Descrição

HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-DEMOCRACY-05

Expected Outcomes

Projects supported under this topic are expected to achieve the following key outcomes:

• Enhanced policymaking for inclusive multilateralism: EU and national policymakers, along with development aid agencies, improve their capacity to navigate the complexities of relations with low- and middle-income countries. This includes developing strategies and policies that foster more equitable and inclusive multilateral cooperation.
• Strengthened capacity of development organisations: Development cooperation organisations gain enhanced capabilities and innovative solutions to support democratic institutions and address pressing global challenges, including climate action, human rights, gender equality, and the rule of law.
• Reinforced multilateral partnerships: Partnerships between the EU, acting as a development aid donor, and low- and middle-income countries are strengthened, promoting collaboration and effectiveness in development cooperation.

Scope of the Call

Despite significant investments in development assistance, the EU continues to face challenges in promoting democracy, stability, and resilience in partner countries. Many low- and middle-income countries struggle with democratic governance, while the link between aid and outcomes such as poverty reduction, inequality mitigation, sustainable peace, and institutional strengthening remains uncertain.

The global resurgence of authoritarianism, combined with the erosion of democratic norms, presents urgent challenges for EU foreign policy. This calls for more effective diplomatic, security, and development cooperation frameworks and innovative strategies to enhance governance, equality, and resilience.

Research under this topic should explore the complex interplay between development aid, democratic governance, security, and global challenges, with a focus on:

• Assessing the impact of development aid on democratic institutions and processes.
• Identifying gaps in funding and support for democratic governance initiatives.
• Investigating strategies to reduce socio-economic and gender inequalities.
• Analysing how declining democratic trends influence the effectiveness of global development strategies and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Understanding the role of non-EU aid donors—public, private, and philanthropic—in shaping development outcomes, including the influence of economic and geopolitical competitors.

Research Priorities

Proposals are encouraged to:

• Examine how development assistance can reinforce democratic resilience and inclusive governance.
• Explore opportunities to strengthen the EU’s soft power and geopolitical influence across the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus, including through specialized diplomacies such as climate, water, or science diplomacy.
• Integrate development aid civil society organisations into project activities.
• Apply gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches in research design and analysis.
• Incorporate participatory research methods to enhance inclusivity and stakeholder engagement.

Synergies and Collaboration

Applicants should:

• Identify and connect with other EU-funded projects in democracy support, civil society engagement, and international cooperation for sustainable peace and democratic governance.
• Explore opportunities for collaboration to leverage complementary expertise and results.
• Ensure projects strengthen EU partnerships and knowledge exchange with low- and middle-income countries.

Geographic Focus

The research should cover:

• EU Enlargement countries and EU Neighbourhood countries, including:
  • Eastern partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine
  • Southern partners: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia
• Low- and lower middle-income non-associated third countries, as defined under Horizon Europe participation rules.

International cooperation is strongly encouraged to enhance impact, capacity building, and policy relevance.