The ENCODE project consortium held its 4th General Assembly Meeting in Brussels on 26–27 December, hosted by the European Center for Populism Studies (ECPS). The meeting brought together all project partners for two days of in-depth discussion, coordination, and strategic planning, marking an important milestone in the project’s implementation.

During the General Assembly, partners presented updates on the progress of their respective Work Packages, highlighting recent achievements, ongoing research activities, and forthcoming deliverables. These presentations provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s development and ensured alignment across the consortium regarding objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes.

A dedicated session was held to discuss project risks and mitigation strategies, enabling partners to assess potential challenges and identify proactive solutions collectively. This exchange facilitated effective project management and reinforced the consortium’s commitment to maintaining high scientific standards, ensuring timely delivery, and compliance with Horizon Europe requirements.

In addition to progress reporting, all partners organised thematic workshops related to their specific roles within the ENCODE project. These sessions facilitated deeper methodological and conceptual discussions, encouraged knowledge exchange, and fostered cross-work-package synergies. The workshops contributed to refining research approaches and strengthening the coherence of the project’s interdisciplinary framework.

The 4th General Assembly Meeting reaffirmed the consortium’s shared commitment to advancing ENCODE’s research on the role of emotions in political engagement and democratic resilience. Hosted by ECPS in Brussels, the meeting played a crucial role in sustaining project momentum, reinforcing collaboration, and ensuring a coordinated approach as ENCODE moves forward.