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

September 2026

€2.5M–€3M lump sum per project; 1 project funded; duration typically 36 months

Supports the creation of a European Science Diplomacy Platform, mapping actors and strategies, and building capacity for science diplomacy across the EU and beyond.

Lump sum grant; only one project will be funded; single-stage application.

--- ## Description This Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action (CSA) aims to consolidate the landscape of European science diplomacy. The action will map all relevant players and ecosystems, design and launch a European Science Diplomacy Platform, and develop mechanisms for training, capacity-building, and mutual learning. The initiative will provide a comprehensive taxonomy of science diplomacy actors and strategies across the EU and third countries, support knowledge sharing, and scale up best practices. The platform will serve as a community of research and practice, offering an impartial space for interaction and resources for institutional capacity building, and fostering connections with diaspora and alumni networks. The project is expected to advise on the use of science diplomacy for EU foreign and security policy, strengthen multilateralism and democratic governance, and explore synergies with related fields such as technology, innovation, and cultural diplomacy. Engagement with partners outside the EU is encouraged, and data management must adhere to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable). --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated/projected, single-stage submission) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Total available budget: €3,000,000 for the topic - Expected grant per project: €2,500,000–€3,000,000 (lump sum) - Only one project will be funded - Typical project duration: up to 36 months --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** Any legal entity, regardless of place of establishment, including from EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and certain third countries (see [eligible country list](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf)). - **Consortium requirements:** For CSAs, one or more legal entities may apply. Engagement with partners outside the EU is encouraged. - **Special rules:** Entities from non-associated third countries may exceptionally participate as beneficiaries or affiliated entities if eligible for funding. See General Annex B for details. - **Exclusions:** Entities under EU restrictive measures, or established in Russia, Belarus, or non-government controlled territories of Ukraine, are not eligible. - **Other requirements:** Public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from EU/Associated Countries must have a Gender Equality Plan in place. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Single-stage, electronic submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-02?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Proposal format:** Maximum 33 pages for Part B (technical annex); mandatory detailed budget table (Excel) as annex. - **Lump sum model:** Applicants must provide a detailed, reasonable cost estimation per work package and participant. Payments are based on completion of work packages, not actual costs. - **Evaluation:** Proposals are evaluated on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation. Only one project will be selected for funding. - **Timeline:** Evaluation results are typically communicated ~5 months post-deadline; grant agreements are signed ~8 months post-deadline. --- ## Additional Information - **Key deliverables:** Mapping of science diplomacy actors, launch of the European Science Diplomacy Platform, training and capacity-building mechanisms, and FAIR data outputs. - **Open science:** Projects must implement open science practices and develop a data management plan. - **International cooperation:** Strongly encouraged, especially with non-EU partners and international organisations. - **Ethics & security:** Proposals must address all relevant ethics and security questions; see [ethics self-assessment guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ethics-self-assessment_he_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Official Call Page (EU Funding & Tenders Portal)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-02?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&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 to the Work Programme](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [Model Grant Agreement (Lump Sum)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/agr-contr/ls-mga_en.pdf) - [Lump Sum Funding Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-funding-what-do-i-need-to-know_he_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) - [Online Manual (Application Process)](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [National Contact Points](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder general info | [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) | | Funder contact | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | IT Helpdesk | [Funding & Tenders Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | National Contacts | [Find your National Contact Point](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | ---

Fostering the consolidation of European science diplomacy

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