Category: Pre-accession / Agriculture & Rural Development
EU Managing Body: European Commission / National IPARD Agencies
Eligibility: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia eligible; Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo have more limited access
Sector Focus: Agriculture, rural development, agri-business
IPARD supports agricultural modernization, rural infrastructure, and rural business development in EU candidate countries through grants and investment support.
Typical funding type: Investment grants, rural development support
Typical funding range: Highly variable; often €10k–€1M+ depending on agricultural investment type
How to apply?
National IPARD Agencies; Ministries of Agriculture; IPARD calls
Category: SME Finance & Innovation Support
EU Managing Body: Western Balkans Enterprise Development & Innovation Facility
Eligibility: All WB countries eligible
Sector Focus: SME finance, innovation, startups
Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility (WB EDIF) supports the growth, competitiveness and innovation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Western Balkans. Rather than providing direct grants to businesses, it operates primarily through partner banks, financial institutions, investment funds and business support mechanisms, improving access to finance, loans, guarantees, equity investments and advisory services for SMEs across the region.
Typical funding type: SME financing, investment support, innovation support
Typical funding range: Highly variable; investment and SME financing instruments can reach several million euros
Category: EU Programme – Environment & Climate
EU Managing Body: European Commission (CINEA – European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency)
Eligibility: Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia participate more actively; Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo participation is more limited and often partnership-based
Sector Focus: Environment, climate action, biodiversity, sustainability
LIFE is the EU’s flagship programme for environment and climate action. It supports projects related to biodiversity protection, circular economy, clean energy transition, climate adaptation and environmental governance, contributing to the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Who can apply & participate?
NGOs, public institutions, research organisations, businesses, environmental organisations
Typical funding type: Grants, project funding, pilot and demonstration project support
Typical funding range: Highly variable; often €100k–€5M+ depending on project scope and call
How to apply?
EU Funding & Tenders Portal; LIFE Calls for Proposals; National Contact Points
Category: EU Programme – Business & Competitiveness
EU Managing Body: European Commission
Eligibility: All WB countries eligible, depending on specific instruments and calls
Sector Focus: SMEs, entrepreneurship, market access
The Single Market Programme supports businesses, consumer protection, competitiveness, and SME development. Participation may depend on specific instruments and calls.
Who can apply & participate?
SMEs, business support organisations, consumer organisations, public institutions
Typical funding type: Grants, SME support, market access support
Typical funding range: Usually €50k–€1M+ depending on instrument and consortium
Category: EU Programme – Digital & Technology
EU Managing Body: European Commission
Eligibility: Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia have stronger participation; Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo eligibility varies depending on call and association arrangements
Sector Focus: Digitalisation, AI, cybersecurity
Digital Europe supports digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced digital skills, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure projects. Some calls may require associated-country participation.
Who can apply & participate?
Public institutions, tech organisations, SMEs, research centres, digital innovation hubs
Typical funding type: Grants, digital capacity support, infrastructure funding
Typical funding range: Often €300k–€5M+ depending on digital infrastructure or innovation action
Category: Pre-accession / CSO Grants
EU Managing Body: European Commission (DG ENEST)
Eligibility: All WB countries eligible
Sector Focus: NGOs, democracy, civic engagement
IPA III Civil Society Facility supports civil society organisations through grants and regional cooperation projects. It aims to strengthen democratic participation and civic dialogue.
Who can apply & participate?
NGOs, civil society organisations, regional networks
Typical funding type: Grants, subgrants, capacity-building support
Typical funding range: Often €50k–€1M+ depending on grant scheme and regional component
How to apply?
EU Delegation calls; DG ENEST opportunities; regional IPA calls
Category: Pre-accession / Media Support
EU Managing Body: European Commission / IPA
Eligibility: All WB countries eligible
Sector Focus: Journalism, media development
IPA-funded media calls support independent journalism, media freedom, investigative reporting, and media capacity-building in the Western Balkans. Calls are published periodically.
Who can apply & participate?
Media outlets, journalists, CSOs, investigative journalism organisations
Typical funding type: Grants, subgrants, training, capacity-building support
Typical funding range: Usually €10k–€500k+ depending on regional scope and call
How to apply?
EU Delegation websites; IPA calls; regional media support calls
Category: EU Programme – Justice & Rule of Law
EU Managing Body: European Commission
Eligibility: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia participate more broadly; Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo participation is often partnership-based or call-specific
Sector Focus: Justice, legal cooperation
The Justice Programme supports judicial cooperation, rule of law initiatives, and legal training across Europe. Participation may depend on call-specific eligibility conditions.
Who can apply & participate?
Judicial institutions, legal organisations, public authorities, NGOs
Typical funding type: Grants, institutional support, training, cooperation funding
Typical funding range: Often €100k–€1M+ depending on action and partnership size
Category: EU Programme – Rights & Civil Society
EU Managing Body: European Commission
Eligibility: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia participate more broadly; Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo participation depends on specific calls and partnerships
Sector Focus: Civil society, rights, democracy
The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme supports NGOs, local authorities, and organisations working on democracy, equality, citizens’ engagement, and fundamental rights.
Who can apply & participate?
NGOs, municipalities, civil society organisations, equality and rights organisations
Typical funding type: Grants, project funding, awareness and engagement support
Typical funding range: Often €50k–€1M+ depending on call and consortium
On 9 May 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered a historic speech that became known as the Schuman Declaration, laying the foundations for a new era of peace, unity, and cooperation in Europe. This visionary plan paved the way for what is now the European Union, built on shared values, solidarity, and partnership. Europe Day is an opportunity to celebrate these achievements and to recognize the importance of protecting and strengthening the values that unite European citizens and communities.
This year’s Europe Day brought together six Young European Ambassadors from the Western Balkans, Esti Piranej, Teodora Ruzic, Mila Mihajlovic, Edina Osmanovic, Mila Mladenova, and Jana Djudjic, alongside influencers Florian Gjini, Dolores Milosev Erdeg, and Jovana Vulic in the heart of Europe, Brussels. During their two-day visit, they met with representatives from DG ENEST and EEAS to discuss EU enlargement policies, the Western Balkans Investment Framework, and the vital role of youth engagement in diplomacy and regional cooperation.
On 9 May, the group gathered at the Berlaymont building to actively participate in Europe Day discussions and activities, while also organizing an interactive quiz session that encouraged citizens to engage and learn more about the European Union and its values. Reflecting on this experience, YEAs described it as a truly inspiring and meaningful event, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in building stronger synergies across the region. Their time in Brussels showed how young people can play an important role in promoting dialogue, cooperation, and shared European values, helping create a more united and hopeful future for everyone. Because this is what #YEAsdo.
