Human Rights, Democracy and Civil Society programme for Serbia 2024-2025

The Human Rights, Democracy and Civil Society programme for Serbia 2024-2025 is an open grant opportunity with a total budget of 7.55 million EUR. This programme aims to support civil society organizations and media development specifically within Serbia, addressing critical issues related to human rights, democracy, and media freedom.

Eligible applicants include Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and media entities focused on upholding ethical standards and media pluralism. The programme encourages partnerships with public institutions but does not mandate consortium applications, allowing for single entity submissions.

The programme's focus sectors include human rights advocacy, fostering democratic participation, strengthening civil society's role in policymaking, and enhancing media independence. The grants are categorized as Action Grants aimed at funding projects that seek to build capacity and promote advocacy in these areas.

The financial assistance may vary, with grant amounts likely ranging from 50,000 to 1,000,000 EUR depending on project scope. The application process is structured as an open call, with a submission deadline set for July 15, 2025. An information session will be held prior to the deadline, indicating a two-stage application process consisting of a concept note followed by a full proposal.

While specific success rates for grant applications are not detailed, it is generally understood that EU grants are competitive, implying a success rate likely between 10 and 39%. There appears to be no requirement for co-funding, though applicants are advised to review the guidelines for further details.

The overarching goal of this programme is to foster a stronger civil society and media landscape in Serbia to support EU integration and advocate for human rights. The call is particularly timely, given existing challenges such as restrictive legal frameworks and disinformation that impact civil society's effectiveness. Prospective applicants are urged to consult the detailed guidelines provided in the associated documents to ensure compliance and maximize their chances of success.

The Human Rights, Democracy and Civil Society programme for Serbia 2024-2025 is an open call for submissions under the reference number EuropeAid/184378/DD/ACT/RS.

The programme is multi-geographical, specifically targeting Serbia.

The total budget allocated to this programme is 7,550,000 EUR.

The type of grant is Action Grants.

The call was published on 28/05/2025 and updated on the same day, 28/05/2025.

The deadline for submission is 15/07/2025.

The available documents include:

01 - Guidelines for grant applicant restricted 2024 2025 - 184378, published on 28 May 2025.

Documents to be completed, published on 28 May 2025.

Documents for information, published on 28 May 2025.

Local publication, published on 28 May 2025.

The opportunity is an action grant program focused on Human Rights, Democracy, and Civil Society in Serbia for the years 2024-2025. The European Union is providing 7,550,000 EUR in funding for projects that align with these goals. Interested applicants should review the guidelines, complete the necessary documents, and submit their proposals by the deadline of July 15, 2025. The documents provide detailed information about the application process and the specific requirements for eligible projects.

Eligible Applicant Types: The document "01 - Guidelines for grant applicant restricted 2024 2025 - 184378" suggests that there are specific eligibility criteria detailed within that document. Without access to the document, it's impossible to specify the eligible applicant types. However, given the program's focus on Human Rights, Democracy, and Civil Society, it is likely that eligible applicants include NGOs, civil society organizations, and potentially public institutions or international organizations working in these areas. The term "grant applicant restricted" suggests that not all types of organizations are eligible.

Funding Type: Action Grants.

Consortium Requirement: The information provided does not explicitly state whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. The guidelines for grant applicants would need to be consulted to determine this.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): Serbia. The program is specifically for Serbia.

Target Sector: Human Rights, Democracy, and Civil Society.

Mentioned Countries: Serbia.

Project Stage: The information provided does not explicitly state the expected maturity of the project. The guidelines for grant applicants would need to be consulted to determine this. However, given that it is an action grant, it is likely that the projects should be at least at the development or validation stage, ready for implementation.

Funding Amount: 7,550,000 EUR.

Application Type: Open Call, as indicated by "Open For Submission".

Nature of Support: Money, as it is an action grant.

Application Stages: The information provided does not explicitly state the number of application stages. The guidelines for grant applicants would need to be consulted to determine this. The presence of a "restricted" guideline document may suggest a multi-stage process.

Success Rates: The information provided does not explicitly state the success rates.

Co-funding Requirement: The information provided does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required. The guidelines for grant applicants would need to be consulted to determine this.

Summary:

This is an open call for action grants under the Human Rights, Democracy, and Civil Society programme for Serbia for the years 2024-2025. The total budget allocated for this call is 7,550,000 EUR. The deadline for submission is July 15, 2025. The call is managed by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. The detailed guidelines for grant applicants are available in a restricted document, which likely contains specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and evaluation criteria. Potential applicants should carefully review this document to determine their eligibility and prepare their applications accordingly. The program aims to support projects that promote human rights, democracy, and the development of civil society in Serbia.