New CORDIS Projects Info Pack highlights innovative research on democracy
Democratic resilience, built on robust and inclusive decision-making, is essential for European societies to thrive and prosper. Yet Europe’s democratic fabric is strained by a complex and interconnected set of threats, including geopolitical instability, socio‑economic pressures, fragmented trust in institutions and interference by foreign powers. Destination 1 of the 2025 call of Horizon Europe’s Cluster 2 ‘Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society’ mobilises the multidisciplinary expertise of European social sciences and humanities to meet these challenges. This booklet showcases 27 research projects funded under this call, which aim to address a broad range of threats and bolster multiple areas of resilience. Their work spans themes such as democratic innovation, governance reform, civic engagement, political communication, social cohesion and the impacts of increasing digitalisation on public debate. Drawing on expertise in political science, economics, sociology, law, anthropology, cultural studies and related fields from more than 300 institutions, the projects will work to counter radicalisation, tackle misinformation and challenge rising antisemitism, while enhancing civic participation, strengthening judicial independence and building a community of democratic practitioners and researchers. The Pack – the first in a series that will cover all three Destinations in the Cluster 2 Work Programme – offers a comprehensive overview of how Horizon Europe is defending the values on which our freedoms and rights depend, reinforcing Europe’s democratic resilience for the benefit of all citizens. Download and read the Projects Info Pack on Resilient Democracies(opens in new window).
