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Horizon Europe Cluster 2 — Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

Horizon Democracy: Digital Literacy and Trust

Funds €3.5–4M research projects that map how emotion and algorithms shape online participation and improve public responses to disinformation.

OpenEuropean CommissionEU

Digital platforms change how people find, judge and share information. This topic funds research into the links between digital and media literacy, disinformation, polarisation and trust in democratic institutions, with special attention to crisis situations and groups that face greater barriers.

Projects will study information-seeking and online engagement, including the role of emotion and plat

Research into how people seek, assess and share information online and offline, and how emotions, algorithms, coordinated inauthentic behaviour and disinformation affect polarisation, trust and democratic participation, especially during crises. Projects should assess existing media and digital literacy initiatives, develop strategies for critical thinking and evidence-based decisions, and produce practical solutions for educators and policymakers. Computational methods such as Social Network Analysis and Natural Language Processing may be used to map and mitigate harmful content across platforms, with a multi-actor approach spanning public authorities, education, civil society, businesses, communities and citizens.

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-10Source: ec.europa.eu