European Commission inviting young researches or a private non-profit-oriented organisations to apply for action grants to explore the role of internet tools in stimulating democratic participation and to investigate how digital tools can contribute to the stronger and longer-term engagement of citizens, under a Pilot Project E-voting: making the best use of modern technologies for more active and democratic voting procedures. The indicative available budget under this call for proposals is EUR 700,000. Deadline to apply is January 27th.
European society has changed considerably over the last 25 years as EU citizens increasingly live and work in other Member States. EU citizenship gives these mobile EU citizens the right to vote and stand in elections to the European Parliament and to municipal elections under the same conditions as nationals of their host State. However, EU citizen’s political participation can be affected by red tape and outdated voting procedures. At the same time, low turnout in elections, including European Parliament elections and particularly among young people, is a challenge for democracies. To address these issues, ways should be explored to stimulate participation in elections for all citizens by making it easier to vote, including by making best use of modern technologies.
So the activities funded under this pilot project’s call for action grants aiming to:
- explore the role of internet services and applications in stimulating democratic participation and to investigate how digital tools can contribute to the stronger and longer-term democratic engagement of citizens;
- elicit a broad range of proposals especially but not exclusively targeting young people and mobile EU citizens.
While national projects are eligible, successful proposals should aim to produce results with EU added value. Projects must address the overall priority of exploring how digital tools, applications or internet services can be used to stimulate democratic participation and/or contribute to sustained engagement in citizens. Projects should be targeted and practical and aim to provide a demonstrable benefit for democratic life in the EU. Projects targeting young people should also be considered in the light of the aims of the current study procured by the Commission on the impact of internet and social media on youth (democratic) participation and youth work.
The requested grant should preferably not be higher than EUR 350,000 or lower than EUR 75,000. The aim is to be able to co-fund at least two transnational projects. The Commission reserves the right not to award all available funds, depending on the projects received and the outcome of the evaluation procedure.
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