1st Call for Applications under Cross-border Cooperation Programme in Serbia and Montenegro

The 2021–2027 Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between Serbia and Montenegro invites joint project proposals aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation, supporting European integration, and fostering socio-economic development. With a total of EUR 5.4 million in funding, the programme targets public health, social inclusion, and sustainable tourism initiatives in the border region. Eligible applicants include non-profit institutions, civil society organizations, local governments, and cultural or tourism-focused entities.

Overview of the Programme

The Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027 aims to foster collaboration between Serbia and Montenegro while advancing European integration and regional socio-economic development. The programme encourages joint initiatives that improve the quality of life for marginalized communities, preserve cultural and natural heritage, and enhance sustainable tourism opportunities. This call for proposals represents the first funding round under the programme, providing a structured framework for cross-border partnerships to address shared challenges and leverage local resources effectively.

Programme Objectives

The call focuses on two main priority areas:

Objective 1: Public Health and Social Inclusion

• Improve access to and quality of public health and social services.

• Enhance the inclusion of marginalized groups across the border region.

• Promote coordinated service delivery and community engagement.

Objective 2: Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Heritage

• Strengthen cross-border tourism offerings.

• Protect, promote, and utilize cultural and natural heritage.

• Support regional economic development through sustainable tourism initiatives.

Funding Details

• Total Funding Available: EUR 5.4 million

  • Objective 1: EUR 3 million for public health and social inclusion projects

  • Objective 2: EUR 2.4 million for tourism and heritage-focused projects

• Grant Amounts:

  • Objective 1: EUR 180,000 – EUR 500,000 per project

  • Objective 2: EUR 200,000 – EUR 600,000 per project

Funding is allocated to encourage sustainable, measurable impact, and all proposals must align with the programme’s objectives to qualify.

Who is Eligible?

Lead Applicant Requirements:

• Must be a legal, non-profit entity established in Serbia or Montenegro.

• Must take direct responsibility for preparing and managing the proposed project.

Eligible Co-Applicants and Partners:

For Objective 1 – Public Health and Social Inclusion:

• Health and social welfare institutions

• Civil society organizations representing marginalized groups

• Educational institutions and youth organizations

• Research institutions and local government bodies

For Objective 2 – Sustainable Tourism and Heritage:

• Tourism organizations and development agencies

• Cultural and heritage institutions

• Chambers of commerce and environmental bodies

• Farmer associations, CSOs in tourism and culture, and academic institutions

Applicants must comply with the general exclusion criteria outlined in the programme’s practical guide.

How to Apply

1. Form a Cross-Border Partnership: Identify a partner organization from the neighboring country.

2. Develop a Project Proposal: Clearly define objectives, activities, target groups, expected results, and measurable outcomes.

3. Ensure Eligibility: Confirm that the lead applicant, co-applicants, and affiliated entities meet the programme criteria.

4. Prepare a Budget: Costs must align with funding guidelines and be justified for the proposed activities.

5. Submit Application: Follow the programme’s official submission procedures and deadlines.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Ensure cross-border collaboration is central to your project.

• Align proposed activities with programme objectives to maximize scoring potential.

• Include measurable outcomes to demonstrate impact.

• Check that all applicants meet the legal and financial eligibility criteria.

• Avoid submitting proposals that duplicate other funded initiatives.

FAQs

1. Who can be the lead applicant?
A non-profit legal entity established in Serbia or Montenegro.

2. Can multiple organizations apply together?
Yes, proposals must include cross-border partnerships with co-applicants from both countries.

3. What types of projects are funded under Objective 1?
Public health improvements, social services, inclusion programs for marginalized communities, and youth engagement initiatives.

4. What types of projects are funded under Objective 2?
Cross-border tourism development, cultural and natural heritage protection, sustainable tourism promotion, and regional economic initiatives.

5. What is the minimum and maximum grant size?
Objective 1: EUR 180,000 – EUR 500,000; Objective 2: EUR 200,000 – EUR 600,000.

6. Are private companies eligible?
No, only non-profit institutions, civil society organizations, and public bodies are eligible.

7. How is impact evaluated?
Projects are assessed based on alignment with objectives, cross-border cooperation, inclusion of marginalized groups, and measurable social, economic, or cultural outcomes.

Why It Matters

This funding opportunity strengthens cooperation between Serbia and Montenegro while promoting social inclusion, cultural preservation, and sustainable economic growth. By investing in cross-border initiatives, the programme builds resilient communities, supports marginalized populations, and fosters long-term regional development aligned with European integration priorities.

Conclusion

The Serbia-Montenegro Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027 offers a strategic pathway for organizations to implement impactful projects in public health, social inclusion, and sustainable tourism. Through cross-border partnerships and targeted funding, this initiative encourages joint action that enhances the region’s socio-economic development, strengthens European integration, and creates lasting benefits for communities on both sides of the border.