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

September 23, 2027

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

Supports research on the influence of large private companies on democratic governance, aiming to develop strategies and tools for responsible corporate behavior and protection of democratic values.

--- ## Description This grant, under the Horizon Europe framework, funds research projects examining the complex and evolving relationship between large private companies—including multinational corporations and tech platforms—and democratic governance. The focus is on understanding and assessing the influence of corporate interests and lobbying on policymaking, democratic values, human rights, and the public good, particularly in sensitive domains such as climate change, data protection, and civil rights. Projects are expected to: - Investigate the risks and benefits of private sector involvement in democracy, including issues like corruption, undue influence, disinformation, and the structural power of capital. - Develop assessment tools for the democratic impact of corporate practices. - Propose strategies to promote responsible corporate behavior and foster inclusive, accountable governance frameworks. - Use gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches to analyze differential impacts. - Collaborate with other relevant EU-funded projects. The ultimate goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, enhance transparency and accountability, and empower civil society to hold both corporations and policymakers accountable. --- ## Due Dates - Full application submission deadline: September 23, 2027 (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative budget for this topic: €8,000,000 - Expected contribution per project: €3,500,000–€4,000,000 - Indicative number of projects funded: 2 - Funding is provided as a lump sum grant under the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) scheme. --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and associated countries, as defined in [Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 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). - Proposals must involve at least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries. - Large undertakings (multinational and global corporations, industry, tech platforms) are the primary focus of research; small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not the main subject. - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity as detailed in the Horizon Europe General Annexes. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process. - The call opens on May 13, 2027, and closes on September 23, 2027. - 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-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-07?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Proposals should follow the templates and page limits specified in the application form (Part B) and comply with the admissibility and eligibility conditions in the General Annexes. - Further guidance, including the [Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf), [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual), and [Model Grant Agreement](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/agr-contr/ls-mga_en.pdf), is available. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must take a gender-sensitive and intersectional approach. - Collaboration with other EU-funded projects on related topics is encouraged. - The grant uses a simplified lump sum funding model for cost reporting. - All legal and financial aspects are governed by the Horizon Europe Model Grant Agreement. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-07?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&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) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [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) - [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/Resource | |------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC Contact | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Online Contact Form | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [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/Portal Helpdesk | [Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

The role of private companies in democracy - European Commission

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