05?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate)). - Proposals are evaluated on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation. - Applications must be submitted via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-05?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Detailed guidance and templates: - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Standard application form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [Budget Table](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_he-ls-euratom_en.xlsm) --- ## Additional Information - Proposals should include participatory research and collaboration with relevant EU-funded projects. - The action uses lump sum funding; 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). - For legal/financial requirements and grant setup, refer to the [Annotated Model Grant Agreement](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/aga_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-05?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) - [List of Participating Countries](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_horizon-euratom_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (Eligibility, Evaluation, etc.)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-5-culture-creativity-and-inclusive-society_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Service | Link/Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Commission Contact | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [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 | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Development aid and democratic governance - European Commission

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