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The European Commission has launched a call titled "Understanding the Forms of Local Democracy in Low-Income and Low-Middle Income Countries" under the Horizon Europe Programme's Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society. This initiative aims to investigate how local democratic practices in economically disadvantaged nations can enhance social inclusion, citizen participation, and resilience against democratic backsliding. The research will provide EU institutions and national policymakers with science-based tools and recommendations to proactively promote human rights and democracy, focusing on women's and youth participation. It will also offer insights into the role of decentralization processes and their impact on public service quality and citizen acceptance of democratic processes. The call encourages collaboration with local stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the local democratic landscape. Proposals should gather robust evidence on how actors in economic, political, and social ecosystems at the local level could foster democratic practices, increase citizens' trust in governance and democratic institutions, improve transparency of decision-making, and promote respect for human rights in low- and middle-income countries. The total indicative budget for this call is 10.500.000 €, with an expected EU contribution per project ranging between 3.000.000 € and 3.500.000 €. The call is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including academia, research institutes, NGOs, and industry partners, promoting collaborative projects with multiple partners. The submission deadline is 16 September 2025, following a single-stage application process. This initiative represents a significant effort by the EU to support democratic resilience and social inclusion in low-income and low-middle-income countries.
Opening: 15 May 2025
Deadline(s): 16 Sep 2025
Expected Outcome
Projects funded under this call are expected to:
- Equip EU institutions and national decision-makers with science-based tools and recommendations to promote human rights and democracy, leading to more resilient and inclusive democratic societies in low-income and low-middle-income countries
- Enhance understanding of local actors' capacities and needs in engaging with democratic practices, enabling proactive promotion of democratic values and practices
- Provide access to science-based good practices for working in fragile contexts where trust in democracy is weak or absent
- Clarify the role of decentralization processes and their impact on public service quality and citizen acceptance of democratic processes
Additionally, projects should aim to:
- Improve policymakers' understanding of the link between efficient public service delivery and pro-democratic sentiments in low-income and low-middle-income countries
- Equip civil society organizations with better tools to promote democratic practices at the local level
Scope
The call aims to gather robust evidence on how local actors in low- and middle-income countries can foster democratic practices, enhance citizens' trust in governance, improve decision-making transparency, and promote human rights. It encourages the assessment of trends and risks associated with democratic regression and the exploration of various forms of democratic participation and governance at the local level. The call also seeks to understand the link between efficient public service delivery and pro-democratic sentiments, emphasizing the importance of involving a wide range of stakeholders, including local authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners.