Call: Religious diversity in Europe - past, present and future

• Health, demographic change and wellbeing;
• Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research, and the Bioeconomy;
• Secure, clean and efficient energy;
• Smart, green and integrated transport;
• Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials;
• Europe in a changing world - inclusive, innovative and reflective societies;
• Secure societies - protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens.

This subprogramme will address social exclusion, discriminations and various forms of inequalities. It will explore new forms of innovation and strengthen the evidence base for the Innovation Union, the European Research Area and other relevant EU policies. It will promote coherent and effective cooperation with third countries. Finally, it will address the issues of memories, identities, tolerance and cultural heritage. The approach adopted in the present calls is in line with the Horizon 2020 Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) cross-cutting issue, engaging multiple actors including society, integrating the gender and ethical dimensions, ensuring the access to research outcomes. Some Topics deal specifically with formal and informal (science) education.

Religious beliefs and affiliation to religious groups and communities were historically the cornerstones of the functioning of societal relations in Europe. Acknowledging the rich tradition of the co-existence of diverse religions in Europe, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union enshrines the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

Despite this strong commitment to the freedom of religion in Europe, religious tensions still exist in many European societies, and have sometimes been exacerbated by the instrumentalisation of religion for political ends by extremists. It is therefore indispensable to understand better the new landscape of religions, secularism and spirituality in Europe and analyse both the roots of radicalisation and religious intolerance and peaceful coexistence and dialogue in Europe in order to support the values and practices of peaceful co-existence and rationality. Contextualising religious co-existence from a historical perspective can contribute to the promotion of a European public and cultural space and to enhancing mutual dialogue and understanding.

At least three legal entities. Each of the three must be established in a different EU Member State or Horizon 2020 associated country. All three legal entities must be independent of each other.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the order of 2.5 million € would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. This does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

EU funding rate: 100%.

Electronic application here.