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

September 23, 2026

€3,500,000–€4,000,000 per project; typically 2 projects funded; lump sum grant

Supports research on how governments in the EU and Associated Countries innovate and transform their civil services to address future challenges.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity aims to support research projects that examine the transformation and innovation of public service and civil service management in EU Member States and Associated Countries. The focus is on understanding how governments respond to multiple crises, rapid technological change, and declining public trust, as well as identifying the conditions that enable innovation and agile operations in the public sector. Projects should address: - New governance paradigms, including reforms, anticipatory governance, agile leadership, digital transformation (AI, automation), open government, and democratic participation. - Innovative approaches to public service and policy development, such as multidisciplinary methods, citizen participation, stakeholder engagement, systems thinking, and evidence-informed policymaking. - New models of public employment management and civil service empowerment, including HR policy, organizational development, upskilling, reskilling, and capacity building. Expected outcomes include country-specific innovation trends, policy recommendations, lessons learned, a MOOC for government officials, and strengthened collaboration among countries. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2026: Full application submission deadline (single-stage) --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget for this topic: €8,000,000 - Typical award per project: €3,500,000–€4,000,000 (lump sum) - Expected number of grants: 2 --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must involve at least three independent legal entities from three different EU Member States or Associated Countries. - Eligible countries: EU Member States and Associated Countries (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) for details). - The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a beneficiary with zero funding or as an associated partner. - Other eligibility and admissibility requirements are detailed in the [Horizon Europe Work Programme 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). --- ## Application Process - Deadline: September 23, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time - Submission is single-stage, via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - The application form (Part B) is limited to 50 pages. - Applicants must submit a detailed budget table using the provided template. - Evaluation criteria and process are as described in the General Annexes and [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## Additional Information - Projects should complement existing EU-funded initiatives and relevant work by international organizations (e.g., OECD, United Nations). - Proposals should include large-scale primary data collection, such as surveys, interviews, and workshops, and demonstrate engagement with senior officials. - The grant is provided as a lump sum, with financial and operational capacity checks as per Horizon Europe rules. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&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) - [Online Manual for Applicants](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Link/Details | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General enquiries | [European Commission Contact](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research queries | [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 Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

Government in transition – how governments change the way they work and prepare the civil service for the future - European Commission

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