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Call for Applications: Empowering Roma Communities and Promoting EU Values in Bulgaria

Deadline: 16-Feb-2026

The ROVA Project – Second Call 2026 invites Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations in Bulgaria to submit initiatives promoting EU values, human rights, and social inclusion. The program supports projects that empower Roma communities, strengthen participation in public life, and foster cooperation between Roma communities and institutions. Grants of up to €25,000 per project are available, with implementation from September 2026 to September 2027.

Overview

The Roma Civil Society Organisations Promoting EU Values (ROVA) Project aims to empower Roma communities, promote European Union values, and enhance participation in all public spheres. This second call targets registered Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations in Bulgaria to implement projects that:

  • Uphold fundamental rights and EU values

  • Strengthen active citizenship and community engagement

  • Promote equality, social inclusion, and minority rights

  • Counter anti-Roma attitudes

  • Foster collaboration between Roma and non-Roma organizations and public institutions

The ROVA project is managed in Bulgaria by the Integro Association, led internationally by the ERGO Network, and funded by the European Union with co-financing from the EVZ Foundation.

Focus Areas and Objectives

Eligible projects should address one or more of the following focus areas:

  • Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights

  • Human rights-based approaches to the Roma situation

  • Improved access to fundamental rights for Roma communities

  • Monitoring and supporting the National Strategy for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation of Roma (2021–2030)

  • Promotion of equality, social inclusion, and empowerment of Roma

  • Strengthening cooperation between Roma communities and public institutions

  • Supporting active citizenship and participation in local, regional, and national decision-making

  • Countering discrimination, prejudice, and anti-Roma attitudes

Funding Details

  • Total Budget: €250,000 for projects in Bulgaria

  • Maximum Grant per Project: €25,000

  • Project Duration: 13 months (1 September 2026 – 30 September 2027)

  • Co-funding Requirements: None (own financial or in-kind contribution is not required and not weighted in evaluation)

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Roma or pro-Roma civil society organizations registered and operating in Bulgaria

  • Actively working to empower Roma communities and promote EU values

  • Must not have received funding under the first ROVA call in 2025

  • Consortium applications are not permitted

  • Each organization may submit only one proposal

Why It Matters

The ROVA project strengthens Roma civil society capacity to:

  • Promote inclusion, equality, and participation in governance

  • Protect minority rights and uphold human dignity

  • Build bridges between Roma and non-Roma communities

  • Monitor and support implementation of national strategies on Roma inclusion

  • Contribute to sustainable, community-driven social change

How to Apply / How it Works

  1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organization meets all eligibility requirements.

  2. Prepare Proposal: Develop a project that addresses the focus areas, including objectives, activities, outcomes, and timeline.

  3. Submit Application: Submit a single project proposal per organization; consortium applications are not allowed.

  4. Evaluation: Proposals are evaluated based on relevance to ROVA objectives, expected impact, feasibility, and alignment with EU values and fundamental rights.

  5. Grant Award: Successful applicants receive up to €25,000 to implement projects from September 2026 to September 2027.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting more than one proposal per organization

  • Applying as a consortium or partnership

  • Including projects that do not clearly promote EU values or human rights

  • Failing to specify clear outcomes, timelines, or target communities

  • Applying if the organization was funded under the first ROVA call in 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum grant amount per project?

  • Up to €25,000.

2. Who can apply for the ROVA 2026 call?

  • Roma or pro-Roma civil society organizations registered and active in Bulgaria.

3. Are consortium applications allowed?

  • No, only single-organization applications are permitted.

4. Is co-funding required?

  • No, financial or in-kind contributions are not required and will not affect evaluation.

5. Can an organization that received funding in 2025 apply?

  • No, organizations funded under the first ROVA call are not eligible.

6. What is the project duration?

  • 13 months, from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2027.

7. What focus areas should the projects cover?

  • Promotion of EU values, human rights, equality, social inclusion, active citizenship, minority rights, and anti-discrimination efforts.

Conclusion

The ROVA Project 2026 provides a strategic opportunity for Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations in Bulgaria to empower communities, promote European values, and drive inclusive social change. By supporting projects that strengthen participation, equality, and human rights, the initiative fosters long-term, community-driven impact across local, regional, and national levels.

For more information, visit Integro Association.