Deadline: 18-May-2026
The European Commission (EC) has launched a €13.35 million funding programme to support justice, media freedom, and social cohesion in post-conflict Syria. Grants target transitional justice, legal aid, civil society capacity building, media protection, and community engagement to strengthen institutional trust and inclusive governance.
The European Commission (EC) invites eligible organizations to apply for funding aimed at promoting justice, freedom of expression, and social cohesion in Syria during its transitional period following years of conflict. The programme focuses on inclusive governance, human rights, and institutional reform to rebuild trust and strengthen social cohesion.
Programme Objectives
The funding call supports projects that:
- Ensure access to affordable justice for vulnerable populations.
- Promote transitional justice processes and accountability mechanisms.
- Strengthen media freedom, pluralism, and journalist protection.
- Foster social cohesion through participatory community approaches.
- Build capacity for civil society and local institutions.
- Support victims, restorative justice initiatives, and dialogue programs.
- Encourage public awareness, debate, and community cooperation.
Context
Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria faces:
- Widespread displacement and humanitarian challenges.
- Economic hardship and weakened public services.
- Millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.
- Erosion of trust in public institutions and justice systems.
The EC aims to support Syria’s transition by engaging authorities and civil society to ensure stability, accountability, and democratic participation.
Funding Structure
- Total Indicative Budget: €13.35 million
- Funding per Lot:
- Lot 1 – Justice Access: €2,000,000
- Lot 2 – Transitional Justice: €2,000,000
- Lot 3 – Media Freedom & Protection: €675,000
- Lot 4 – Social Cohesion: €4,000,000
These amounts represent both the minimum and maximum eligible grant requests for each lot.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-profit organizations
- Public sector operators
- Local authorities
Applicants must be established in the European Union or select neighboring countries and collaborate to implement high-impact actions in Syria.
Key Priorities
- Justice Access & Legal Aid: Services for vulnerable populations and monitoring of justice systems.
- Transitional Justice: Strengthening institutions, supporting victims, and implementing restorative justice initiatives.
- Media Freedom & Protection: Safeguarding journalists, fostering independent media, and promoting pluralism.
- Social Cohesion: Advancing dialogue, mediation, community-level cooperation, and inclusive recovery initiatives.
How to Apply
- Develop a Project Proposal
- Align objectives with the chosen funding lot.
- Highlight impact, sustainability, and collaboration with local actors.
- Prepare Required Documentation
- Detailed project plan, budget, and timeline
- Evidence of organizational capacity and prior experience
- Submit Online via EC Portal
- Ensure compliance with all eligibility and funding requirements.
- Evaluation Process
- Proposals are reviewed for relevance, impact, feasibility, and alignment with programme objectives.
- Selection prioritizes projects that strengthen justice, media freedom, and social cohesion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals outside the defined funding lot objectives
- Failing to demonstrate collaboration with local stakeholders
- Incomplete or inaccurate budget and organizational documents
- Ignoring eligibility criteria regarding applicant location and type
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total funding available?
€13.35 million, distributed across four funding lots.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Non-profit organizations, public sector operators, and local authorities in the EU or select neighboring countries.
3. What are the main programme objectives?
Support justice access, transitional justice, media freedom, and social cohesion in Syria.
4. Can multiple organizations collaborate on one project?
Yes, collaborative proposals are encouraged to maximize impact.
5. Are individual applicants eligible?
No, only organizations and public authorities may apply.
6. What types of projects are prioritized?
Legal aid, capacity building, restorative justice, media protection, dialogue, and community-level initiatives.
7. How are grants distributed?
Funding is allocated per lot, with Lot 1 & 2 at €2M each, Lot 3 at €675K, and Lot 4 at €4M.
Conclusion
The European Commission funding call for Syria provides an opportunity to rebuild justice systems, protect media freedom, and foster social cohesion in a post-conflict context. By supporting inclusive, collaborative, and high-impact projects, the initiative strengthens governance, accountability, and peaceful coexistence among Syrian communities.
For more information, visit European Commission (EC).