Deadline: 23-Sep-2026
The European Commission is inviting grant applications for interdisciplinary research projects focused on democratic reconstruction, peacebuilding, and sustainable recovery in post-conflict societies.
The initiative supports evidence-based research aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, reconciliation processes, governance systems, and long-term social recovery in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Focus Areas
The call supports research related to:
- Post-conflict democracy building
- Peacebuilding and reconciliation
- Governance reform
- Social cohesion
- Human rights and inclusivity
- Equity and accountability
- Anti-corruption measures
- Participatory governance
- Community-led reconstruction
- Inclusive economic development
- Reintegration of conflict-affected populations
- Socio-economic and psychological recovery
The programme also prioritises:
- Women’s role in peacebuilding
- Civil society engagement
- International cooperation
- Evidence-based policymaking
Funding Support
Total budget available:
- €12 million
Funding per project:
- Between €3.5 million and €4 million
The programme supports large-scale interdisciplinary research initiatives.
Why This Initiative Matters
The call responds to ongoing challenges in post-conflict regions, including:
- Weak democratic institutions
- Social and ethnic divisions
- Structural inequalities
- Governance instability
- Long-term economic and psychological impacts of conflict
The initiative aims to strengthen:
- Democratic resilience
- Sustainable peace
- Inclusive recovery
- Public trust in governance systems
Research Priorities
Projects are encouraged to explore:
- Relationships between conflict, inequality, and governance
- Historical narratives and reconciliation processes
- Community-driven recovery models
- Inclusive reconstruction strategies
- Reintegration systems for veterans and vulnerable groups
- Participatory governance mechanisms
The programme promotes interdisciplinary approaches involving:
Projects should involve:
- Governments
- Civil society organisations
- Media and education institutions
- Cultural organisations
- Community stakeholders
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Universities and research institutions
- Civil society organisations
- International organisations
- Public and private legal entities
- Entities from non-associated third countries
Applicants must be:
- Established under national, EU, or international law
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve:
- Improved reconstruction and peacebuilding policies
- Stronger evidence-based decision-making
- Better democratic governance strategies
- Enhanced civil society participation
- Improved reintegration systems for conflict-affected populations
- Stronger resilience in post-conflict societies
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Develop an interdisciplinary research proposal
- Include participatory and community-based approaches
- Demonstrate policy relevance and impact
- Engage civil society and institutional stakeholders
- Submit the application according to programme guidelines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Weak stakeholder engagement
- Limited interdisciplinary collaboration
- Ignoring local community participation
- Unclear peacebuilding outcomes
- Narrow or non-inclusive recovery strategies
FAQ
- What is the total budget for the call?
- The total budget available is €12 million.
- How much funding can each project receive?
- Projects may receive between €3.5 million and €4 million.
- What themes does the programme support?
- Peacebuilding, democratic reconstruction, reconciliation, governance reform, and inclusive recovery.
- Who can apply?
- Legal entities established under national, EU, or international law, including international organisations and entities from non-associated third countries.
- Does the programme encourage interdisciplinary research?
- Yes, interdisciplinary and participatory research approaches are strongly encouraged.
Conclusion
The European Commission initiative supports interdisciplinary research aimed at strengthening democratic recovery, peacebuilding, and sustainable reconstruction in post-conflict societies. Through evidence-based and participatory approaches, the programme seeks to improve governance, social cohesion, and long-term resilience in fragile contexts.
For more information, visit European Commission.