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Horizon Europe Cluster 2 — Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

Horizon Government Innovation and Civil Service

Funds two €3.5–4M projects that help governments modernise public services, rebuild trust and equip civil servants for fast-changing crises.

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Governments are dealing with overlapping crises, fast-moving technology and falling public trust, while the way their civil services work has changed much more slowly. This topic funds research into how governments are responding and what a future-ready public service needs.

A project must look at all three sides of that change: new ways for governments to plan, lead and involve citizens; better

Researching how governments in EU and Associated Countries are changing their governance models, public services and civil-service systems under pressure from crises, new technology and declining public trust. Projects must cover new governance paradigms, innovative policy and service development, and public employment management. The work combines existing evidence with large-scale surveys, interviews, reflection workshops and stakeholder engagement, then turns the findings into policy recommendations, lessons, a government-officials MOOC and lasting peer-learning networks.

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.€8M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-03Source: ec.europa.eu