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

September 23, 2026

€3.5–4 million per project; total call budget €12 million; project duration typically 36–48 months.

Funds interdisciplinary research to strengthen electoral integrity in Europe by addressing digital threats such as disinformation, AI-driven manipulation, and foreign interference.

--- ## Description This grant supports research and innovation actions focused on safeguarding electoral integrity in the digital age within Europe. The program seeks projects that address the impact of digital technologies—including artificial intelligence, social media, and emerging cyber threats—on democratic processes. Key aims are to understand and mitigate risks from disinformation, foreign interference, and manipulation of public opinion, while developing tools, guidelines, and knowledge for policymakers, electoral authorities, and civil society. Proposals should be interdisciplinary, engage diverse stakeholders, and foster collaboration with related EU initiatives. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2026: Submission deadline (single-stage full application; 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative funding per project: €3,500,000 to €4,000,000 (lump sum) - Total budget for this topic: €12,000,000 - Expected number of funded projects: 3 - Project duration: Typically 36–48 months --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and countries associated with Horizon Europe; certain non-EU/non-associated countries may participate with 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 at least three independent legal entities from different eligible countries). - Participation of a diverse range of stakeholders is encouraged, including electoral authorities, civil society, media, digital platforms, and academic institutions. - The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a beneficiary with zero funding or as an associated partner. --- ## Application Process - Submission is via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-08?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Single-stage application: submit a full proposal by the deadline. - Application form (Part B) page limit: 50 pages; must include a detailed budget table using the provided template. - Evaluation criteria, scoring, and thresholds as described in [Annex D](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). - Eligible costs are covered as a lump sum grant; see [lump sum guidelines](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-funding-what-do-i-need-to-know_he_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Projects should align with relevant EU regulations and initiatives, such as the Political Advertising Regulation, AI Act, Digital Services Act election guidelines, and the Code of Conduct on Disinformation. - Collaboration with other EU-funded projects is encouraged. - Proposals should address risks to democratic integrity, including cyberattacks, AI-generated disinformation, and the protection of underrepresented groups. - For detailed guidance, consult the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-08?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 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) - [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) - [Online Manual for Applicants](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder Contact | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | General Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | IT/Portal Support | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | National Contacts | [National Contact Points (NCPs)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Electoral Integrity in the Digital Context - European Commission

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