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

April 2026 (anticipated)

Typical Horizon Europe RIA: multi-million EUR per project, 2–4 years duration

Supports research and innovation projects that strengthen democracy and democratic institutions in Europe.

--- ## Description This opportunity, under the Horizon Europe programme, is designed to fund research and innovation actions that enhance democratic processes and bolster the resilience of democratic institutions across Europe. Managed by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, the call invites projects that will deepen understanding of democracy, address societal challenges, foster citizen engagement, and support innovation in governance, participation, and policy-making. The aim is to develop evidence-based solutions and best practices for democratic renewal and sustainability. --- ## Due Dates - Next call anticipated: April 2026 - All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) typically fund projects with budgets in the multi-million EUR range. - Project duration is generally between 2 and 4 years. - Exact amounts and the number of funded projects will be specified in the official call text. --- ## Eligibility - Open to consortia including universities, research institutes, public authorities, NGOs, and private sector organizations based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. - Proposals must involve at least three independent entities from three different eligible countries. - Specific eligibility rules and partnership requirements will be detailed in the official call documents. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-07?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - The call will open for applications several months before the anticipated deadline. - Applicants should register their organizations in the portal, form a consortium, and prepare a detailed proposal following the official guidelines. - Evaluation is based on excellence, impact, and quality of implementation. --- ## Additional Information - Projects are expected to deliver actionable insights and policy recommendations for democratic resilience. - Interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approaches are encouraged. - The call may prioritize topics such as emerging threats to democracy, citizen participation, digital governance, and strategies for democratic renewal. --- ## External Links - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Opportunity Details](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-07?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [European Commission – Horizon Europe](https://commission.europa.eu/research-and-innovation/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en) - [How to Participate in EU Funding](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/how-to-participate/1) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | ---

The autocratic appeal: nature, drivers and strategies

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