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Horizon Europe Cluster 2 — Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

Horizon Democracy: Governing Global Commons

Funds research to help governments govern shared resources — from climate and biodiversity to oceans and outer space — through science diplomacy.

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Global resources such as the climate, biodiversity, oceans, polar regions and outer space are shared by humanity, but the rules for managing them are under pressure. Geopolitical rivalry, commercial interests, declining trust in science and weaker multilateral cooperation can turn governance gaps into environmental damage, conflict and human-rights harms.

This topic funds research into how global

Researching how countries, institutions, companies and civil society can govern shared global resources sustainably in a multipolar world. Projects address climate governance, biodiversity governance, or governance of spaces beyond national jurisdiction, using law, policy, natural sciences, engineering and the humanities to improve science diplomacy, participation, human rights and intergenerational justice.

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-06Source: ec.europa.eu