Support to Media Organisations in Kosovo

The European Commission (IPA III) is offering a restricted call for proposals titled Support to Media Organisations in Kosovo with a total indicative budget of €1,500,000 divided into two lots: Lot 1 for public interest and investigative journalism (indicative €600,000, grants €150,000–200,000) and Lot 2 for linguistic diversity in media requiring management of financial support to third parties (indicative €900,000, grants €850,000–900,000). Actions must take place in Kosovo, run 36–48 months, and the lead applicant must be a Kosovo-registered non-profit NGO established for at least three years, with Lot 2 leads demonstrating prior sub-granting experience. Concept notes must be submitted online via the PROSPECT portal by 18 May 2026 at 12:00 Brussels time and PADOR/Participant Register registration is mandatory. Grants are co-financed (EU share 60–95% of eligible costs), awarded as reimbursement of eligible costs, allow indirect costs up to 7%, and include standard EU contractual, visibility and safeguarding requirements.

What it funds

Programme purpose

Action grants to strengthen media freedom, pluralism and professional journalism in Kosovo through two distinct lots: investigative/public interest journalism and support for linguistic diversity in media. Projects should deliver measurable outputs and may include capacity building, content production, and, for Lot 2, a financial support to third parties scheme.

Funding and deadline:Total indicative budget €1,500,000. Deadline for concept notes: 18 May 2026 at 12:00 Brussels time. Full applications by invitation only. Apply via PROSPECT/Participant Register Funding & Tenders Portal ¹

Who can apply

1. 1Lead applicant: non-profit non-governmental organisations established and headquartered in Kosovo with at least 3 years registration and thematic relevance to media.
2. 2Co-applicants and affiliated entities: eligible if meeting same criteria and documented structural link; co-applicants sign mandates; affiliated entities sign statements.
3. 3Lot 2 requires a lead applicant experienced in managing financial support to third parties (sub-granting) in the last 3 years.

Grant size, co-financing, and duration

Key eligibility and implementation highlights

Applications are a two-stage restricted call:submit a concept note; only pre-selected leads will be invited to full applications. PROSPECT online submission and PADOR/Participant Register registration are mandatory. Lot 2 actions must include a sub-granting/FSTP mechanism with minimum 70% of eligible costs allocated to third parties and restrictions on third-party size and selection. Financial and operational capacity, experience, and detailed logframe and budget are required for the full application.

Application practicals

1. 1Register in Participant Register (PIC) and PADOR before applying; submit concept notes via PROSPECT.
2. 2Information session: 20 April 2026 (Webex) — registration contact: delegation-kosovo-fincon@eeas.europa.eu.
3. 3Concept note assessed against relevance and design (pass score required) before invitation to full application.

Selection uses a standard EU evaluation grid; successful applicants must supply statutory documents, declaration on honour, and for larger grants independent verification or third-party assessment as required in the guidelines.

Footnotes

1. 1Call and full guidelines, application forms and annexes available on the Funding & Tenders portal: Support to Media Organisations in Kosovo.

Basic call information

Title:Support to Media Organisations in Kosovo. Reference: EuropeAid. Contracting authority: European Commission (Civil Society Facility and Media Programme in Kosovo 2024-2025). Programme / Instrument: Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III). Geographical zone: Kosovo (UN resolution). Publication date: 02 April 2026. Deadline for concept notes (mandatory, online via PROSPECT): 18 May 2026, 12:00 Brussels time (concept note). Deadline shown for full application stage will be communicated to pre-selected applicants. Application submission: Mandatory online via PROSPECT; PADOR registration required for organisations. Language of application: English. PROSPECT user information session: 20 April 2026 (Webex).

Total budget and lot structure:Total indicative amount available under this call: €1,500,000. The call is divided into two lots: Lot 1 Public Interest Journalism & Investigative Reporting (indicative allocation €600,000). Lot 2 Linguistic Diversity in Media (indicative allocation €900,000) ¹.

