EU-UK Think-Tanks engagement

The EU-UK Think-Tanks Engagement opportunity is an open call for proposals titled "EU-UK Think-Tanks Engagement," identified as EuropeAid/185232/DH/ACT/GB. The call was published on October 20, 2025, and the deadline for submission is January 30, 2026. This initiative has a total budget of €2,400,000. The program is classified as a rapid response initiative and targets think tanks based in the United Kingdom, reflecting the objective to strengthen collaboration and understanding between think tanks in the EU and the UK.

Eligible applicants for the grant include think tanks, policy research organizations, and civil society organizations specializing in EU-UK relations. The opportunity aims to fund projects that encompass comprehensive research, policy analysis, and stakeholder dialogue addressing various strategic sectors such as international relations, security, governance, and public policy.

The application process consists of two stages: the initial submission of a concept note, followed by a full application for those selected. The available documentation includes several annexes providing guidelines, detailed application forms, a budget template, and requirements for identification forms for different types of organizations. Additionally, the program is likely to encourage partnership approaches, allowing both single applicants and consortia.

Co-funding is typically required in EU programs, which often entail contributions of 10% to 20% of project costs, although the exact requirements need confirmation from the guidelines. The success rates for such competitive grants generally range from 10% to 39%, depending on the quality of proposals received and alignment with program objectives.

Overall, this funding opportunity embodies a strategic effort to resolve current issues and enhance dialogue between EU and UK think tanks, particularly in response to the agreements established during the EU-UK Leaders' Summit held in May 2025. Interested parties are urged to review the provided guidelines and documentation to prepare comprehensive proposals within the established timeframe.

The EU-UK Think-Tanks engagement is an open call for proposals for action grants. The call with identifier EuropeAid/185232/DH/ACT/GB is published on 20/10/2025 and updated on 20/10/2025. The deadline for submission is 30/01/2026. The programme is a rapid response initiative, and the geographical zone is the United Kingdom. The total budget allocated to this call is 2,400,000 EUR.

The following documents are available for download:

Guidelines (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex A1. Grant application form-Concept note (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex A2. Grant application form-Full application (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex B - Budget (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex C - Logical framework (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex D - Identification Form (public law body) (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex D - Identification Form (private or public law body with legal form) (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex D - Identification Form (natural person) (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex F - PADOR offline registration form (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex G - Standard Grant Contract (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex J - Information on the tax regime applicable to grant contracts (20 October 2025, EN)
Appendix - Derogations international organisation (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex H - Declaration of honour on exclusion and selection criteria (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex K - Clarifications on financing not linked to costs (20 October 2025, EN)
Annex L - Self-evaluation questionnaire on SEA-H (20 October 2025, EN)

The EU-UK Think-Tanks engagement call is an action grant opportunity focused on fostering collaboration and dialogue between think tanks in the European Union and the United Kingdom. With a budget of 2.4 million EUR, this rapid response program aims to fund projects that address pressing issues and contribute to a better understanding between the EU and the UK. The call is specifically targeted at think tanks operating within the United Kingdom. Interested applicants should carefully review the guidelines and annexes provided, which include detailed instructions on how to prepare and submit a concept note and a full application, as well as templates for the budget, logical framework, and identification forms. The deadline for submitting proposals is January 30, 2026.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, the inclusion of different "Identification Forms" (public law body, private or public law body with legal form, and natural person) suggests that a range of entities, including public bodies, private organizations with legal status, and individuals, are potentially eligible. Further details would be needed to determine specific eligibility criteria.

Funding Type: The funding type is "Action Grants."

Consortium Requirement: The text does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required or if single applicants are allowed. The application guidelines would need to be consulted to determine this.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographical zone for this opportunity is the United Kingdom.

Target Sector: The title "EU-UK Think-Tanks engagement" suggests that the target sector is related to policy research, international relations, and think-tank activities concerning EU-UK relations.

Mentioned Countries: The United Kingdom is explicitly mentioned. The European Union is implicitly mentioned through the context of EU-UK relations.

Project Stage: The program is a "Rapid response" which suggests that the expected maturity of the project is likely to be at a stage where it can be quickly implemented to address an immediate need or opportunity. This could involve development, validation, or demonstration stages, depending on the specific requirements outlined in the guidelines.

Funding Amount: The budget for this opportunity is 2,400,000 EUR.

Application Type: The application type is an "Open For Submission" call. The application process involves submitting a concept note and a full application.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money through action grants.

Application Stages: The documents list "Grant application form-Concept note" and "Grant application form-Full application" which suggests a two-stage application process: a concept note followed by a full application.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned in the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required. Annex K, "Clarifications on financing not linked to costs," might contain relevant information, but without reviewing the document, it's impossible to determine.

Summary:

This opportunity is an open call for action grants, titled "EU-UK Think-Tanks engagement," with a total budget of 2,400,000 EUR. The program aims to fund projects related to EU-UK relations, specifically targeting think tanks. The geographical zone for this opportunity is the United Kingdom. The application process involves a two-stage submission: first, a concept note, and then, if successful, a full application. Eligible applicants may include public bodies, private organizations with legal status, and individuals, but the specific eligibility criteria need to be confirmed in the guidelines. The program is designed as a "Rapid response," suggesting projects should be at a stage where they can be quickly implemented. The deadline for submissions is January 30, 2026. Further details regarding consortium requirements, co-funding, and specific project requirements can be found in the provided documents, including the guidelines and annexes.