Electoral integrity in the digital context

The EU-wide call aims to systematically research and strengthen the integrity of digital electoral processes in the age of disinformation, cyberattacks, and AI manipulation. Within this framework, innovative approaches are sought that develop ethical AI methods, make political advertising more transparent, and provide tools against foreign information manipulation. Projects with a duration of up to 36 months will be funded, conducting personnel- and material-intensive research, covering material and travel costs, as well as subcontractor services. The funding amount per project ranges between €3,500,000 and €4,000,000 at a funding rate of 100%. Applications can be submitted until 23.09.2026, 17:00 Brussels time.

The call is addressed to EU, national, and local electoral authorities, political decision-makers, civil society organizations, media and platform operators, researchers in electoral and democracy studies, as well as developers of security and surveillance technologies. Eligibility requires establishment in an EU Member State or associated country and compliance with the exclusion criteria according to Article 141 of the EU Financial Regulation. Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, expected impact, and quality of implementation. Only expenses for personnel, consumables, travel, and subcontractors will be funded. Required submissions include the standardized application (RIA/IA), a financing plan, an ethics self-assessment, and a detailed budget table (Lump Sum). This approach aims to establish robust, inclusive, and trustworthy electoral procedures that sustainably strengthen democratic cohesion in Europe.