Scope, objectives and priorities

Overall objective:Foster an enabling environment for media freedom and pluralism in Kosovo. The call contributes to the IPA III Civil Society Facility and Media Programme 2024-2025 objectives to strengthen participatory democracy, social inclusion and EU integration through enhanced civil society and media contribution at local and central levels.

1. 1Lot 1: Public Interest Journalism & Investigative Reporting. Specific objective: Strengthen public interest journalism and investigative reporting that holds power to account and informs the public. Priorities include: ensuring accessible, reliable information for diverse audiences; promoting transparency and accountability (especially public institutions); strengthening coverage of rule of law and EU-related reforms; increasing representation of women, youth and underrepresented groups in reporting; developing innovative approaches to deliver reliable information. EU contribution per project: minimum €150,000; maximum €200,000. Co-financing requirement: requested grant must represent between 60% and 95% of total eligible costs. Financial support to third parties: NOT allowed. Indicative lot envelope: €600,000. Duration: minimum 36 months, maximum 48 months.
2. 2Lot 2: Linguistic Diversity in Media. Specific objective: Support non-majority media organisations that sustain linguistic diversity in Kosovo; the successful applicant will manage Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP). Priorities include: fostering inclusive multilingual storytelling; broader access to information across language communities; increasing representation of women, youth and underrepresented groups; supporting media production, digital platforms and translation initiatives; encouraging innovative approaches (radio, TV, podcasts, blogs, vlogs, animations). EU contribution per project: minimum €850,000; maximum €900,000. Co-financing requirement: requested grant must represent between 60% and 95% of total eligible costs. Financial support to third parties: mandatory. Indicative lot envelope: €900,000. Duration: minimum 36 months, maximum 48 months.

Eligible applicants and partner rules

Lead applicant eligibility:legal person, non-profit, non-governmental organisation established under Kosovo national law with head office in Kosovo, registered at least three years prior to the call launch, and directly responsible for preparation, management and implementation of the action. For Lot 2 the lead applicant must have managed at least one contract in the last three years that included a sub-granting scheme similar to EU Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP).

1. 1Co-applicants (optional): must satisfy the same eligibility rules as lead applicant; co-applicants participate in design and implementation and sign mandates.
2. 2Affiliated entities: allowed where a structural link exists (control or membership). Affiliated entities do not sign the grant contract but may incur eligible costs and must sign an affiliated entity statement; they must satisfy the same eligibility criteria as applicants.
3. 3Associates: may participate and are listed in the application; they do not receive grant funding except for per diems/travel.
4. 4Contractors and subcontractors: allowed under procurement rules (Annex IV) but cannot be beneficiaries, affiliated entities or recipients of financial support simultaneously.
5. 5Recipients of financial support (third parties): Allowed only where the lot and call conditions permit (Lot 2 mandatory FSTP; Lot 1 disallows FSTP).

Geographic and thematic eligibility

Location:Actions must take place in Kosovo. Thematic focus: media sector — specifically public interest journalism, investigative reporting, and linguistic diversity in media (support to non-majority language media). Projects must address priorities in section 1.2 of the guidelines and align with media freedom, pluralism, media literacy, and EU-related reforms.

Mentioned countries:Kosovo (UN resolution).

Financial modalities and amounts

Funding type:Action grants. Form of EU contribution: reimbursement of eligible costs and/or financing not linked to costs (FNLC) where applicable; for this call standard forms are used depending on the lot and proposal (cost-based and FNLC rules described in the guidelines and Annex B budget templates). The contracting authority reserves the right not to award all funds.

