Supporting post-conflict democracy and reconstruction

The Horizon Europe funding opportunity HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-07 focuses on "Supporting Post-Conflict Democracy and Reconstruction." With a total budget of €12 million, it aims to support research and innovation projects that address the complexities of rebuilding democratic institutions and ensuring sustainable peace in post-conflict regions globally. The grant is open to for-profit and non-profit legal entities, including research institutions, universities, NGOs, and SMEs, provided they are part of a consortium.

The funding mechanism is a non-repayable lump sum grant, simplifying financial management for the recipients. This call anticipates awarding three grants, with individual contributions ranging from €3.5 million to €4 million each. Proposals must be submitted in a single-stage process, with the application opening on 12 May 2026 and the deadline set for 23 September 2026.

The primary goal is to develop effective strategies promoting social dialogue, accountability, and sustainability in post-conflict settings. Proposals should reflect an interdisciplinary approach, engaging various stakeholders to analyze historical narratives, social structures, and governance reforms. Successful projects are expected to produce evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and practical support for civil society organizations.

This opportunity encourages international cooperation and collaborative efforts, particularly emphasizing the importance of including marginalized groups and women as peacebuilders. Applicants are also encouraged to identify synergies with other EU-funded initiatives in democracy support. The selection process will be competitive, and no co-funding is required, though additional contributions may strengthen a proposal's competitiveness.

The timeline indicates a thorough evaluation period after submission, leading to grant agreements expected to be signed by late May 2027, with projects kicking off shortly thereafter. This initiative aligns with the EU's broader objective of fostering democratic values and addressing urgent challenges in conflict-affected areas globally.

This EU funding opportunity, HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-07, falls under the Horizon Europe Programme, specifically the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society call for 2026 (HORIZON-CL2-2026-01). It is a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA) and utilizes a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] Model Grant Agreement (MGA). The deadline model is single-stage, with a planned opening date of 12 May 2026 and a deadline of 23 September 2026 at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcomes of projects funded under this topic are:

1.  EU national and local policymakers develop and implement effective strategies for sustainable peace and democratic reconstruction in post-conflict areas, promoting stability, inclusivity, equity, security, human rights, and strengthening integrity and anticorruption measures to ensure transparent, accountable, and ethical use of reconstruction aid.
2.  EU and national policymakers inform their decision-making with evidence-based recommendations on international cooperation, EU democracy support, and civil society engagement in post-conflict reconstruction, leading to more effective, inclusive and sustainable reconstruction efforts.
3.  Local civil society organisations and community groups, with a focus on persons and groups in a vulnerable situation in post-conflict countries, provide guidance and support to educators, media professionals, public administrators, and other stakeholders on promoting reconciliation, accountability, and sustainable peace.
4.  Specialised service providers, including NGOs and community organisations, offer support services and programmes to veterans and the persons and groups in a vulnerable situation affected by the conflict reintegrating them into democratic societies, addressing their socio-economic and psychological needs and promoting successful reintegration into civilian life.

The scope of this funding opportunity is as follows:

The aftermath of conflict poses significant challenges for rebuilding democratic institutions, promoting social dialogue, and achieving sustainable peace. In conflict and post-conflict areas, the destruction of infrastructure, institutions, and social fabric can lead to prolonged instability, increased inequalities, human suffering, and a decline in democratic governance.

This research aims to investigate the complex relationships between post-conflict reconstruction, democracy, inequality, and international cooperation, with the ultimate goal of promoting reconciliation, accountability, and social dialogue in conflict and post-conflict areas. By analysing the causes and consequences of conflicts, examining the role of historical narratives and cultural sensibilities, and gathering evidence on key factors such as ethnic violence, inequalities, and conflict legacies, this research seeks to inform the development of effective prevention, resolution, and reconciliation strategies. Proposals are encouraged to examine the prevention of fractured transitions in post-conflict situations, assessing past, present, and future divisions, and incorporating intergenerational and transgenerational perspectives to address potential challenges and promote a more sustainable transition.

Research should have an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from SSH disciplines such as contemporary historiography, sociology, psychology, legal, political science and cultural studies, to examine the complex economic, social, psychological and institutional factors that influence post-conflict rebuilding efforts.

Proposals should adopt a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including research institutions, specialized service providers, local authorities, civil society organizations, local actors, media and information providers, schools, educational organizations, cultural institutions and heritage institutes. In addition, particular could be brought to the role of women as peacebuilders. This integrative approach should combine expertise and experience in areas such as conflict resolution, democratic governance, state rebuilding and social cohesion to explore new approaches to post-conflict reconstruction.

Proposals may incorporate participatory research approaches to enhance inclusivity and stakeholder engagement, and should also examine innovative methods, such as participatory governance, inclusive economic development, and community-led reconstruction, to identify effective strategies applicable in diverse conflict and post-conflict areas.

Proposals are encouraged to identify other relevant EU-funded projects related to EU democracy support, civil society engagement, and international cooperation on sustainable peace and democratic governance, and to explore potential collaboration opportunities with them. In order to achieve the topic’s expected outcomes, international cooperation is encouraged.

The general conditions for this funding opportunity include:

1.  Admissibility Conditions: The proposal page limit and layout are described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. The page limit for Part B of the Research and Innovation (RIA) application using lump sum is 50 pages. A detailed budget table must also be submitted using the template in the Submission System.
2.  Eligible Countries: As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries have specific provisions for funding their participants in Horizon Europe projects, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
3.  Other Eligible Conditions: As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4.  Financial and operational capacity and exclusion: As described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5.  Evaluation and award:
 a.  Award criteria, scoring, and thresholds: As described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
 b.  Submission and evaluation processes: As described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
 c.  Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement: As described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6.  Legal and financial set-up of the grants: Eligible costs will be in the form of a lump sum, as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021. The granting authority may object to a transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years after the action's end, as set out in Annex 5. Also, as described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Specific conditions are as described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.

