The European Union has launched a Call for Proposals under the new programme worth €18 million for strengthening participatory democracies and the EU integration process in the Western Balkans and Turkey. The call under the new EU Civil Society Facility and Media Programme for the Western Balkans and Turkey for 2021-2023 aims at enhancing regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations and reconciliation.

Under this call for proposals, a number of long-term grants will be awarded to create and support regional thematic networks of civil society organisations (CSOs) aiming to improve coalition- and capacity-building for increased impact by CSOs on relevant sector reforms. The call also sets out a vision for sub-granting to grassroots organisations across the region through the networks. The call covers the following areas:

-Good governance, rule of law and anti-corruption

-Human rights, anti-discrimination and intercultural dialogue

-Green and digital transition

-Media freedom and freedom of expression, including countering disinformation and misinformation

-Small-scale projects in support of good neighbourly relations between Serbia and Kosovo

-Quality journalism

The priorities of the call are aligned with the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans which aims to spur the recovery of the region through supporting socio-economic development and implementation of reforms required to move forward on the EU path, and bringing the Western Balkans closer to the EU Single Market. It provides the region with assistance through investments and initiatives in the fields of transport, energy, digital transition, the green agenda, support to the private sector, economic integration, innovation and support to human capital development.