Programme: Horizon Europe
Duration: 1 June 2024 – 31 May 2027
The ENCODE (Emotional and Normative Coherence for Democratic Engagement) project is an ambitious, multidisciplinary initiative that seeks to strengthen democratic governance in Europe by recognising and integrating the emotional dimensions of political life. Rather than treating politics as a purely rational domain, ENCODE acknowledges that emotions are central to how citizens perceive, engage with, and respond to political processes.
At the heart of the project lies the concept of affective pluralisation—an innovative framework that promotes emotionally inclusive political spaces while preserving democratic competition. By fostering positive emotional narratives, ENCODE aims to address the emotional needs of European citizens and promote a more constructive, empathetic democratic discourse.
Key Areas of Research
ENCODE explores several urgent challenges facing contemporary democracies:
The emotional appeal of populism and conspiracy theories: By investigating how emotional responses correlate with susceptibility to disinformation and anti-democratic narratives, the project will develop strategies to mitigate their influence.
The role of social media in emotional amplification: ENCODE examines how digital platforms intensify emotional reactions and shape public opinion.
European identities and values: The project assesses how shared identities and democratic values can foster positive emotional connections across diverse populations.
To gain a deeper understanding of emotional responses, the project uses advanced, interdisciplinary methods, including biometric analysis, facial-tracking technologies, and in-depth qualitative interviews.
How ENCODE Engages with Society
The ENCODE project operates beyond the boundaries of traditional academic research by actively engaging with real-world stakeholders to ensure its findings are relevant, impactful, and accessible. Recognising that democratic challenges are experienced across all levels of society, ENCODE prioritises inclusive dialogue and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
Key engagement activities include:
Workshops and stakeholder events involving civil society organisations, policymakers, and citizens to exchange perspectives and provide feedback on project findings.
International conferences and expert meetings to disseminate insights, stimulate informed debate, and foster interdisciplinary exchange.
Strategic collaborations with other EU-funded projects focused on democracy, governance, and civic participation.
Public-facing communication tools, such as podcasts, videos, and articles, to translate academic research into accessible, engaging content.
Practical outputs, including policy briefs and implementation guidelines, are designed to support evidence-based decision-making and democratic innovation.
Target Stakeholders
ENCODE is designed to serve a diverse range of stakeholders who are actively involved in or affected by democratic governance. The project seeks to support and collaborate with:
Policymakers and public institutions, at both national and European levels, are responsible for legislative and governance processes.
Researchers and academic institutions contribute to the scientific understanding of political behaviour, communication, and democratic systems.
Non-governmental organisations and grassroots movements are working to strengthen civic engagement and social cohesion.
Journalists and media professionals who shape public discourse and inform democratic debate.
Engaged citizens and civic actors are committed to fostering inclusive, transparent, and emotionally intelligent democratic practices.
ENCODE’s inclusive approach ensures that its research not only advances academic knowledge but also contributes meaningfully to public dialogue and policy development across Europe.
For more information, please visit the project website: https://encodemotions.eu/
