Deadline: 23-Jan-2026

The European Commission invites civil society and media organisations in North Macedonia to apply for funding to strengthen participatory democracy and support the country’s EU accession process. Total funding of EUR 3,400,000 is available, with actions targeting civil society engagement in policymaking, sector reforms, freedom of speech, and protection against gender-based and domestic violence. Projects may run 30–36 months and focus on governance, rule of law, anti-corruption, or social services for vulnerable groups.

Programme Overview

The European Commission’s programme aims to empower civil society and media organisations to actively participate in policymaking, contribute to sector reforms, and promote societal change in North Macedonia. Key areas of focus include:

• Enhancing freedom of expression and responsible media engagement

• Promoting digital technology use for civic participation

• Strengthening systems to prevent and respond to gender-based and domestic violence

• Supporting North Macedonia’s EU accession process through civil society involvement

Objectives

1. Civil Society and Media Networking: Facilitate collaboration among civil society, media, public institutions, and the business community to amplify citizens’ voices and support EU-related sector reforms.

2. Social Services Enhancement: Improve access to specialised services for individuals affected by gender-based and domestic violence, ensuring protection, recovery, and autonomy for victims.

Funding Details

• Total Indicative Funding: EUR 3,400,000

  • Lot 1: EUR 2,400,000 (grant requests: EUR 400,000 – 600,000)

  • Lot 2: EUR 1,000,000 (grant requests: EUR 330,000 – 500,000)

• Project Duration: 30–36 months

• Priority Areas:

  • Lot 1: Support for civil society and media organisations in governance, rule of law, anti-corruption, and EU accession-related sectors.

  • Lot 2: Support for combating gender-based and domestic violence through enhanced social services.

Who is Eligible?

Lot 1 – Civil Society and Media Organisations

• Legal, non-profit civil society organisations or NGOs

• Established in North Macedonia, an EU Member State, or another IPA III beneficiary country for at least three years

• Directly responsible for preparing and managing the action

• Focused on relevant priority sectors

Lot 2 – Social Services and Protection

• Civil society organisations, NGOs, public sector operators, local authorities, or international intergovernmental organisations

• Established and operational according to EU criteria

• Actions aligned with gender-based and domestic violence prevention priorities

General Eligibility:

• Projects must comply with EU Financial Regulation requirements

• Lead applicants must ensure project aims align with priority sectors

Why This Programme Matters

• Strengthens participatory democracy in North Macedonia

• Promotes citizen engagement, transparency, and accountability

• Supports sector reforms aligned with EU accession requirements

• Provides protection and social support to vulnerable groups, particularly women and children

• Enhances civil society capacity for sustainable democratic development

How to Apply / Project Guidelines

• Identify relevant lot (Lot 1 or Lot 2) and priority area

• Prepare a project proposal including objectives, activities, expected results, budget, and timeline

• Ensure eligibility criteria for lead applicants are fully met

• Comply with EU financial and regulatory requirements

• Demonstrate impact on local communities, democratic governance, or protection services

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Misclassifying the project under the wrong lot or priority area

• Failing to meet eligibility requirements, including establishment and operational history

• Overlooking EU financial compliance

• Insufficiently demonstrating impact, feasibility, or alignment with priority sectors

• Neglecting the inclusion of collaborative networks or partnerships

FAQ

1. Who can apply for Lot 1?
Legal, non-profit civil society organisations or NGOs established in North Macedonia, an EU Member State, or an IPA III beneficiary country for at least three years.

2. Who can apply for Lot 2?
Civil society organisations, NGOs, public sector operators, local authorities, or international intergovernmental organisations meeting operational and establishment criteria.

3. What is the total funding available?
EUR 3,400,000 in total: EUR 2,400,000 for Lot 1 and EUR 1,000,000 for Lot 2.

4. How long can funded actions run?
Projects may run for 30 to 36 months.

5. What sectors does Lot 1 cover?
Governance, rule of law, anti-corruption, EU accession-related reforms, civil society, and media engagement.

6. What is the focus of Lot 2?
Improving access to specialised social services for individuals affected by gender-based and domestic violence.

7. Are partnerships encouraged?
Yes, collaboration with public institutions, media, and business sectors is highly recommended to strengthen impact and networking.

Conclusion

This EU call for proposals provides a strategic opportunity for organisations in North Macedonia to contribute to participatory democracy, sectoral reforms, and protection of vulnerable populations. By supporting civil society, media organisations, and social service initiatives, the programme directly advances EU accession goals while fostering democratic governance and societal resilience.

For more information, visit European Commission.