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

September 22, 2027 | September 23, 2027

€3,500,000–€4,000,000 per project (lump sum) | ~3 grants expected

Funds research to advance global human rights and gender equality, focusing on vulnerable groups, EU policies, and international cooperation.

Single-stage Horizon Europe RIA; strong emphasis on international and stakeholder collaboration.

--- ## Description This Horizon Europe call supports research projects that promote and protect human rights and gender equality in complex global contexts. The focus is on vulnerable and marginalized populations—including ethnic and religious minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, women, and LGBTIQ people—who face discrimination, persecution, or violence. Projects should analyze the interplay between EU external actions, trade and investment policies (including the Global Gateway strategy), and human rights, aiming to develop effective mechanisms for accountability and cooperation. Proposals are encouraged to use participatory research methods, collaborate with other EU-funded initiatives, and focus geographically on the EU Neighbourhood and low- and lower middle-income countries, especially the Western Balkans and accession countries. International cooperation and engagement with stakeholders are strongly encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - **September 22, 2027:** Full application submission deadline (call overview listing) - **September 23, 2027:** Full application submission deadline (topic details, 17:00 Brussels time, single-stage) --- ## Funding Amount - **Total available per project:** €3,500,000–€4,000,000 (lump sum funding) - **Indicative number of grants:** 3 projects will be funded under this topic --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Consortia of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different EU Member State or Associated Country. - Organizations from EU Member States, Associated Countries, and eligible non-EU countries (see [Horizon Europe eligible countries list](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_horizon-euratom_en.pdf)). - Strong encouragement for international cooperation, especially with partners in the EU Neighbourhood and low- and lower middle-income countries. - **Type of action:** - Research and Innovation Action (RIA), funded as a lump sum. - **Other requirements:** - Proposals must have an exclusive focus on civil applications. - Gender Equality Plan required for public bodies, higher education establishments, and research organizations from EU Member States or Associated Countries. - Proposals must address ethical considerations per Horizon Europe rules. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** - Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-08?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Format:** - Single-stage submission. - Use the [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). - Maximum 40 pages for Part B (45 if lump sum). - **Evaluation:** - Proposals evaluated on Excellence, Impact, and Quality & Efficiency of Implementation. - Thresholds: minimum 3/5 per criterion, 10/15 overall. - **Supporting documents:** - [Evaluation form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/ef/ef_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [HE Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Additional Information - Projects should incorporate participatory research and stakeholder engagement. - Collaboration with other EU-funded projects in related areas is encouraged. - The geographical focus should include the EU Neighbourhood and low- and lower middle-income countries (especially Western Balkans and accession countries). - Proposals must address the impact of EU policies on human rights, including trade, investment, and external action. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic Details & Submission](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-08?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Call Overview & All Topics](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/calls-for-proposals?callIdentifier=HORIZON-CL2-2027-01) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [List of Eligible Countries](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_horizon-euratom_en.pdf) - [National Contact Points for Horizon Europe](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) - [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) - [European IPR Helpdesk](https://intellectual-property-helpdesk.ec.europa.eu/index_en) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Option | Details | |---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | National Contact Points (NCPs) | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Submit a question](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | IT Helpdesk (Portal issues) | [Contact form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | European Commission general | +32 2 299 11 11 | ---

Global Human Rights and EU Values

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