CFPs: Strengthen Civic Participation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The European Commission is inviting proposals to strengthen participatory democracy, protect human rights, and support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU integration process. With an indicative budget of EUR 5.7 million, the call targets civil society organizations, media, and community initiatives to advance governance, media pluralism, rule of law, reconciliation, and inclusive civic engagement.

Program Overview

The European Commission’s call for proposals aims to reinforce democratic governance, foster human rights, and accelerate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s integration into the European Union. This initiative targets civil society organizations (CSOs), media outlets, and community-led initiatives that actively promote participatory democracy, accountability, and social cohesion.

The funding is part of the European Union’s broader commitment to human rights, democracy, and EU enlargement support in the Western Balkans.

Key Focus Areas

The program is organized around several strategic priorities:

1. Protecting Human Rights and Civil Liberties

• Empower individuals and CSOs to exercise civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights

• Ensure inclusivity, equality, and protection from discrimination

• Promote awareness and accountability mechanisms

2. Strengthening Civil Society and Media

• Build a well-informed and coordinated sector

• Support policy reform advocacy and democratic governance

• Increase resilience, pluralism, and independence of media outlets

3. Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption

• Promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in public institutions

• Support networks addressing corruption and enhancing judicial oversight

4. Reconciliation and Trust-Building

• Implement sport, cultural, and community initiatives that encourage dialogue

• Foster respect for diversity and civic engagement aligned with EU values

5. CSO Resource Center Development

• Establish a nationwide hub for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogue

• Enable CSOs to access training, networking, and technical support

6. Digital Transformation and AI for Democracy

• Ensure technology serves human dignity, inclusion, and participatory governance

• Support projects that leverage AI and digital tools responsibly

Funding Details

The total indicative allocation is EUR 5,700,000, distributed as follows:

• EUR 4,800,000 from the 2025 Civil Society Facility budget

• EUR 500,000 from the 2025 Human Rights and Democracy budget

• EUR 400,000 from the 2026 Human Rights and Democracy budget (subject to approval)

Specific allocations by thematic area:

• Media initiatives: EUR 600,000

• Rule of law projects: EUR 600,000

• Reconciliation through sport and culture: EUR 1,000,000

• CSO Resource Center: EUR 2,600,000

• Human rights and democracy activities: EUR 900,000

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility depends on three key criteria:

1. Actors Involved

   • Lead applicants, co-applicants, and affiliated entities must meet EU funding eligibility rules

   • Primarily civil society organizations, media entities, and community initiatives

2. Eligible Actions

   • Projects advancing human rights, democracy, media pluralism, rule of law, reconciliation, and civic participation

3. Eligible Costs

   • Costs must align with the EU grant framework

   • May include staff, activities, capacity-building, equipment, and operational expenses

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Identify the relevant thematic focus for your project aligned with one or more of the priority areas

2. Formulate the proposal, including objectives, methodology, expected results, and budget

3. Select eligible co-applicants and partners if necessary

4. Prepare detailed financial plans and indicate eligible costs according to EU grant rules

5. Submit the proposal via the EU funding and tenders portal before the specified deadline

6. Await evaluation and approval, where projects are assessed on relevance, impact, feasibility, and compliance with eligibility criteria

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Submitting incomplete or non-compliant proposals

• Failing to clearly demonstrate alignment with EU values and priorities

• Ignoring the required eligibility of applicants and co-applicants

• Underestimating project costs or overestimating expected results

• Neglecting the inclusion of monitoring and evaluation plans

Tips:

• Ensure a clear link between project activities and EU integration goals

• Demonstrate measurable impact on democracy, human rights, or civic engagement

• Include strong partnerships with local CSOs, media, or community groups

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this funding?

Civil society organizations, media outlets, and community initiatives based in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2. What is the total funding available?

EUR 5,700,000, allocated across media, rule of law, reconciliation, CSO Resource Center, and human rights activities.

3. Can multiple organizations collaborate on one proposal?

Yes, co-applicants and affiliated entities may participate, provided they meet eligibility criteria.

4. What types of projects are prioritized?

Projects that strengthen participatory democracy, protect human rights, advance media pluralism, promote rule of law, support reconciliation, and facilitate civic engagement aligned with EU values.

5. Are digital and AI-based initiatives eligible?

Yes, projects leveraging technology to enhance governance, inclusion, or human rights are eligible.

6. How are eligible costs determined?

Eligible costs include staff, operational, and project-related expenses, calculated according to EU grant rules.

7. How can applicants ensure a strong proposal?

Clearly align objectives with EU priorities, demonstrate measurable outcomes, provide a realistic budget, and include qualified partners.

Conclusion

This European Commission call for proposals represents a strategic opportunity for organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina to actively strengthen democracy, human rights, and EU integration. By supporting projects across civil society, media, rule of law, reconciliation, and digital governance, the initiative fosters inclusive, accountable, and participatory governance. Applicants are encouraged to submit well-structured, results-driven proposals that contribute meaningfully to the country’s democratic and European integration trajectory.