European Commission has published a new call for project proposals under the CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme, titled “Citizens’ Engagement and Participation.”
The call supports projects that contribute to more active citizen participation in democratic processes, strengthen participation in public policy-making, and promote initiatives addressing disinformation and manipulative influence on public debate.
Eligible applicants include civil society organisations, public institutions at the national level, as well as local governments, universities, and international organisations. Detailed eligibility conditions are available in Chapter 6 of the call document.
The total estimated budget of the call is EUR 30 million, with EUR 10 million allocated to each of the three priority areas. The minimum grant amount is EUR 75,000, while the maximum amount is not limited.
The call covers three thematic areas. The first focuses on supporting free, fair, and inclusive electoral processes, with particular emphasis on informing citizens about elections and electoral rights, especially mobile EU citizens.
The second area aims to encourage active citizen participation in public policy-making and broader democratic engagement beyond electoral processes.
The third area focuses on countering the spread of disinformation and foreign manipulative interference in democratic processes and public debate.
The deadline for submission of project proposals is 29 April 2026 at 17:00 (CET – Brussels time).
More information about the call is available at: Call for proposal to foster citizens’ engagement and participation – CERV-2026-CITIZENS-CIV (CIV26)