The application and evaluation forms, as well as the model grant agreement (MGA), are available in the Submission System.

Additional documents include:

*  HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
*  HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 5. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
*  HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
*  HE Programme Guide
*  HE Framework Programme 2021/695
*  HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
*  EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
*  Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
*  Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
*  EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
*  Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
*  Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions
*  Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement

The budget overview for this topic and related topics in the call is as follows:

*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-01 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-02 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-03 - HORIZON-RIA: 8,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 2 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-04 - HORIZON-IA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-05 - HORIZON-CSA: 4,500,000 EUR, contributions of 4,000,000 to 4,500,000 EUR, 1 indicative grant
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-06 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-07 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-08 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-09 - HORIZON-RIA: 16,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 4 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-10 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-01 - HORIZON-RIA: 15,000,000 EUR, contributions of 4,500,000 to 5,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-02 - HORIZON-IA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 EUR, 2 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-03 - HORIZON-IA: 15,000,000 EUR, contributions of 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-04 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-05 - HORIZON-RIA: 15,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,000,000 to 3,750,000 EUR, 4 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-06 - HORIZON-RIA: 11,500,000 EUR, contributions of 5,000,000 to 5,750,000 EUR, 2 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-07 - HORIZON-CSA: 5,000,000 EUR, contributions of 4,500,000 to 5,000,000 EUR, 1 indicative grant
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-02 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-03 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-04 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-05 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-06 - HORIZON-RIA: 10,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,000,000 to 3,300,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-07 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-08 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, contributions of 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-09 - HORIZON-RIA: 15,000,000 EUR, contributions of around 3,750,000 EUR, 4 indicative grants
*  HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-10 - HORIZON-CSA: 3,500,000 EUR, contributions of around 3,500,000 EUR, 1 indicative grant

There are partner search announcements available, and the submission system is planned to open on the date stated on the topic header.

This funding opportunity aims to address the complex challenges of post-conflict reconstruction and democracy by supporting research and innovation actions. It seeks to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders to develop effective strategies for sustainable peace, reconciliation, and democratic governance in conflict-affected areas. The focus is on promoting stability, inclusivity, equity, security, and human rights, while also strengthening integrity and anticorruption measures. The call encourages interdisciplinary approaches, international cooperation, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups and women in peacebuilding efforts. Ultimately, the goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers and support local civil society organizations in their efforts to rebuild and promote democracy in post-conflict societies.

Eligible Applicant Types: Research institutions, specialized service providers, local authorities, civil society organizations, local actors, media and information providers, schools, educational organizations, cultural institutions, heritage institutes, NGOs, and community organizations are all eligible applicant types. The call specifically mentions the importance of women as peacebuilders, suggesting that organizations focusing on women's issues are particularly relevant.

Funding Type: The funding type is primarily a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, under the Horizon Europe Programme. The call includes HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA) and HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), as well as HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA).

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity encourages a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, implying that a consortium of multiple applicants is preferred, although not explicitly stated as mandatory. The call emphasizes bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, suggesting that a consortium would be a strong approach.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The primary geographic eligibility appears to be focused on EU member states and associated countries, given that the call is part of the Horizon Europe program. However, the call also mentions that a number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. International cooperation is encouraged, suggesting some flexibility for including entities from other countries.

Target Sector: The primary target sector is Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society. The specific focus is on supporting post-conflict democracy and reconstruction, which includes thematic areas such as democracy, governance, human rights, social cohesion, conflict resolution, state rebuilding, and international cooperation. Relevant SSH disciplines include contemporary historiography, sociology, psychology, legal, political science and cultural studies.

Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned, but the call refers to "post-conflict areas," implying a focus on regions experiencing or emerging from conflict globally. The call is issued by the EU, so there is an implicit focus on regions where the EU has an interest or involvement in post-conflict reconstruction.

Project Stage: The project stage varies depending on the type of action. Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) typically support projects from research to development and validation. Innovation Actions (IA) focus on demonstration and commercialization. Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) support networking, coordination, and dissemination activities. The call encourages proposals to examine the prevention of fractured transitions in post-conflict situations, assessing past, present, and future divisions, and incorporating intergenerational and transgenerational perspectives to address potential challenges and promote a more sustainable transition.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic and type of action. For Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA), the contributions range from approximately €3,000,000 to €6,000,000. Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) have contributions around €3,500,000 to €5,000,000.

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.

Application Stages: The application process is a single-stage process.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic suggests a relatively competitive process. For most topics, the indicative number of grants is between 2 and 4.

Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required. However, Horizon Europe often encourages or requires some level of co-funding, so applicants should check the specific call conditions for details.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call, under the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society pillar, focuses on "Supporting post-conflict democracy and reconstruction." It aims to fund projects that develop effective strategies for sustainable peace and democratic rebuilding in areas emerging from conflict. The call encourages interdisciplinary research and collaborative approaches, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address the complex challenges of post-conflict reconstruction. The projects should contribute to outcomes such as informing EU and national policies, supporting local civil society organizations, and providing support services to vulnerable populations affected by conflict. The funding is provided as lump sum grants, and the call is open to a wide range of organizations, including research institutions, NGOs, local authorities, and media providers. The call emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and encourages proposals to identify and collaborate with other relevant EU-funded projects. The overall goal is to promote reconciliation, accountability, and sustainable peace in conflict and post-conflict areas through evidence-based research and innovative methods.