EU Funds Militant Theater Research
- The EU's research programme allocates millions to projects exploring the role of masculinity in extremist movements.
- With a budget of 93.5 billion euros for 2021-2027, Horizon Europe, the European Union's key funding program for research and innovation, aims to tackle climate change, achieve the...
- In October 2024,two similar projects,"Men4dem" and "Emmelo," were approved.
Horizon Europe Funds Research on Masculinity and Extremism
Table of Contents
The EU’s research programme allocates millions to projects exploring the role of masculinity in extremist movements.
With a budget of 93.5 billion euros for 2021-2027, Horizon Europe, the European Union’s key funding program for research and innovation, aims to tackle climate change, achieve the UN’s Lasting Progress Goals, and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth. The European Commission touts it as the most enterprising effort in the world supporting research and innovation, funding projects from future battery technology to biotechnologies. However, some of its initiatives are raising eyebrows.
In October 2024,two similar projects,”Men4dem” and “Emmelo,” were approved. Men4dem, short for “Men for Democracy,” will explore how masculinity is built and mobilized by the extreme right in Europe.
The University of Amsterdam leads the project, partnering with research centers in several member states, including Poland and germany. The European Commission is providing 3 million euros in funding.
Emmelo, an acronym for “European men, masculinity and online extremist authority,” is coordinated by the Irish University of Galway, again with partners from various European countries, including the Emile Durkheim Center of Sociology at the University of Bordeaux. This project has a budget of 2.6 million euros over three years, with 197,000 euros allocated to French research, fully supported by Horizon Europe.
Similar Objectives
The projects share similar goals and language. Emmelo aims to develop political recommendations and innovative gender-sensitive tools
for political decision-makers, practitioners, and citizens
to confront the role of masculinity in European extremist movements.
Men4dem will develop concrete tools
for the same audience, focusing on models of democratic masculinity.
While authoritarian movements have long exploited virility, the specific research approach of Men4dem and Emmelo remains unclear. Men4dem mentions two awareness
plays by a Dutch troupe to explore the art-Société-Science triangle.
According to Liza Mügge, a political science lecturer at the University of Amsterdam and Men4dem’s program coordinator, the project is in its early stages. As we started in January, we have no results to share yet; discoveries and advances will be disseminated over the next three years.
The Emile Durkheim Center did not respond to requests for comment.
Unclear Definition
The projects’ scope raises questions. While innovation may not be the primary focus in human sciences, the research dimension needs clarification. It appears the research teams anticipate their findings.
the definition of “extremist movements” is also ambiguous. Men4dem’s description includes currents aggregating xenophobia, racism, anti-Semitism, misogyny, transphobia, homophobia, and intolerance,
possibly encompassing groups from the Muslim Brotherhood to European supremacists.
It remains unclear whether the program intends to target legitimate parties in different member states by working on currents of thought attached to a conventional portrayal of genres,
which is the case for many elected officials.
Call for Proposals
The projects likely originated from a European commission call for proposals in October 2023, concerning the role of genres in extremist movements and their impact on democracy
. Horizon projects undergo a validation phase by experts.
Céline Imart, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) attached to the European People’s Party (PPE), said, I have no objection to that we finance studies on the extreme right if we also finance studies on the far left.
She added, European commissioners do not hold their general departments. money is dispersed, while Europe is lagging behind the United States on artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies, and the space conquest becomes an issue.
The MEP also pointed out the lack of a user-friendly database listing European funding. The data exists; it is online; it is now necessary to organize it so that it becomes usable.
She suggested translating the information, as details about Men4dem and Emmelo are currently only available in English.
Horizon Europe Funds Research on masculinity and Extremism: Q&A
Exploring the EU’s investment in understanding masculinity’s role in extremist movements.
What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s primary funding program for research and innovation. With a significant budget of 93.5 billion euros allocated for the period of 2021-2027, it aims to address critical global challenges.
- Goals: It focuses on tackling climate change, supporting the UN’s enduring Development Goals, and fostering EU competitiveness and growth.
- Scope: Funds projects spanning various fields, from battery technology to biotechnologies.
What are the specific projects mentioned?
Two key projects,”Men4dem” and “Emmelo,” have been approved and are mentioned within this article.
- Men4dem (“Men for Democracy”): Led by the University of Amsterdam, this project will analyze how masculinity is constructed and utilized by the extreme right in Europe. It is indeed funded with 3 million euros.
- Emmelo (“European men, masculinity and online extremist authority”): Coordinated by the Irish University of Galway, this project is designed to explore the role of masculinity in European extremist movements and will develop recommendations and gender-sensitive tools for decision-makers. The project has a budget of 2.6 million euros.
What are the Objectives of these Research Projects?
Both projects share similar goals, focusing on understanding and addressing the role of masculinity within extremist movements.
- Shared Goals: Both “Men4dem” and ”Emmelo” aim to provide tools and recommendations for political decision-makers and citizens.
- Focus Areas: The projects seek to develop models of democratic masculinity and combat the influence of masculinity within extremism.
What is the scope and definition of “extremist movements”?
The projects’ scope and the definition of “extremist movements” are a subject of discussion.
- Ambiguity in scope: The definition of ”extremist movements” includes currents aggregating xenophobia, racism, antisemitism, misogyny, transphobia, homophobia, and intolerance.
- Concerns: The breadth of this definition raises questions about inclusivity and the potential targeting of legitimate political groups.
Who is funding these projects?
These projects are funded by the European Commission through the Horizon Europe program.
- funding Source: The projects likely originated from a European Commission call for proposals.
Are there any criticisms regarding these projects?
Yes, there are criticisms regarding the projects’ focus and the broader distribution of EU funding.
- Perspective: MEP Céline Imart stated that studies on both the extreme right and far left should be financed.
- Overall Concerns: MEP Imart points out a lack of a user-pleasant database listing European funding.
Key Project Details Comparison
| Project | Lead Institution | Focus | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men4dem | University of Amsterdam | Masculinity and the extreme right | 3 million euros |
| Emmelo | University of Galway | Masculinity and online extremism | 2.6 million euros |