1. 1Lot-level award ceilings and floors: Lot 1 per project: €150,000–200,000. Lot 2 per project: €850,000–900,000.
2. 2Call-level funding envelope: €1,500,000 (LOT1 €600,000; LOT2 €900,000).
3. 3Co-financing: Minimum 60% of total eligible costs must be covered by the EU grant requested (i.e., EU share between 60% and 95% of total eligible costs); balance must be from other sources (applicant, donors, partners).
4. 4Financial support to third parties (FSTP) in Lot 2: Mandatory. Minimum share: at least 70% of total eligible costs of the action should be allocated to FSTP. Maximum amount per third party normally €60,000; exceptions possible where justified and needed to achieve objectives. FSTP recipients eligibility, selection rules and required conditions are specified in the Guidelines (support to non-profit media with 3-year registration, and for for-profit media with licensing and budget thresholds).
5. 5Indirect costs: Flat-rate up to 7% of eligible direct costs (headings 1–6 excluding project office) where cost-based financing applies.
6. 6Contingency reserve: Up to 5% of direct eligible costs (with prior written authorisation required for use).
7. 7EU financing rules on VAT/taxes: Tax treatment is specified in Annex J; applicants must check national regimes and may be required to demonstrate inability to recover taxes for VAT to be eligible in certain situations.

Project size, duration and eligible activities

Duration:Minimum 36 months, maximum 48 months. Eligible activities: for Lot 1 — investigations, in-depth reporting, accountability journalism, capacity-building of journalists, innovative distribution methods, media literacy components targeting diverse audiences. For Lot 2 — management of FSTP, grant competitions to non-majority language media, capacity building, production support (radio/TV/podcasts/digital), translation services, multilingual content development, inclusion and outreach. Ineligible activities include retrospective financing, core funding (where prohibited), infrastructure or microfinance, political/partisan activities, individual scholarships, and actions contrary to human rights or environmental protection rules as described in the Guidelines.

Application process, stages and templates

This is a restricted two-step call:1) Mandatory concept note (Annex A.1) submission via PROSPECT; 2) Invitation to selected lead applicants to submit full application (Annex A.2) with Annex B budget templates (worksheets 1a/€1B/1c for cost-based and FNLC components), Annex C Logical Framework (Logframe), Annex F PADOR form if needed, Annex H Declaration on honour, Annex L SEA-H self-evaluation, and other supporting documents. Applicants must register in PADOR and in the EU Participant Register (PIC).

1. 1Concept note stage: applicants submit the concept note form (2 pages description + 3 pages relevance) and summary table. Concept notes are evaluated (score out of 50) using an evaluation grid; minimum threshold for pre-selection is 30 points. The contracting authority will invite a shortlist of concept notes representing at least 200% of available funds for the lot for full application stage.
2. 2Full application stage: invited applicants submit full application form (up to 18 pages description and additional sections), detailed budget (Annex B), logical framework (Annex C), mandates from co-applicants, affiliated entity statements, PADOR registration or offline PADOR form if technical constraints; supporting documents (statutes, latest accounts, external audit report if applicable, declaration on honour) must be uploaded to PADOR. Full applications are scored out of 100 against selection and award criteria with thresholds as specified in the Guidelines.
3. 3Evaluation stages: Step 1 administrative checks and concept note evaluation; Step 2 evaluation of the full application (selection and award criteria); Step 3 verification of eligibility of applicants and affiliated entities and supporting documents. Reserve list will be created for proposals ranked below available budget.
4. 4Recommended templates: Concept note (Annex A.1), Full application (Annex A.2), Budget worksheets (Annex B worksheets 1a/€1B/1c; justification sheet 2; expected sources of funding sheet 3), Logical Framework (Annex C template and guidance), Annex VII-A (AUP expenditure verification ToR) and Annex VII-B (Third party assessment ToR) are provided. Applicants must use the prescribed templates and follow the instructions in the Guidelines for Grant Applicants.

Application format and submission:All applications (concept notes and full applications for invited applicants) must be submitted online via PROSPECT. PADOR registration (online) is mandatory; if impossible for technical or security reasons, applicants must submit the offline PADOR form (Annex F) together with the full application. The PROSPECT helpdesk and user manuals are available; an information session will be held and IT support provided via ec-external-relations-application-support@ec.europa.eu.

