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

Overview

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. 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 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.

Highlights

The Human Rights, Democracy and Civil Society programme for Serbia 2024-2025 is an open call for submissions under the reference number EuropeAid. The programme is multi-geographical, specifically targeting Serbia. The total budget allocated to this programme is €7,550,000. 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 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.

Find a Consultant to Support You

Breakdown

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.

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. 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.

Short Summary

Impact

The programme aims to strengthen civil society and media sectors in Serbia, enhancing their role in democratic processes, EU integration, and human rights advocacy.

Applicant

Applicants should possess skills in project management, advocacy, policy-making, and capacity-building, particularly in the fields of human rights and media.

Developments

Funding will support projects focused on human rights, democracy, civil society development, and media freedom.

Applicant Type

This funding is designed for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), NGOs, and media actors operating in Serbia.

Consortium

Single applicants are primarily targeted, although partnerships with public institutions or other CSOs are encouraged but not mandatory.

Funding Amount

The total budget for the programme is €7,550,000, with individual grants likely ranging from €50,000 to €1,000,000 depending on project scope.

Countries

Serbia is explicitly relevant for this funding as the programme is specifically designed for this country.

Industry

The funding targets the sectors of human rights, democracy, civil society development, and media freedom.

Update Log

No updates recorded yet.

Discover with AI

Let our intelligent agent help you find the perfect funding opportunities tailored to your needs.

Try AI Agent →

EU Grant Database

Explore European funding opportunities in our comprehensive, up-to-date collection.

Browse Database →

Stay Informed

Get notified when grants change, deadlines approach, or new opportunities match your interests.

Configure Notifications →

Track Your Favorites

Follow grants you're interested in and keep them organized in one place. Get updates on changes and deadlines.

Use the Follow button above ↑

EU National Resource Center for Civil Society Organizations in Serbia

Grant TopicOpen

This call finances the establishment and operation of an EU National Resource Centre to strengthen civil society organisations in Serbia and support their participation in policy‑making and the EU integration process. The total indicativ...

October 5th, 2026

North Macedonia: Human Rights and Democracy Thematic Programme 2025-2026

Grant TopicOpen

The Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia has opened a call for proposals under the Human Rights and Democracy Thematic Programme 2025-2026 with an overall indicative budget of EUR 921,000 and grants of EUR 120,000 to EUR 2...

August 31st, 2026

CONVOCATORIA TEMÁTICA PARA LAS ORGANIZACIONES DE LA SOCIEDAD CIVIL Y LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS EN ECUADOR

Grant TopicOpen

European Commission call EuropeAid/186358/DD/ACT/Multi funds civil society and human rights actions in Ecuador with an indicative total budget of EUR 5,159,000 split into two lots (Lote 1 Rights: EUR 400,000–800,000 per action; Lote 2 So...

September 1st, 2026

Call for proposal - open - Human Rights & Democracy programme country allocation Mongolia 2025

Grant TopicOpen

The European Commission Call EuropeAid/187193/DD/ACT/MN funds actions under the Human Rights & Democracy programme in Mongolia with an indicative total budget of EUR 240,000 and eligible grant requests between EUR 200,000 and EUR 240,000...

September 30th, 2026

INDIA - Civil society contribution to policy dialogue, climate action and sustainable value chains

Grant TopicOpen

EU restricted call for proposals titled "INDIA - Civil society contribution to policy dialogue, climate action and sustainable value chains" funds CSO-led projects in India (Lot 1 nationwide; Lot 2 North East Region) to strengthen policy...

September 15th, 2026

Partnering for impact in pursuit of the green and just energy transition

Grant TopicOpen

The European Commission open call EuropeAid/186091/DD/ACT/ZA funds civil society organisations, labour unions, communities and local authorities to support a just, inclusive green energy transition in South Africa, prioritising Mpumalang...

August 27th, 2026

Strengthening the role of women’s rights organisations in the implementation of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe

Grant TopicOpen

Grant to strengthen the role of women’s rights organisations in implementing gender equality and women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe, reference EuropeAid/186052/DD/ACT/ZW, total indicative budget EUR 1,000,000 with per-project grants of EUR...

September 15th, 2026

MK 24 IPA JH 01 26 “Enhancing Performance of Police, Law Enforcement, and Cybersecurity”

Grant TopicOpen

Twinning grant MK 24 IPA JH 01 26 under IPA III offers an EU contribution of EUR 4,000,000 to strengthen North Macedonia's security architecture through enhanced law enforcement capacities and national cybersecurity resilience. Eligible...

September 10th, 2026

Institutional Assistance to the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine on legal and organisational issues for rail transport reform in Ukraine

Grant TopicOpen

EU-funded Twinning call EuropeAid/186770/DD/ACT/UA seeks a Member State public administration or mandated body to provide institutional assistance to the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine on legal and org...

September 25th, 2026

Rule of Law (ROLAW III)

Grant TopicOpen

ROLAW III is an EU grant to strengthen the rule of law in the Republic of North Macedonia by improving judicial independence, efficiency and effectiveness and enhancing capacity to fight high-level corruption and organised crime. The cal...

September 21st, 2026

Strengthening the National Bank of Moldova’s capacities to align with EU standards in central banking and support Moldova’s EU integration

Grant TopicOpen

Twinning call to strengthen the National Bank of Moldova's institutional, operational and supervisory capacities to align with EU central banking and supervisory standards. Maximum EU budget EUR 1,500,000, overall execution period 27 mon...

October 28th, 2026

Promotion de la culture d'égalité au Maroc

Grant TopicOpen

This restricted two-stage call for proposals (Reference EuropeAid/186002/DD/ACT/MA) by the EU Delegation to Morocco funds actions to promote gender equality and women’s economic and social empowerment with an indicative budget of EUR 3,5...

September 8th, 2026