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Horizon Europe Cluster 2 — Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

Horizon Democracy: Safer Public Life

Funds three €3.5–4M projects to understand and prevent violence that drives women and LGBTIQ people out of public and political life.

OpenEuropean CommissionEU

Women and LGBTIQ people who speak, organise or stand for office can face threats and harassment because of both their public role and their identity. Online attacks can spread quickly through pile-ons, hate speech, disinformation and manipulated images, while the effects reach into physical safety, mental health, work, family life and willingness to stay in public life. This topic funds research i

Researching how gender-based and politically motivated violence affects women and LGBTIQ people who take part in, or aspire to take part in, public and political life. Projects examine online and offline threats, harassment, hate speech, disinformation, deepfakes and other forms of violence; their effects on participation, safety, health and reputation; and ways to prevent harm and improve support. The work combines multi-country quantitative and qualitative research with media, cultural and policy analysis, then turns the evidence into recommendations, responsible reporting practices and stronger cooperation among policymakers, political and civil-society actors.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.23 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.22 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€12M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-01Source: ec.europa.eu