Deadline: 23-Sep-2026
The European Commission’s Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality is a Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action aimed at strengthening inclusive, equal, and resilient democratic societies across the EU. With €4.5 million in funding, it supports collaboration between academia, public institutions, and civil society to advance equality, human rights, civic participation, media literacy, and evidence-based policymaking.
What is the Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality?
The Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality is a funding initiative under the Horizon Europe launched by the European Commission.
It supports the creation of a transnational research and policy network focused on equality, democracy, and fundamental rights across Europe.
Purpose of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen inclusive and democratic societies in the EU
- Promote equality, justice, and fundamental rights
- Integrate intersectional approaches into policymaking
- Enhance civic participation and democratic engagement
- Counter disinformation and political polarisation
- Support academic freedom and safe research environments
- Strengthen evidence-based policymaking
Key Focus Areas
Inclusive democracy and governance
- Strengthening democratic participation
- Supporting civic engagement initiatives
- Advancing inclusive policymaking frameworks
Equality and human rights
- Intersectional equality approaches
- Protection of fundamental rights
- Reducing systemic discrimination
Information integrity and media literacy
- Countering disinformation and misinformation
- Promoting critical thinking skills
- Strengthening media literacy programmes
Research and innovation collaboration
- Innovation hubs and living labs
- Cross-sector collaboration between academia, government, and civil society
- Evidence-based policy development
Academic freedom and safety
- Protecting research independence
- Ensuring safe and inclusive research environments
- Supporting academic integrity
Funding Details
- Total funding available: €4,500,000
- Funding instrument: Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action (HORIZON-CSA)
- Focus: Networking, coordination, policy support, and capacity building (not pure research)
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible participants include:
- Any legal entity worldwide (EU and non-EU countries)
- International organisations
- Public bodies and academic institutions
- Civil society organisations
- EU agencies and bodies, including the Joint Research Centre (JRC)
- Associations and interest groupings
- Entities without legal personality (under specific conditions)
Administrative Requirements
- Registration in the Participant Register is mandatory
- Participants must obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Validation is required before grant agreement signature
- Compliance with Horizon Europe rules and call-specific requirements
Expected Outcomes
Projects funded under this call are expected to deliver:
- A functioning Research and Innovation Network on equality and democracy
- Tools for intersectional and inclusive policymaking
- Policy recommendations for EU institutions and governments
- Improved civic participation and democratic resilience
- Frameworks to counter disinformation and polarisation
- Collaborative platforms (innovation hubs and living labs)
How the Programme Works
- Consortium or eligible entities form partnerships
- Proposal submitted under Horizon Europe call
- Evaluation by European Commission experts
- Selected project receives €4.5M funding
- Network is established across institutions and sectors
- Outputs support EU policymaking and democratic resilience
Key Requirements for Strong Proposals
- Clear strategy for inclusive and intersectional policymaking
- Strong collaboration across academia, government, and civil society
- Robust approach to disinformation and civic engagement
- Practical policy tools and implementation pathways
- Demonstrated alignment with EU democratic values
- Strong capacity-building and knowledge-sharing components
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating the call as purely academic research instead of coordination/support
- Weak integration between sectors (academic, civil society, policy)
- Lack of measurable outcomes for democratic impact
- Ignoring intersectionality or inclusion dimensions
- Poor alignment with EU values and Horizon Europe objectives
Tips for a Strong Application
- Build a diverse, multi-sector consortium
- Focus on practical policymaking tools and outputs
- Include measurable indicators for civic and democratic impact
- Integrate media literacy and disinformation countermeasures
- Emphasize scalability across EU member states
- Demonstrate strong governance and coordination structure
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this funding opportunity about?
- It supports a European network promoting equality, democracy, and human rights through research and innovation collaboration
- What is the funding amount?
- €4,500,000 under Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action
- Who can apply?
- Any legal entity worldwide, including NGOs, universities, public bodies, and international organisations
- What is the main goal?
- To strengthen inclusive democracy, civic participation, and evidence-based policymaking in the EU
- Is it a research grant?
- No
- It focuses on coordination, networking, and policy support activities
- What are PIC requirements?
- All participants must register in the EU Participant Register and obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC) before signing the grant agreement
Conclusion
The Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality under Horizon Europe aims to strengthen democratic resilience across Europe by fostering inclusive policymaking, civic participation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through coordinated research and innovation efforts, it supports the EU’s long-term goals of equality, justice, and fundamental rights.
For more information, visit European Commission.