Call EuropeAid/185232/DH/ACT/GB – EU-UK Think Tanks Engagement

BENEFICIARY ENTITIES

• Public or private think tanks, NGOs, public sector operators, local authorities, and international organisations.

• The lead applicant must be established in an EU Member State or in the United Kingdom.

• The partnership must include at least two co-applicants: one from the UK and one from the EU.

• Affiliated entities are eligible if they have a permanent legal or structural link with the lead applicant or co-applicants.

GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

• United Kingdom and European Union Member States (bilateral actions and transnational networks).

ELIGIBLE ACTIONS

• Creation of networks and structured dialogue between EU and UK think tanks.

• Joint research and production of studies, analyses, and policy papers.

• Events, conferences, forums, workshops, visits, and expert exchanges.

• Communication and awareness-raising activities on EU policies and values.

• Support for partnerships with universities (European studies) and academic networks.

• Development of digital tools, data visualisations, and scientific communication resources.

• Joint public diplomacy strategies and cooperation in foreign policy, security, sustainable growth, and technological innovation.

MINIMUM MATURITY REQUIREMENTS

• Complete technical proposal, detailed budget, and activity plan (up to 36 months).

• Demonstration of the technical and financial capacity of partners.

• Mandatory registration in PADOR and the EU Participant Register before submission.

SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

• Maximum project duration: 36 months.

• Funding limited to actual costs.

• All activities must ensure gender balance and geographical diversity.

• Financial support to third parties is not permitted.

• Mandatory visibility of EU funding.

• Application of PRAG (Practical Guide to External Actions) rules.

ELIGIBLE COSTS

• Direct costs: staff, travel, consultancy, events, publications, communication, technical services, and studies.

• Indirect costs: flat rate of up to 7% of eligible direct costs.

• Contingency reserve: up to 5% of direct costs.

• In-kind contributions are not eligible, except voluntary work (up to 50% of total co-financing).

Non-eligible costs include interest, provisions, costs already financed by other EU programmes, land purchases, exchange losses, in-kind contributions (except voluntary work), and remuneration of national administration staff.

ELIGIBILITY PERIOD

• From the date of signature of the grant contract until the completion of the operation, not exceeding 36 months.

IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD

• Maximum of 36 months, starting after the contract signature (expected in May 2026).

SUPPORT

• Fund: NDICI – Global Europe (FPI instrument).

• Co-financing rate: 60% to 90% of eligible costs.

• Grant amount: between €600,000 and €800,000 per project.

• Modality: reimbursement of actual costs.

• Indicative total funding: €2,400,000 (€800,000 per lot).

CALL BUDGET

• €2,400,000 (€800,000 for each of the three thematic lots):

  • Societies and Democracy – Democratic resilience and fight against disinformation.

  • Security and Foreign Policy – Multilateral cooperation and European defence.

  • Sustainable Growth and Innovation – Green economy, value chains, and disruptive technologies.