HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-DEMOCRACY-07: participatory research on post-conflict reconstruction and democratic resilience

We propose an interdisciplinary and participatory research project on post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine, with a particular focus on Soviet-built housing estates as a critical and large-scale component of the built environment.

Given that the majority of Ukrainian housing consists of Soviet-era mass-built developments, the project addresses the need for long-term, community-driven strategies rather than ad-hoc repairs. It focuses on integrating residents, local authorities, and civil society actors into decision-making processes, ensuring that reconstruction efforts reflect local needs and strengthen democratic governance.

At the same time, the project goes beyond housing, engaging with broader questions of post-war recovery, urban transformation, and democratic resilience in line with EU priorities. Through participatory research in pilot neighborhoods, it will generate data, develop rehabilitation strategies, and produce policy recommendations and guidelines for inclusive and sustainable reconstruction.

We are looking for partners interested in post-conflict reconstruction, participatory research, and democratic governance, who are willing to share their experience and actively contribute to a collaborative, interdisciplinary research process. The project aims to strengthen institutional capacity, support local communities, and translate research into actionable policies aligned with EU priorities on democratic reconstruction, social cohesion, and resilience.