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

September 23, 2026

€4,000,000–€4,500,000 lump sum; minimum project duration 4 years; 1 grant expected

Funds a network to promote inclusive democracy, equality, and resilient societies in the EU, fostering collaboration, research translation, and stakeholder engagement.

--- ## Description This grant supports the establishment of a collaborative network uniting academic institutions, public bodies, and civil society organizations to advance inclusive, equal, and resilient democratic societies across the EU. The network is expected to foster a comprehensive approach to democracy, encourage participation and inclusivity, and promote EU values of equality, justice, and human rights. Key activities include developing an online platform to share evidence-based recommendations, building a repository of tools and methodologies, translating research into actionable policy proposals, and hosting annual thematic forums for stakeholder engagement. The network must also ensure a safe, enabling research environment that upholds academic freedom and integrity, particularly in research on democracy, inclusiveness, and intersectionality. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2026: Full proposal submission deadline (by 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total available for this topic: €4,500,000 (2026 call) - Expected contribution per project: €4,000,000–€4,500,000 (lump sum) - Only one grant is expected to be funded - Minimum project duration: 4 years --- ## Eligibility - Open to consortia including academic institutions, public bodies, and civil society organizations. - Eligible countries: EU Member States and associated countries as detailed in [Horizon Europe General 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). - Non-EU/non-associated countries may participate if they make provisions for funding their participants; see the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-05?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Application form: [Standard HE CSA Application Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-csa_en.pdf) (Part B limited to 33 pages). - Detailed budget table required (template available in the portal). - Proposals evaluated on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation (see [evaluation criteria](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)). - Lump sum funding model applies; see [Lump Sum Guidance](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-funding-what-do-i-need-to-know_he_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - The network should build on and collaborate with ongoing and past EU-funded projects in the area of democracy and equality. - Annual thematic forum required for stakeholder engagement. - The project must establish an online platform and repository to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration. - Projects must address intersectionality, gender inclusiveness, and strategies to counter disinformation and societal polarization. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-05?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 (eligibility, evaluation, etc.)](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 (step-by-step guide)](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder | [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) | | General Inquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Research Enquiry | [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) |

Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality - European Commission

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