This cross-border programme supports organisations in Serbia and Montenegro to strengthen social inclusion, improve public health, and promote sustainable tourism. Funding ranges from €180,000 to €600,000 across two priorities: inclusion of marginalised groups and development of coordinated cross-border tourism linked to cultural and natural heritage. Eligible lead applicants must be non-profit legal entities established in Serbia or Montenegro.

This cross-border funding programme promotes good neighbourly relations, Union integration, and social, economic, and territorial development in the Serbia–Montenegro region. It seeks to strengthen local cohesion, support inclusive public services, and build sustainable tourism models rooted in shared cultural and natural heritage.

What the Programme Supports

The call focuses on two core thematic priorities:

Priority 1: Employment, Labour Mobility, and Social & Cultural Inclusion

• Improving public health and social services

• Supporting inclusion of marginalised groups

• Strengthening cross-border social cohesion

• EU grant size: €180,000 – €500,000

• Specific Objective: Enhance quality and accessibility of health and social services in the cross-border area

Priority 2: Tourism, Cultural & Natural Heritage

• Joint tourism products and cross-border branding

• Sustainable tourism development

• Protection and promotion of cultural and natural heritage

• EU grant size: €200,000 – €600,000

• Specific Objective: Coordinate and promote cross-border tourism based on shared natural and cultural assets

Why This Matters

This programme supports:

• Stronger ties between communities

• Improved public health and social care

• Better access to services for vulnerable groups

• Sustainable tourism-based economic growth

• Protection of cultural and natural heritage

• Increased Union integration and regional cooperation

Who Is Eligible?

Lead Applicant

Must:

• Be a legal, non-profit organisation

• Be established in Serbia or Montenegro

• Take direct responsibility for project preparation and management

• Not act as an intermediary

Co-applicants and Affiliated Entities

Must:

• Meet the same eligibility conditions

• Operate in the programme area

• Be capable of implementing cross-border activities

• Contribute technically and operationally to project results

Eligible organisation types include:

• Public institutions

• Local/regional authorities

• Social service providers

• Tourism boards & cultural institutions

• NGOs and non-profit organisations

• Educational or heritage organisations (non-profit only)

Funding Rules & Requirements

Projects must ensure:

• Actions align with the programme’s specific objectives

• Costs meet eligibility criteria (as defined in the guidelines)

• Activities deliver clear cross-border impact

• Lead applicants manage implementation directly

• Clear, measurable results linked to inclusion, public health, tourism or heritage

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Review the call guidelines
   Understand objectives, eligibility, budget limits, and cost rules.

2. Form a cross-border partnership
   Identify co-applicants and affiliated entities from the Serbia–Montenegro region.

3. Define the project concept
   Align your proposal with Priority 1 or Priority 2 objectives.

4. Develop an action plan
   Include activities, outputs, cross-border rationale, and expected results.

5. Prepare the budget
   Ensure all costs are eligible and aligned with funding ceilings.

6. Submit the application
   Upload the complete proposal through the designated application system before the deadline.

7. Evaluation
   Proposals are assessed for relevance, impact, feasibility, sustainability, and cross-border value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing activities outside the eligible cross-border area

• Lead applicant acting as an intermediary instead of managing directly

• Insufficient cross-border cooperation or joint implementation

• Budgets that include ineligible or unsupported expenses

• Lack of measurable results linked to inclusion or tourism objectives

• Weak justification of the cross-border added value

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can private companies apply as lead applicants?

No. The lead applicant must be a non-profit legal entity.

2. Do projects need partners from both countries?

Yes. Cross-border cooperation requires active participation from organisations on both sides.

3. Can we apply for both priorities in one project?

Projects should primarily target one specific objective for clarity and efficiency.

4. Are infrastructure projects eligible?

Only if directly linked to programme objectives (e.g., tourism facilities, accessibility improvements), and if allowed under cost rules.

5. What is the minimum project size?

€180,000 for social-inclusion projects and €200,000 for tourism projects.

6. Do co-applicants need to be non-profit?

Yes. All applicants must be eligible non-profit legal entities.

7. What should the project highlight to be competitive?

Strong cross-border cooperation, clear social/tourism impact, measurable outputs, and sustainability.

Conclusion

This Serbia–Montenegro cross-border programme offers substantial funding to strengthen social inclusion, enhance public health services, and build sustainable tourism rooted in shared heritage. With grants up to €600,000, the call provides a powerful opportunity for non-profit institutions to deepen regional cooperation, improve livelihoods, and promote long-term Union integration across the border region.