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Horizon Europe Cluster 2 — Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

Horizon Democracy: Citizenship Learning

Funds research and pilots that make lifelong civic education more inclusive and turn learning into democratic participation.

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Democracy depends on people being able to understand their rights, assess information and take part in public life. This topic funds research into how citizenship education in vocational education and training or adult learning can support that participation across all ages and backgrounds.

Projects should connect learning with real civic actions, such as voting, standing as a candidate, taking p

Researching how vocational education and training or adult education can build civic knowledge, political awareness and democratic participation across the lifespan. Projects may develop and pilot innovative citizenship curricula, connect learning to actions such as voting, public-policy engagement, volunteering or civil-society work, and improve digital and media literacy for people facing participation barriers. Work must include gender and intersectional perspectives and seek collaboration with the European Partnership on Social Transformations and Resilience.

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.€16M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-09Source: ec.europa.eu