Opportunities for citizens, organisations and businesses

The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme supports NGOs, local authorities, and organisations working on democracy, equality, citizens’ engagement, and fundamental rights.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism strengthens cooperation in disaster preparedness, prevention and emergency response. It supports coordinated assistance during natural and man-made disasters.

COST Actions support international research networking and collaboration among scientists, researchers, and innovators. They fund networking activities rather than direct research costs.

Creative Europe supports cultural cooperation, artistic mobility, and projects in the cultural and creative sectors. It funds partnerships, networks, and cross-border initiatives.

The MEDIA strand supports the European audiovisual and film industry through funding for development, distribution, training, and audience engagement. Eligibility may vary by country and call.

The Customs Programme supports cooperation between customs authorities to improve border management, trade facilitation and customs procedures.

Digital Europe supports digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced digital skills, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure projects. Some calls may require associated-country participation.

DiscoverEU enables young people to travel across Europe and experience different cultures, mainly through travel passes. Eligibility may depend on specific Erasmus+ participation frameworks.

EEN helps SMEs innovate, internationalise and access new markets through advisory services and business partnerships. It connects companies with support organisations across Europe and beyond.

Erasmus+ supports student exchanges, university cooperation, youth projects, vocational education, and mobility opportunities. Organisations, schools, universities, and young people from the Western Balkans can participate in various programme actions.

The EU Guarantee Mechanism supports investments by reducing financial risk for implementing partners and investors. It helps mobilise public and private financing for development priorities.

IPA-funded media calls support independent journalism, media freedom, investigative reporting, and media capacity-building in the Western Balkans. Calls are published periodically.

EU4Health supports public health systems, healthcare resilience and preparedness for health crises. The programme funds health-related projects, cooperation and capacity-building actions.

EU4Media supports independent journalism, media literacy, professional development, and media resilience in the region. Activities often include grants, training, and regional cooperation.

EU4Nature promotes biodiversity protection, sustainable natural resource management and environmental awareness. It supports regional cooperation and environmental initiatives in the Western Balkans.

Eurostars supports innovative SMEs and international R&D cooperation projects. Eligibility and funding availability depend on national participation and mechanisms in each WB country.

EURO MED supports cooperation projects across the Mediterranean region focusing on sustainability, innovation and territorial development. The programme encourages regional partnerships and policy coordination.

The EIB provides financing for infrastructure, climate, innovation and development projects. It supports economic growth and investment in the Western Balkans and beyond.

EIF supports SMEs and entrepreneurs through financial instruments, guarantees and investment support. It focuses on innovation, competitiveness and access to finance.

ESC offers young people opportunities to volunteer, work on solidarity projects, and participate in community initiatives across Europe. It supports youth engagement and social inclusion.

The Green Agenda supports the green transition of the Western Balkans through initiatives on climate action, clean energy, circular economy and environmental protection.

The Growth Plan aims to accelerate economic growth, reforms and EU integration in the Western Balkans. It combines financial support with policy reforms and regional economic integration measures.

Horizon Europe is the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme supporting collaborative projects, scientific research, startups, and innovation ecosystems. WB institutions can participate through international consortia.

IBRD, part of the World Bank Group, provides financing and expertise for economic development and poverty reduction projects. It supports reforms and infrastructure investments worldwide.

INTERREG and CBC programmes promote territorial cooperation and regional development through cross-border and transnational partnerships. They support local and regional collaboration initiatives.

Interreg IPA ADRION supports regional cooperation projects in the Adriatic-Ionian area. It focuses on innovation, sustainability, connectivity and territorial development.

Interreg South Adriatic supports cross-border cooperation between participating regions in the Adriatic area. The programme promotes sustainable development and regional partnerships.

IPA III Civil Society Facility supports civil society organisations through grants and regional cooperation projects. It aims to strengthen democratic participation and civic dialogue.

IPARD supports agricultural modernization, rural infrastructure, and rural business development in EU candidate countries through grants and investment support.

The Justice Programme supports judicial cooperation, rule of law initiatives, and legal training across Europe. Participation may depend on call-specific eligibility conditions.

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.

MSCA funds researchers at all career stages through mobility, doctoral training, and international cooperation. It promotes scientific excellence and research careers.

The Reform and Growth Facility provides financial support linked to reform implementation and socio-economic convergence with the EU. It is a key financial instrument under the Growth Plan.

RYCO promotes regional cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and reconciliation among young people in the Western Balkans through grants and exchange programmes.

The Single Market Programme supports businesses, consumer protection, competitiveness, and SME development. Participation may depend on specific instruments and calls.

EIT Urban Mobility invites innovators to propose breakthrough solutions that tackle Europe’s key urban mobility challenges. This multi-year call funds high-impact projects with strong market…

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.

The Young European Ambassadors initiative engages young people from the Western Balkans in promoting European values, regional cooperation and communication activities. It builds youth networks and civic participation.

WBIF is a joint EU and international financial institution initiative supporting strategic investments in infrastructure, energy, transport and connectivity in the Western Balkans.