Deadline: 22-Aug-2025
The European Commission invites expressions of interest to support and strengthen civil society organisations (CSOs) in EU partner countries, with a focus on Uzbekistan. CSOs play a vital role in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law—core values of the European Union. They also contribute to conflict prevention, resilience, peace, and security, particularly in fragile or conflict-affected areas. At the community level, they often form the foundation of social resilience.
This initiative aims to empower a wide range of civil society actors, especially organisations led by or serving women and youth. Two main funding categories are available under this call: Human Rights and Democracy (HRD) and Civil Society Organisations (CSO). Under HRD, the goal is to protect and promote human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law in Uzbekistan. Under CSO, the objective is to strengthen the role of local civil society as independent contributors to good governance and development.
The HRD component focuses on protecting civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights. It seeks to build the capacity of local activists and CSOs to promote gender equality, youth inclusion, media literacy, and environmental sustainability. Another priority is to safeguard fundamental freedoms in the digital and physical spaces, ensuring a safe environment for civil engagement.
The CSO component aims to enhance the ability of local organisations to participate in policy-making and monitor national development plans. It also supports civil society in promoting a democratic and enabling environment, including working with local administrations on decentralisation and the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Funding totals EUR 2,255,000, with EUR 1,010,000 allocated to HRD (maximum per grant: EUR 505,000) and EUR 1,245,000 allocated to CSO (maximum per grant: EUR 415,000). Priority areas under HRD include fighting discrimination, promoting freedom of expression and media literacy, and engaging youth and vulnerable groups in decision-making. Under CSO, priorities include democratic governance, environmental sustainability, economic growth, women’s and youth empowerment, and media development.
Eligible activities include strengthening civil society networks and platforms, establishing consultation mechanisms with public institutions, supporting advocacy for legal reforms, and providing capacity-building for human rights defenders. Ineligible actions include individual sponsorships for events, scholarships, actions that harm human rights or the environment, and projects focused mainly on capital expenditures like equipment or property.
Applicants must be non-profit legal entities established in an EU Member State or Uzbekistan. They must be civil society organisations directly responsible for project implementation, not acting as intermediaries.
For more information, visit European Commission.