Evaluation, selection criteria and thresholds

Concept notes are evaluated against relevance and design criteria (max 50 points). Full applications are evaluated on selection criteria (financial and operational capacity) and award criteria (relevance, design, implementation approach, sustainability, budget/cost-effectiveness) with a total score out of 100. Minimum score and subthreshold rules apply: concept notes require at least 30/50 to proceed. For full applications, Section 1 (financial and operational capacity) must score at least 12/20 and no subsection of Section 1 may score 1, otherwise the application is rejected. Detailed evaluation grids and scoring rubrics are included in the Guidelines (section 2.3).

Selection and award criteria highlights

1. 1Section 1 (Financial and operational capacity): experience in project management, technical expertise, management capacity and financial stability.
2. 2Section 2 (Relevance): alignment with call priorities, relevance to needs, clear target groups and final beneficiaries, added-value/innovation.
3. 3Section 3 (Design): robust context analysis, coherent intervention logic, sound logical framework (RACER indicators), linked activities and outputs.
4. 4Section 4 (Implementation approach): realistic and feasible action plan, monitoring & evaluation arrangements, project management structures and roles.
5. 5Section 5 (Sustainability): long-term benefits, multiplier effects, risk analysis and mitigation, financial/institutional/policy/environmental sustainability.
6. 6Section 6 (Budget and cost-effectiveness): budget coherence with activities, efficiency of cost-results relationship.

Due diligence, audits and compliance

If provisioned by contract size and instrument the contracting authority requires contractual expenditure verification (Agreed-Upon Procedures, Annex VII-A) and/or third-party assessment for FNLC components (Annex VII-B). For grants above thresholds the coordinator must provide: for grants >= €5,000,000 contractual expenditure verification with interim reports; for final reports > €100,000 contractual expenditure verification; for FNLC components the third-party assessment is required for certain thresholds. The contracting authority and the European Commission reserve rights to audit, monitor, request documents, perform checks and request access to records (Annex II). Beneficiaries must keep records and supporting documents for control purposes for the period specified in Annex II.

Compliance, ethics and safeguarding

Applicants and beneficiaries must comply with EU values (human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, human rights), international labour standards and environmental legislation. A zero-tolerance policy applies to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEA-H). Successful applicants (except natural persons, pillar-assessed entities and public bodies) must complete a self-evaluation questionnaire on SEA-H (Annex L). Declaration on honour regarding exclusion criteria (Annex H) must be signed by lead applicant and co-applicants where applicable. Anti-corruption, anti-bribery and unusual commercial expenses provisions apply; violations can lead to contract termination, exclusion and financial penalties.

Key risks, limitations and mandatory obligations

Mandatory online submission via PROSPECT and PADOR registration; concept note stage is binding for subsequent full application (limited permitted changes listed in the Guidelines). Applicants must ensure realistic budgets, complete annexes, timely provision of supporting documents during eligibility checks, and compliance with visibility rules. Lot 2 requires FSTP management capacity; Lot 1 prohibits FSTP. VAT and tax eligibility depend on national regimes and Annex J; applicants must verify recoverability and may need to supply supporting evidence. The contracting authority reserves the right to cancel the call or reallocate funds between lots if needed.

