Descrição

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-02

Expected Outcomes

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

• Enhanced tools for policymakers: EU institutions and national decision-makers gain access to science-based tools, training models, monitoring frameworks, and actionable recommendations to advance human rights, reduce inequalities, and strengthen democratic practices. These measures aim to foster resilient and inclusive democratic societies in low- and low-middle-income countries.
• Improved understanding of local democratic actors: Policymakers are better equipped to promote democratic values and practices by understanding the capacities, needs, and dynamics of local actors engaged in democratic governance.
• Evidence-based guidance for fragile contexts: EU institutions, national authorities, and civil society organisations access and implement good practices for operating effectively in fragile or unstable environments.
• Insights on decentralisation and public service delivery: Projects provide knowledge on how decentralisation processes impact the quality of public services, citizens’ trust in governance, and the acceptance of democratic systems.

Additionally, projects should contribute to at least one of the following:

• Strengthening the link between efficient public service delivery and pro-democratic sentiment among citizens.
• Equipping civil society and other relevant actors with tools to promote local democratic practices and human rights in low-income and low-middle-income countries.

Scope

Global democratic backsliding and human rights rollbacks are increasingly evident, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, driven by internal instability and external pressures promoting non-democratic models. These trends can destabilize regions important to the EU, affecting security, economic relations, and diplomatic influence.

Research should focus on local-level democratic practices, including elections, participatory governance, and representative democracy below the national level. Projects should explore how local actors in political, economic, and social ecosystems can:

• Increase citizens’ trust in governance and democratic institutions.
• Promote transparency and accountability in decision-making.
• Advance respect for human rights.
• Ensure inclusive participation of women, marginalized groups, and underrepresented populations.

In regions where central governments lack full territorial control, proposals should examine how the EU and Member States can effectively engage sub-national administrations and local civil society actors to advance project objectives.

Research should also explore the connection between effective public service delivery and pro-democratic outcomes, including civic participation and institutional trust. Projects should critically analyse findings and identify transferable methods and good practices for implementation in other contexts.

Research Approach

Proposals are encouraged to:

• Engage a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including local authorities, economic and institutional actors, trade unions, traditional and faith leaders, indigenous populations, women’s and LGBTIQ groups.
• Collaborate closely with local entities in low- and middle-income countries to leverage first-hand expertise.
• Employ participatory research methods, experimental approaches, and multidisciplinary analyses, integrating SSH disciplines such as political science, public administration, sociology, economics, cultural studies, gender studies, and geography.
• Identify synergies with other EU-funded projects and explore opportunities for collaboration.