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Horizon Europe Cluster 2 — Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

Horizon Democracy: Digital Election Integrity

Funds cross-disciplinary research teams to test how AI, disinformation and cyber threats shape voting, and build tools for fair, secure, transparent elections.

OpenEuropean CommissionEU

Digital tools have opened new ways to engage voters, but they also make it easier to spread false information, manipulate public debate and interfere with elections. This topic funds research that helps policymakers, election authorities, media, platforms and civil society keep voting fair, open and secure.

Projects can study how AI-powered campaigns, political advertising, social media and forei

Researching how digital technologies shape electoral processes and political campaigns, then developing evidence, governance approaches and technical tools that protect fair, inclusive, accessible, transparent and secure elections. The topic covers disinformation, foreign information manipulation and interference, AI-generated content, political advertising, platform accountability, voter verification, election cybersecurity, early warning and debunking systems, AI audits and data disclosure, with optional work on cryptographic and post-quantum protections. Projects are expected to use an interdisciplinary approach and involve electoral authorities, civil society, media, digital platforms and political 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-08Source: ec.europa.eu