Categorisation and extracted structured information

1. 1Eligible Applicant Types: Non-profit non-governmental organisations (lead applicant must be NGO established and headquartered in Kosovo). Co-applicants and affiliated entities can be NGOs or other eligible legal persons. Associates, subcontractors and recipients of financial support (third parties) as defined; Lot 2 targets non-profit media organisations and small for-profit media as FSTP recipients. Public bodies, international organisations may participate subject to specific derogations and pillar-assessment rules.
2. 2Funding Type: Action grants (EU grant). Forms: reimbursement of eligible costs and where authorised financing not linked to costs (FNLC) and simplified cost options may apply as per Annexes.
3. 3Consortium Requirement: Not mandatory but allowed. The lead applicant may act individually or with co-applicants and affiliated entities. Consortium (multiple beneficiaries) is permitted; consortium agreements not to replace affiliation rules.
4. 4Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): Kosovo (UN resolution). Applicants must be established and head office located in Kosovo to be considered eligible local organisations.
5. 5Target Sector: Media (journalism, investigative reporting, media pluralism), civil society support, media literacy, multilingual media production; cross-cutting: gender equality, inclusion of youth, minorities, and people with disabilities.
6. 6Mentioned Countries: Kosovo (explicit).
7. 7Project Stage: Expected maturity: implementation-stage projects (proposals should include design, methodology, action plan, logframe, monitoring and evaluation). Applicants must show recent experience (past 3 years) in similar actions; Lot 2 lead applicant must have prior sub-granting/FSTP management experience.
8. 8Funding Amount: Lot 1 project awards €150,000–200,000; Lot 2 project awards €850,000–900,000. Call envelope €1,500,000 (Lot €1 600,000; Lot €2 900,000). Co-financing: grant must be 60%–95% of total eligible costs. Indirect costs up to 7% allowed where cost-based.
9. 9Application Type: Restricted call with two stages — mandatory concept note (open call phase) followed by invitation-only submission of full application for pre-selected applicants. Submission is via PROSPECT (online).
10. 10Nature of Support: Money (grant funding) and non-monetary requirements (obligations to deliver actions, reporting, monitoring, capacity-building support as part of action). Lot 2 includes financial support to third parties (sub-grants) that the beneficiary will manage.
11. 11Application Stages: 2 stages: (1) concept note; (2) full application (invited applicants only). Additionally, eligibility checks and possible negotiation/clarification steps pre-contract signature.
12. 12Success Rates: Not provided explicitly. The Guidelines explain that pre-selection will shortlist concept notes representing at least 200% of available budget and only those scoring above thresholds will be invited — indicative competitiveness is medium/high depending on submissions. No numerical success rate is given in documentation.
13. 13Co-funding Requirement: Yes. The grant requested must represent between 60% and 95% of total eligible action costs; balance must come from other sources distinct from EU general budget or EDF. Volunteers’ work may be used as in-kind contribution up to 50% of total sources of financing and require unit cost justification.
14. 14Templates: Required templates provided include: Annex A.1 Concept Note; Annex A.2 Full Application form (with sections for 18-page description, methodology, action plan, sustainability, logical framework); Annex B Budget worksheets (1a cost-based, €1Bcost-based + FNLC, 1c FNLC-only, worksheet 2 budget justification, worksheet 3 expected sources of funding); Annex C Logical Framework Matrix template and guidance; Annex F PADOR offline registration form; Annex G Standard Grant Contract and Special Conditions; Annex H Declaration of Honour on exclusion and selection criteria; Annex J tax information; Annex L SEA-H self-evaluation questionnaire; Annex VII-A Terms of Reference for Agreed-Upon Procedures (expenditure verification); Annex VII-B Terms of Reference for Third Party Assessment (FNLC validation). The budget template requires detailed line-items, justification of unit costs and, when FNLC is used, clear linkage between indicators in the Logframe and payment-linked results in the budget. The Logframe and Activities Matrix templates must be completed and will form part of Annex I Description of the Action.

Application practicalities and timeline

Mandatory online submission via PROSPECT. PADOR (Potential Applicant Data On-line Registration) registration is required for organisations; Participant Register/PIC registration is also mandatory. The PROSPECT portal is open Monday–Friday with IT support; deadlines and times are Brussels time. Concept note deadline: 18 May 2026 at 12:00 Brussels time. Information session: 20 April 2026 at 14:00 (Webex). Indicative timetable in the Guidelines: concept note evaluation results and invitations to full application July 2026; full application deadline September/October 2026; notification and contract signature expected November–December 2026 (indicative).

