Open Call: Support for Civil Society Organisations and Independent Media (Moldova)

The European Commission 2026 Call for Proposals provides EUR 12,500,000 to reinforce civil society organisations (CSOs) and independent media in the Republic of Moldova. The programme aims to enhance institutional capacity, advocacy, and operational effectiveness to support EU accession reforms, gender equality, social cohesion, participatory governance, and media integrity. Grants range from EUR 950,000 to EUR 4,000,000, enabling large-scale, sustainable actions aligned with EU priorities.

Objectives of the Call

The Call for Proposals focuses on empowering CSOs and media to actively participate in Moldova’s EU accession pathway. Key objectives include:

• Social Cohesion and Services: Strengthen collaboration between CSOs and public authorities to improve services for vulnerable groups.

• Gender Equality: Support grassroots and women-led organisations in preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

• Capacity Building: Enhance internal structures, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability of CSOs and their networks.

• Participatory Governance: Promote collaboration with local authorities, inclusive decision-making, transparency, and public engagement.

• Media Support: Strengthen independent media, investigative journalism, fact-checking, and content quality, including professional, financial, legal, administrative, and cybersecurity support.

Funding Structure

The total indicative allocation is EUR 12,500,000, divided into five distinct lots:

• Lot 1: EUR 4,000,000

• Lot 2: EUR 2,500,000

• Lot 3: EUR 2,000,000

• Lot 4: EUR 3,000,000

• Lot 5: EUR 1,000,000

Grants per lot range between EUR 950,000 and EUR 4,000,000, ensuring significant support for impactful, large-scale projects. The contracting authority may reallocate funds if proposals are insufficient in quality or quantity.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible lead applicants include:

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

• Local authorities

• International organisations as defined by EU Financial Regulation Article 159(1)

Eligibility criteria for applicants:

• Must be non-profit entities

• Must be effectively established in an EU Member State, Moldova, or eligible third countries (except international organisations)

• Must be directly responsible for preparing and managing the action

• Lead applicants act as coordinator and main contact with the contracting authority

Co-applicants, affiliated entities, and partnerships must comply with similar eligibility rules.

How to Apply

1. Review Lot-Specific Requirements: Determine which of the five lots aligns with your organisational capacity and project focus.

2. Develop a Project Proposal: Outline objectives, methodology, expected results, partnerships, and sustainability plan.

3. Prepare Budget and Funding Plan: Include detailed costs, eligible expenses, and potential co-financing.

4. Confirm Eligibility: Verify lead applicant, co-applicants, and affiliated entities meet all criteria.

5. Submit Application: Follow the European Commission submission portal guidelines, ensuring all documentation is complete.

6. Engage with Authorities: Maintain communication with the contracting authority as required throughout the evaluation process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting applications without verifying eligibility of lead applicants or co-applicants

• Proposing actions outside the defined objectives or eligible activities

• Incomplete or unclear budget and cost allocation

• Neglecting the need for sustainability and impact measures

• Failing to demonstrate capacity for project management and coordination

Why It Matters

This programme strengthens Moldova’s civil society and independent media, which are critical for democratic governance, transparency, and social cohesion. By supporting CSOs and media, the EU fosters participatory decision-making, combats disinformation, promotes gender equality, and empowers vulnerable communities. The initiative directly contributes to Moldova’s European integration process.

FAQs

1. What is the total funding available?
EUR 12,500,000 across five lots.

2. What is the range of individual grants?
Grants range from EUR 950,000 to EUR 4,000,000 depending on the lot.

3. Who can apply as a lead applicant?
NGOs, local authorities, and international organisations legally established in eligible countries.

4. Are co-applicants allowed?
Yes, co-applicants and affiliated entities can participate, provided they meet eligibility criteria.

5. What are the focus areas?
Social cohesion, gender equality, CSO capacity building, participatory governance, and independent media development.

6. Can funding be reallocated among lots?
Yes, the contracting authority may adjust allocations if proposal quality or quantity is insufficient.

7. What is the expected impact?
Enhanced CSO capacity, sustainable networks, strengthened media integrity, improved governance, and support for EU accession reforms.

Conclusion

The European Commission’s 2026 Call for Proposals represents a strategic investment in Moldova’s civil society and independent media, promoting democratic governance, social cohesion, gender equality, and EU integration. By funding targeted projects, the EU empowers CSOs and media organisations to actively contribute to meaningful reforms and long-term development in the Republic of Moldova.