Electoral integrity in the digital context

Overview

Funding for interdisciplinary research and innovation projects that strengthen electoral integrity in the digital age, focusing on policy development, AI transparency, disinformation countermeasures, and secure digital technologies for elections. Targets policymakers, electoral authorities, civil society, media, and digital platforms.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, public bodies, NGOs, private companies) from eligible countries, including EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a beneficiary with zero funding or as an associated partner.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 6,000,000 EUR per project.
• Funding is provided as a lump sum.
• Total budget and funding rate not specified.

What Is Funded

Projects addressing:

• Development of election regulations, standards, and tools for digital technologies in electoral processes.
• Guidelines for responsible use of digital technologies in elections and political campaigns.
• Transparency and accountability in AI-powered political campaigns, including AI system audits, data disclosure, and algorithmic transparency.
• Countermeasures for disinformation, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), and cybersecurity threats.
• Ethical AI, transparent political advertising, and tools to mitigate misinformation.
• Cryptographic measures, including post-quantum cryptography, for electoral security.
• Interdisciplinary research on digital technologies’ impact on public opinion, governance, and civic engagement, with attention to gender stereotypes, underrepresented groups, and minority rights.
• Collaboration with online platforms, media, and political stakeholders to enhance electoral resilience.
• Strategies for inclusive, accessible, and secure elections, including protection of candidates from harassment and intimidation.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

No explicit Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range specified. Projects should align with ongoing EU initiatives such as the AI Act, Digital Services Act (DSA), and Political Advertising Regulation.

Key Dates

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

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must include:

• A 50-page Part B (Research and Innovation Actions) application.
• A detailed budget table using the provided template.

Evaluation follows standard Horizon Europe criteria (excellence, impact, implementation).

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting and dissemination requirements as per Horizon Europe lump sum grant agreements.
• The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must align with EU strategic initiatives, including the Political Advertising Regulation, AI Act, DSA, and the Commission’s 2023 Recommendation on inclusive and resilient elections.
• Collaboration with existing EU-funded projects and complementary funding schemes (e.g., Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme) is encouraged.
• Proposals should adopt an interdisciplinary approach, involving stakeholders such as electoral authorities, civil society, media, and digital platforms.