How to prepare a competitive application (key points)

1. 1Ensure eligibility: lead applicant must be a Kosovo-based NGO established under Kosovo law with HQ in Kosovo and at least three years established; Lot 2 lead applicant must show prior FSTP/sub-granting experience within last 3 years.
2. 2Use provided templates exactly (Annex A.1/A.2, Annex B, Annex C). Concepts will be judged on relevance and design — make the concept note self-contained, focused and aligned with lot priorities.
3. 3Develop a robust intervention logic and complete Logical Framework (Annex C) with RACER indicators and clear data sources. If using FNLC, mark FNLC indicators in the Logframe and align them to the FNLC section in the budget (Annex B worksheets).
4. 4For Lot 2 include a detailed, credible FSTP design: selection criteria, types of eligible third parties, maximum and typical grant sizes, number and timing of calls, management capacity and minimum allocations (70% of eligible costs to FSTP).
5. 5Budget coherently: use the Budget worksheets and justification sheet; ensure the requested EU contribution lies within the allowed amount/percentage for the lot; include required co-financing sources and evidence where requested.
6. 6Address cross-cutting issues: gender mainstreaming, inclusion of youth and minorities, environmental considerations, and SEA-H prevention and response measures (Annex L).
7. 7Prepare supporting documents and PADOR registration early; full application invites will require statutes, latest accounts, audit reports where applicable, self-declaration on exclusion criteria (Annex H) and SEA-H self-evaluation (Annex L) for grants exceeding €60,000 in many cases.

Evaluation and post-selection steps

After concept note pre-selection, invited applicants submit full applications and budgets. Full applications are evaluated against the full evaluation grid and shortlisted for provisional selection. Provisional selection is followed by eligibility verification using the supporting documents (statutes, accounts, declaration on honour, PADOR records). The contracting authority then issues the award décision, negotiates minor clarifications, and signs the standard grant contract or a contribution agreement for pillar-assessed entities. Pre-financing payment may be subject to a financial guarantee (Annex VIII) where required. The contracting authority performs monitoring, expenditure verifications (AUP), and third-party assessments for FNLC results as specified in the contract (Annex VII-A and VII-B).

Risk matrix (principal risks identified in call)

1. 1Non-compliance with eligibility requirements (e.g., lead applicant not domiciled in Kosovo or not meeting 3-year registration rule).
2. 2Inadequate management capacity to manage FSTP in Lot 2: ensure documented prior experience and systems for sub-grant management.
3. 3Incomplete or inconsistent financial documentation and unrealistic budgets leading to ineligibility or reduction.
4. 4Failure to register in PADOR and Participant Register on time, preventing submission or delaying checks.
5. 5Inadequate safeguards for SEA-H, data protection or visibility obligations might trigger contract penalties or suspension.
6. 6Tax and VAT recoverability issues not evidenced (Annex J): beneficiaries must demonstrate inability to recover VAT where they claim it as eligible cost.

Conclusion: What is this opportunity about?

This EU restricted call for proposals finances actions to strengthen media freedom and pluralism in Kosovo through two focused lots: one to support high-quality public interest and investigative journalism (Lot 1), and another to preserve and expand linguistic diversity across Kosovo media through a financial support to third parties mechanism managed by an experienced lead organisation (Lot 2). The call provides a combined envelope of €1.5 million and targets Kosovo-based non-profit NGOs as lead applicants. Concept notes are required first and shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. The instrument uses standard EU grant modalities with detailed requirements on budgeting, logframe and monitoring; Lot 2 requires management of sub-grants and prioritises inclusion of non-majority language media. Applicants must register in PADOR and apply through PROSPECT, follow the templates (Annex A–L, Annexes for AUP and TPA where applicable), respect EU values and compliance rules, and be ready for contractual reporting, audits and possible third-party verification of FNLC-linked results.

