The Council of Europe, in partnership with the European Union, has launched a €700,000 call for proposals under the Joint Action “Support to the Electoral Cycle in Albania” (SECA). The call aims to strengthen democratic, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes in Albania by supporting civil society engagement, media integrity, voter education, and institutional capacity-building of the Central Election Commission. Up to seven grants of up to €100,000 each will be awarded to eligible Albanian non-profit organisations.
Program Overview
The Joint Action “Support to the Electoral Cycle in Albania” (SECA) is a co-funded initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union.
The program supports Albania’s democratic development and electoral reform, which is a key priority in its European Union accession process.
The Action is implemented by the Council of Europe under the supervision of its Parliamentary Assembly and focuses on strengthening the integrity, transparency, and inclusiveness of the entire electoral cycle.
Total Budget and Grant Size
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Total indicative budget: EUR 700,000
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Number of grants expected: Up to 7
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Maximum grant per project: EUR 100,000
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Final allocation depends on proposal quality and financial appropriateness
The Council of Europe may choose not to allocate all available funds or may redistribute funding depending on evaluation results.
Objectives of the Call
This call for proposals aims to:
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Safeguard electoral integrity through rule compliance and reform monitoring
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Improve the media environment and information integrity
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Promote informed voter participation and civic engagement
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Strengthen transparency in political party financing
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Prevent misuse of state resources
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Improve ICT regulatory safeguards within the Central Election Commission
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Institutionalize policy dialogue between election authorities and civil society
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Strengthen oversight mechanisms and regulatory frameworks
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Enhance professional and independent electoral administration
The overall goal is to build public trust and align Albania’s electoral standards with European democratic norms.
Key Focus Areas
1. Electoral Integrity and Compliance
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Monitoring reforms and rule implementation
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Strengthening oversight mechanisms
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Preventing abuse of public resources
2. Media Environment and Information Integrity
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Supporting responsible journalism
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Countering misinformation during elections
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Promoting ethical media reporting
3. Civic Participation and Voter Education
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Educating young and first-time voters
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Increasing participation of women and minorities
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Encouraging inclusive democratic engagement
4. Institutional Capacity Building
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Supporting the establishment of a Continuous Training and Education Centre for election administration
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Enhancing professionalism within the Central Election Commission
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Strengthening ICT regulatory safeguards
5. Civil Society Engagement
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Institutionalizing policy dialogue between the Central Election Commission and civil society
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Strengthening CSO monitoring and reporting capacity
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Promoting participatory policymaking
Who Are the Main Beneficiaries?
The Action directly or indirectly benefits:
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Central Election Commission of Albania
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Election administration officials
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Civil society organisations (including media-focused organisations)
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Journalists
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Young and first-time voters
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Women
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National minorities
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Vulnerable groups
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Citizens across Albania
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Legally constituted non-profit organisation in Albania
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Possess a registered bank account
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Authorized to carry out proposed activities
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At least five years of experience in democracy and electoral support
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Demonstrated financial stability
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Adequate operational and professional capacity
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Qualified staff to implement proposed activities
Only organisations meeting all criteria will be considered.
Why This Call Matters
This initiative is strategically important because it:
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Supports Albania’s EU accession process
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Enhances transparency and accountability in elections
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Strengthens public trust in electoral institutions
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Promotes inclusive and informed democratic participation
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Aligns Albania’s electoral system with European standards
Free, fair, and transparent elections are fundamental to democratic governance and institutional legitimacy.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Organisations should follow these structured steps:
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Review eligibility requirements carefully.
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Identify a project that aligns with SECA objectives.
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Ensure the proposal adds value to the Council of Europe’s electoral integrity efforts.
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Develop a clear project plan with measurable outcomes.
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Prepare a realistic and justified budget (maximum €100,000).
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Demonstrate institutional capacity and relevant experience.
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Submit the application according to official call instructions.
Projects must clearly support democratic standards and electoral reform objectives.
Project Design Expectations
Strong proposals should:
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Align with European electoral standards
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Demonstrate measurable impact
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Include sustainability measures
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Address inclusion and gender equality
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Strengthen institutional cooperation
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Provide value for money
Projects must complement, not duplicate, existing reform efforts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting proposals without five years of relevant experience
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Proposing activities unrelated to electoral integrity
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Failing to demonstrate financial sustainability
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Weak monitoring and evaluation frameworks
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Unrealistic budgets
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Lack of alignment with EU accession priorities
Ensure full compliance with eligibility and program objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the total budget available under this call?
The total indicative budget is EUR 700,000.
2. How many grants will be awarded?
Up to seven grants are expected to be awarded.
3. What is the maximum grant amount?
Each grant may reach up to EUR 100,000.
4. Who can apply?
Legally registered non-profit organisations in Albania with at least five years of experience in democracy and electoral support.
5. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects that strengthen electoral integrity, media transparency, voter education, ICT safeguards, and civil society engagement in line with European standards.
6. Who are the main beneficiaries?
The Central Election Commission, civil society organisations, journalists, voters, minorities, women, youth, and vulnerable groups across Albania.
7. Is full funding guaranteed?
No. The Council of Europe may adjust the number of grants and funding allocations based on proposal quality and available funds.
Conclusion
The SECA Call for Proposals represents a significant €700,000 investment in strengthening Albania’s electoral system and democratic institutions. By empowering civil society, improving media integrity, and enhancing the independence and professionalism of the Central Election Commission, the initiative promotes transparency, inclusion, and public trust.
Eligible Albanian non-profit organisations with strong experience in electoral support should develop high-quality, impact-driven proposals that align with European democratic standards and contribute meaningfully to Albania’s democratic advancement.
For more information, visit Council of Europe.
