Citizenship education as part of lifelong learning

Overview

Funding for research projects that develop tools and recommendations to integrate citizenship education into lifelong learning, with a focus on vocational education and training (VET) or adult education. Targets policymakers, educators, and organizations aiming to enhance democratic participation and civic engagement across all age groups, including marginalized or underrepresented populations.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, public bodies, non-profits, and private organizations) established in EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, or other eligible third countries as specified in the call. Consortia are typically required, involving multiple partners from different eligible countries.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 6,000,000 EUR per project.
• Funding type: Lump sum grant.
• Funding rate: Not explicitly stated, but Horizon Europe typically covers up to 100% of eligible costs for research and innovation actions (RIA).

What Is Funded

Projects must address one of the following areas:

• Development of innovative methods and curricula for citizenship education in vocational education and training (VET) or adult education, including digital and media literacy components.
• Research on how VET or adult education programs enhance civic knowledge, political awareness, and democratic participation (e.g., voting, policy engagement, volunteering).
• Piloting tools to improve digital literacy for democratic engagement, including solutions for persons with disabilities or ageing populations facing digital barriers.
• Non-digital, intergenerational approaches to foster civic participation.
• Gender and intersectional perspectives, with a focus on marginalized or underrepresented groups.
• Collaboration with the European Partnership on Social Transformations and Resilience is encouraged.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Projects must operate at TRL 4 (technology validated in lab), 5 (technology validated in relevant environment), or 6 (technology demonstrated in relevant environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-11
• Deadline: 2026-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission: Proposals are submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Page limit: Part B of the application is limited to 50 pages, with a mandatory detailed budget table.
• Evaluation: Proposals are assessed based on standard Horizon Europe criteria (excellence, impact, implementation).

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting: Standard Horizon Europe reporting requirements apply, including periodic technical and financial reports.
• Dissemination: Results must be shared with policymakers, educators, and relevant stakeholders.
• Ownership and licensing: The EU may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of project results for up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must align with the Action Plan on Basic Skills (March 2025), which defines citizenship as a basic skill.
• Proposals must integrate a gender and intersectional perspective and address barriers to participation for marginalized groups.
• Digital tools are encouraged but not mandatory; non-digital approaches are also supported.