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

September 23, 2026

€3,500,000–€4,000,000 per project (lump sum); up to 3 grants expected

Funds interdisciplinary research to advance democratic reconstruction, reconciliation, and sustainable peace in post-conflict areas through collaborative, evidence-based strategies.

--- ## Description This grant from the European Commission supports interdisciplinary research focused on the challenges of rebuilding democratic institutions and fostering sustainable peace in conflict and post-conflict regions. Projects are expected to analyze the interplay between post-conflict reconstruction, democracy, inequality, and international cooperation, with a strong emphasis on reconciliation, accountability, and social cohesion. The call encourages the use of collaborative and participatory approaches, involving a diverse range of stakeholders such as research institutions, civil society organizations, local authorities, and cultural institutions. Special attention may be given to the role of women as peacebuilders and to innovative methods like participatory governance and community-led reconstruction. The overarching aim is to develop evidence-based strategies and recommendations to inform policymakers and support sustainable transitions in post-conflict societies. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2026: Full application submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Each project may request a lump sum of €3,500,000 to €4,000,000. - The call expects to fund up to 3 projects. - Funding is provided as a lump sum grant under Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA). --- ## Eligibility - Open to consortia including research institutions, specialized service providers, local authorities, civil society organizations, media, educational and cultural institutions, and heritage institutes. - Proposals must involve at least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries (EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries). - Additional eligibility and admissibility conditions, including page limits and layout, are detailed in the [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). - Non-EU/non-Associated Country participants may join, but funding eligibility depends on specific provisions—see the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). - Proposals must demonstrate financial and operational capacity. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process. - The call opens on May 12, 2026; the deadline is September 23, 2026 (17:00 Brussels time). - Proposals must be submitted via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-07?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Application form and detailed budget table must be completed using the templates provided in the submission system. - The main research proposal (Part B) is limited to 50 pages. - Evaluation criteria and award thresholds are as described in the [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). - Lump sum funding model applies—see [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 - Proposals are encouraged to identify and collaborate with other relevant EU-funded projects. - International cooperation is encouraged. - Participatory and inclusive research methods are highly valued. - The granting authority may object to a transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results up to 4 years after the action ends. --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-07?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, legal)](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) - [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) - [Online Manual (submission guidance)](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 | |---------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC contact | +32 2 299 11 11 | | EC general contact page | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research & Innovation questions | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points (NCPs) | [Find NCPs](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) | ---

Supporting post-conflict democracy and reconstruction - European Commission

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