Footnotes

1. 1Full call documentation, application forms, guidelines, budget and logframe templates, and annexes are published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. See the call reference EuropeAid and Annexes (A–L, G, J, VII-A, VII-B) for the exhaustive legal and operational provisions.

This grant opportunity under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) aims to foster an enabling environment for media freedom and pluralism in Kosovo. With a total budget of €1,500,000, it is divided into two lots targeting public interest journalism and linguistic diversity in media. The call is open for submissions via the PROSPECT portal until 18 May 2026 at 12:00 Brussels time.

Key Dates and Budget

Publication Date:2 April 2026.

Deadline for Concept Notes:18 May 2026 at 12:00 Brussels time. Online submission via PROSPECT is mandatory.

Total Budget:€1,500,000.

Lot 1 Budget (Public Interest Journalism & Investigative Reporting):€600,000 (indicative).

Lot 2 Budget (Linguistic Diversity in Media):€900,000 (indicative).

Objectives and Priorities

Global objective:Foster an enabling environment for media freedom and pluralism. The programme addresses challenges such as lack of transparency in media ownership and financing, financial sustainability issues, and vulnerability to political influence, particularly for non-majority media.

Lot 1: Public Interest Journalism & Investigative Reporting

Specific objective:Strengthen public interest journalism and investigative reporting that holds power to account and informs the public. Priorities include accessible information for diverse audiences, transparency on public institutions, coverage of rule of law and EU reforms, representation of women/youth/underrepresented groups, and innovative approaches.

Lot 2: Linguistic Diversity in Media

Specific objective:Support non-majority media organisations sustaining linguistic diversity. Proposals must manage financial support to third parties (FSTP) for content in underrepresented languages. Priorities: multilingual storytelling, access to information across communities, representation of women/youth/underrepresented groups, media production/translation, innovative formats (radio/TV/podcasts).

Eligibility Criteria

• Lead applicant: Legal person, non-profit, non-governmental organisation registered in Kosovo for at least 3 years, statutes aligned with priorities, directly responsible for implementation.
• For Lot 2: Lead applicant must have managed at least 1 sub-granting scheme in last 3 years.
• Co-applicants: Must meet same criteria as lead applicant.
• Affiliated entities: Structural link (control/membership) with applicants.
• Actions: In Kosovo, duration 36-48 months, address objectives/priorities.
• Financial support to third parties: Not allowed in Lot 1; mandatory in Lot 2 (min 70% of costs, max €60,000 per recipient unless justified, min 2 calls, recipients: small non-profit/for-profit media).

Funding Conditions

Grants are awarded as reimbursement of eligible costs (actual costs or simplified options). Indirect costs up to 7% of direct eligible costs (excluding project office). Contingency reserve up to 5%.

Application Procedure

1. 1Restricted procedure: Submit Concept Note (Annex A.1) by deadline.
2. 2Pre-selected applicants invited to submit Full Application (Annex A.2).
3. 3Mandatory PADOR registration and PROSPECT submission.
4. 4Evaluation: Concept notes scored on relevance/design (min 30/50); full applications on capacity/relevance/design/etc. (100 points).
5. 5Supporting documents: Statutes, accounts, declarations.

Information session:20 April 2026 at 14:00 via Webex (register by 16 April 2026 to delegation-kosovo-fincon@eeas.europa.eu).

Key Documents and Submission

Apply via PROSPECT:EU Funding Portal. Documents include Guidelines, Application Forms (Concept/Full), Budget/Logframe templates, Standard Contract.

Additional Requirements

• Visibility: EU emblem and funding statement required.
• Ethics: Zero tolerance for SEA-H; self-evaluation questionnaire (Annex L).
• No core funding; actions must be self-contained.
• Gender mainstreaming and cross-cutting issues required.

Applicants should review full Guidelines for detailed eligibility, evaluation grids, and templates. Funds may be reallocated between lots if insufficient quality proposals. ¹

Footnotes

1. 1Primary source: EU Funding & Tenders Portal guidelines and documents dated 2 April 2026.