Expected Impact 1: Theoretical, Conceptual, and Methodological Framework Development. PLEDGE established a robust framework for studying emotions in grievance politics. Under WP1, existing research was reviewed, integrating findings from consortium partners and EU-funded projects over the past two decades. This effort culminated in D1.1 First Needs Report, which was further refined through stakeholder consultations. Additionally, a Consortium Databank was compiled, featuring 22 datasets (2005–2024) from 22 countries for secondary analysis.
WP2 developed a Conceptual Framework (D2.2 M10) explaining how emotions, values, identities, and beliefs shape political behaviour. It identifies two critical emotional mechanisms: Ressentiment (EMRes) capturing the negative output emotions of grievance-based mobilization, and Solidarity-oriented Sharing (EMSoS) promoting emotional exchanges that support cohesive political action. Codebook (D2.1 M10) was created to standardize PLEDGE’s core concepts for consistent analysis.
Expected Impact 2: Unique Dataset Collection for Evidence-based Insights. PLEDGE is developing datasets to support stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, and CSOs. Under WP3, the empirical framework, methodologies, and data collection protocols for WP4 and WP5 were established. Accomplishments include: a) Quality Assurance Plan (D3.1) and Data Management Plan (D3.2) ; b) Guidelines for empirical research methodologies including surveys, experiments, focus groups, interviews, and media studies; c) Social media data related to the 2024 European Parliament elections, collected in collaboration with CO3 and MORES Horizon Europe projects; d) traditional media data on grievances of far-right activists and leadership impact on policy making during the Russo-Ukrainian war; e) VR data from Poland and Ukraine, focusing on historical grievances and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Expected Impact 3: Policy Recommendations Aligned with EU Priorities. PLEDGE initiated actionable policy recommendations tailored to EU priorities. Grounded in WP1 research, the first Policy Brief introduces an Emotionally Intelligent European Democracy Shield to counter disinformation and reinforce democratic resilience. Engagements with policymakers are ongoing to ensure recommendations remain relevant and impactful.
Expected Impact 4: PLEDGE Coalition. PLEDGE is laying the groundwork for a PLEDGE Coalition for long-term dissemination of research findings. During the Participatory Impact Pathways Analysis (PIPA) workshops held at the PLEDGE Launch Conference (October 2024), refined research outputs for real-world application. Design-thinking and storytelling methodologies with complement PIPA in Years 2 and 3 to innovate governance practices sensitive to emotional dynamics.
Expected Impact 5: Toolkit Development for NGOs and CSOs. PLEDGE is developing resources to help NGOs and CSOs transform anti-democratic grievance politics into pro-democratic engagement. The Conceptual Framework emphasises the Solidarity-oriented Sharing (EMSoS) mechanism, demonstrating how envy, shame, and humiliation can be redirected into collective resentment, indignation, hope, joy, and pride, fostering constructive civic engagement. The first Policy Brief outlines Democratic Listening Mechanisms Citizen platforms (digital and in-person) and ‘mini-publics’ (citizens’ assemblies) for articulating grievances and proposing solutions; Dialogue platforms at the local and national level, for consensus-building on contentious issues; Democracy cycles, spaces for structured and unstructured interactions aimed at reducing prejudice and enhancing mutual understanding between opposing groups.
Expected Impact 6 & 7: Work on Communication Strategies and Public Opinion Impact. Efforts to enhance communication strategies aligning policies with citizens’ emotional needs and to develop innovative public opinion research methodologies will be addressed in subsequent project phases.
