Development aid and democratic governance

Overview

Funding for research projects that analyze the relationship between EU development aid, democratic governance, and global challenges such as inequality, climate action, and human rights in low- and middle-income countries. Targets policymakers, development agencies, and civil society organizations to enhance EU strategies for inclusive multilateralism.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, non-governmental organizations, development agencies, and consortia involving entities from EU Member States, Associated Countries, and specified low- and middle-income countries. International cooperation is strongly encouraged.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 5,000,000 EUR per project.
• Funding type: Lump sum grants.
• Funding rate: Not specified (refer to Horizon Europe lump sum rules).

What Is Funded

Projects must address one or more of the following:

• Impact of development aid on democratic institutions and processes.
• Reduction of socio-economic and gender inequalities through aid.
• Gaps in funding for democratic governance and innovative approaches to address them.
• Influence of non-EU aid donors (public, private, philanthropic) and their geopolitical implications.
• EU soft power and geopolitical influence via dedicated diplomacies (e.g., climate, water, science diplomacy).
• Multilateral partnerships between the EU and low- and middle-income countries.
• Participatory research approaches and gender-sensitive, intersectional methodologies.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4 to 6 (technology validated in lab to prototype demonstrated in relevant environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-05-12
• Deadline: 2027-09-22T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

• Process: Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Evaluation: Based on award criteria outlined in Horizon Europe General Annexes (Annex D).
• Indicative timeline: Evaluation and grant agreement signing follow the standard Horizon Europe process (refer to Annex F).

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting: Standard Horizon Europe reporting requirements apply.
• Dissemination: Results must be shared with EU policymakers and development stakeholders.
• Ownership/Licensing: The EU may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of 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, and specified low- and middle-income countries (EU Enlargement, Neighbourhood, and non-associated third countries).
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must align with Horizon Europe’s lump sum funding rules.
• Projects should explore collaboration opportunities with existing EU-funded initiatives in democracy support and civil society engagement.
• Focus on EU Enlargement, Neighbourhood, and low- and middle-income countries is mandatory.