Deadline Date: September 23, 2026
The European Commission is now accepting grant applications to improve understanding of local democratic systems and strengthen evidence-based policymaking in low-income and lower-middle-income countries.
The focus areas of this call include democratic governance, decentralisation, human rights, inequality reduction, public service delivery, civic participation, transparency in decision-making, and strengthening trust in democratic institutions. It also prioritises developing science-based tools, training models, monitoring frameworks, and policy recommendations, as well as improving understanding of fragile contexts, local governance systems, and inclusive participation of women and marginalised groups.
The funding available under this call is €12,000,000, with individual project funding ranging between €3,500,000 and €4,000,000.
The initiative addresses the global rise of democratic backsliding and human rights challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and the associated risks to stability, security, and international cooperation. It highlights the importance of strengthening democratic resilience through improved local governance structures.
The call aims to equip EU institutions, Member States, and policymakers with better tools and evidence to support democratic development, reduce inequality, and promote human rights. It also seeks to improve understanding of how local actors contribute to democratic practices and governance outcomes.
The research focuses on analysing decentralisation processes and their impact on governance quality, public service delivery, and citizen trust. It also explores the relationship between effective service delivery and pro-democratic attitudes, as well as mechanisms for improving transparency and accountability at the local level.
The initiative encourages participatory and multidisciplinary research involving local authorities, civil society organisations, and community actors in low- and middle-income countries. It also promotes the inclusion of non-academic stakeholders and the use of experimental and participatory methods to generate transferable evidence and good practices.
The expected results include improved policymaking tools, better understanding of local democratic systems, stronger capacity to promote democratic values, and enhanced access to evidence-based practices for use in fragile and diverse contexts.
Eligible applicants include any legal entity established under national, EU, or international law, including those from non-associated third countries and international organisations.
For more information, visit European Commission.
