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

September 16, 2025

€3,000,000–€3,500,000 per project (up to 3 projects funded; 100% funding rate; lump sum grant)

Supports research on how economic inequalities affect democracy, emphasizing intersectional analysis and actionable policy recommendations.

Single-stage application; requires consortium with at least 3 independent entities from different EU/Associated countries.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity under Horizon Europe supports collaborative research projects that investigate the multifaceted impact of economic inequalities—both measured and perceived—on democratic institutions, public participation, political polarization, and trust in democracy. The call requires projects to adopt intersectional perspectives, integrating at least three additional dimensions such as age, gender, ethnicity, disability, social class, or religion alongside economic factors. Research should generate evidence-based policy recommendations, bridge research and policymaking, and develop innovative approaches to foster democratic participation, particularly among economically vulnerable or marginalized populations. Projects are expected to use diverse methodologies, leverage existing and new data sources, and engage a wide array of stakeholders including civil society, policymakers, and underrepresented groups. The call aims to deepen understanding of how economic disparities interact with perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors related to democracy, and to propose strategies for strengthening democratic institutions and inclusive participation. --- ## Due Dates - September 16, 2025: Full application submission deadline (single-stage call, 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Expected funding per project: €3,000,000 to €3,500,000 (lump sum) - Approximate number of projects funded: up to 3 - Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs (lump sum grant) - Project duration: Typically 36–48 months (to be specified in application) --- ## Eligibility - **Consortium requirement:** Minimum of three independent legal entities, each established in a different EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. - **Eligible participants:** Any legal entity, including universities, research organizations, public bodies, industry, civil society organizations, and others. - **Geographic eligibility:** Entities from EU Member States and Associated Countries are eligible for funding. Some third countries may participate with their own funding or as associated partners. - **Intersectionality requirement:** Proposals must analyze economic inequalities in combination with at least three other dimensions (e.g., gender, age, ethnicity, disability, social class, religion/belief). - **Gender Equality Plan:** Public bodies, research organizations, and higher education institutions in EU/Associated Countries must have a Gender Equality Plan in place. - **Exclusions:** Activities must have an exclusive focus on civil applications; certain countries/entities are excluded per Horizon Europe rules. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-08?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Format:** Use the standard Horizon Europe application forms (Part A: administrative, Part B: technical description). Page limit for Part B is 50 pages for lump sum RIAs. - **Documents required:** Completed application forms, detailed budget (using the provided template), plan for exploitation and dissemination, gender equality documentation (if applicable), and ethics self-assessment. - **Evaluation:** Proposals are evaluated on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation. Each criterion is scored 0–5; minimum threshold is 3 per criterion and 10 overall. - **Timeline:** Evaluation results are expected by February 2026; grant agreements typically signed within 8 months of the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals should leverage data from European Research Infrastructures (e.g., CESSDA, European Social Survey, SHARE) and ensure outputs are FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). - Projects are encouraged to build on or coordinate with previous EU-funded research in related areas. - Industry partners, civil society, and government stakeholders can all participate as part of the consortium, provided eligibility rules are met. - For further details on the call scope, expected outcomes, and technical requirements, consult the [official topic page](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-08?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) and the [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Official Topic Page & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-08?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 (Eligibility, Evaluation, etc.)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_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) - [FAQ and Q&A for this Topic](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq?topicIdentifier=HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-08) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder Contact | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | General Support | [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 IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | ---

Economic inequalities and their impact on democracy

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