Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The European Union has opened applications under the EU Human Rights and Democracy Thematic Programme 2025–2026 in North Macedonia to support projects focused on human rights, democracy, digital freedoms, and the rule of law. Eligible civil society organisations and NGOs can apply for grants between EUR 120,000 and EUR 200,000, with EU funding covering up to 90% of eligible project costs.
The programme prioritises initiatives supporting vulnerable groups, transparent governance, civic participation, responsible digital technology use, and democratic accountability. Applications are evaluated under EU PRAG rules based on eligibility, compliance, and project quality.
EU Human Rights and Democracy Programme 2025–2026: Overview
The EU Human Rights and Democracy Thematic Programme 2025–2026 is a European Union funding initiative designed to strengthen human rights protection, democratic participation, rule of law, fundamental freedoms, inclusive governance, and digital rights in North Macedonia.
The programme supports civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and non-profit entities working on social inclusion, democratic governance, accountability, and protection of vulnerable populations.
Key programme objectives include:
- Promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms
- Supporting equality and non-discrimination
- Strengthening inclusive democratic systems
- Improving citizen participation and public accountability
- Promoting responsible use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence
- Protecting online freedoms and digital rights
Priority Areas for Funding
Projects should align with one or more of the following priority areas:
- Support for persons with disabilities
- Inclusion of Roma communities
- Protection of at-risk children
- Support for LGBTIQ+ persons
- Reintegration support for former prisoners
- Social inclusion initiatives for vulnerable populations
- Strengthening local governance and accountability
- Transparency and anti-corruption efforts
- Participatory governance and civic engagement
- Ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence
- Digital rights and online freedom protection
- Digital inclusion and safe digital participation
Funding Details
The total indicative financial allocation for this programme is approximately EUR 921,000.
Funding breakdown:
- EUR 450,000 from the 2025 allocation
- EUR 471,000 from the 2026 allocation
Grant size per project:
- Minimum grant amount: EUR 120,000
- Maximum grant amount: EUR 200,000
EU co-financing rates:
- Minimum EU contribution: 60% of eligible project costs
- Maximum EU contribution: 90% of eligible project costs
Applicants are required to provide the remaining co-financing amount through their own resources or additional funding sources.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Civil society organisations (CSOs)
- Non-profit organisations legally established in North Macedonia
Eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be legally registered in North Macedonia
- Organisations must have been established at least two years before the call launch
- Applicants must be directly responsible for project implementation
- Organisations must operate on a non-profit basis
Eligible co-applicants may include organisations from:
- European Union Member States
- Countries eligible under the NDICI–Global Europe Regulation
Affiliated entities with legal or structural links to applicants may also participate in the proposed action.
Why This Programme Matters
This programme plays an important role in strengthening civil society and democratic governance in North Macedonia.
Key importance of the programme includes:
- Supporting protection of human rights and freedoms
- Strengthening democratic institutions and accountability
- Promoting transparency and anti-corruption efforts
- Supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities
- Advancing digital rights and ethical AI governance
- Encouraging citizen participation and civic engagement
- Aligning North Macedonia with European democratic values and standards
The programme also helps organisations build long-term institutional capacity and sustainable community impact.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps when preparing and submitting a proposal:
- Review the official call guidelines carefully to understand:
- Eligibility requirements
- Funding rules
- Priority sectors
- Required documentation
- PRAG compliance procedures
- Develop a strong project proposal that clearly explains:
- The problem being addressed
- Target beneficiaries
- Planned activities
- Expected results
- Sustainability strategy
- Monitoring and evaluation methods
- Build partnerships if relevant:
- Collaborate with local NGOs
- Partner with international organisations
- Engage community networks and advocacy groups
- Strengthen implementation capacity through partnerships
- Prepare a realistic budget:
- Include eligible expenditure categories
- Demonstrate cost-effectiveness
- Ensure transparency in financial planning
- Include required co-financing contribution
- Submit the application according to EU procedures and deadlines provided in the official call documents.
Evaluation and Selection Process
Applications are evaluated under EU PRAG rules.
Evaluation focuses on:
- Eligibility compliance
- Organisational capacity
- Project relevance
- Innovation and sustainability
- Expected social impact
- Financial management and budget quality
Before final grant approval and contract signature, selected applicants must complete:
- Compliance verification
- Budget validation
- Administrative checks
- Financial review procedures
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following common issues:
- Weak or unclear problem definition
- Poor alignment with EU priorities
- Unrealistic or inflated budgets
- Missing co-financing information
- Lack of measurable outcomes and indicators
- Incomplete documentation
- Weak sustainability planning
- Insufficient implementation strategy
Strong applications usually include evidence-based analysis, clear objectives, measurable impact, and practical implementation plans.
Tips for Writing a Strong Application
Useful tips for applicants:
- Align the project directly with programme priorities
- Use data and evidence to explain the social problem
- Clearly define beneficiaries and expected outcomes
- Include measurable indicators and monitoring systems
- Demonstrate long-term sustainability
- Build strong partnerships where relevant
- Prepare a transparent and realistic budget
- Ensure all documentation is complete before submission
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the EU Human Rights and Democracy Programme in North Macedonia?
Eligible applicants include NGOs, CSOs, and non-profit organisations legally established in North Macedonia for at least two years before the call launch.
What is the available grant amount?
Projects may receive grants ranging from EUR 120,000 to EUR 200,000.
What percentage of costs does the EU cover?
The EU may finance between 60% and 90% of eligible project costs.
Can international organisations participate?
Yes. Organisations from EU Member States and other eligible countries under the NDICI–Global Europe Regulation may participate as co-applicants.
What types of projects are prioritised?
Priority is given to projects focused on:
- Human rights
- Vulnerable groups
- Democratic governance
- Transparency and accountability
- Digital rights
- Ethical AI governance
- Civic participation
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are assessed according to EU PRAG rules based on eligibility, quality, relevance, sustainability, and financial compliance.
Why does the programme include digital governance and AI?
The programme recognises the growing impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on democracy, civic participation, and fundamental rights. Responsible digital governance is therefore a key funding priority.
Key Terms and Definitions
Civil Society Organisation (CSO)
A non-governmental, non-profit organisation working to promote public interest, community welfare, rights, or social development.
Rule of Law
A governance principle ensuring laws are applied fairly, transparently, and equally to all individuals and institutions.
PRAG Rules
PRAG refers to the European Commission’s Practical Guide for grant management and procurement procedures in EU external actions.
NDICI–Global Europe Regulation
The European Union funding framework supporting international cooperation, democracy, human rights, and sustainable development initiatives.
Conclusion
The EU Human Rights and Democracy Thematic Programme 2025–2026 provides a major funding opportunity for civil society organisations in North Macedonia working on human rights, democracy, governance, inclusion, and digital freedoms.
With grants of up to EUR 200,000 and strong focus on accountability, participation, vulnerable communities, and ethical digital governance, the programme enables NGOs and non-profit organisations to create meaningful and long-term social impact.
Organisations planning to apply should carefully review eligibility requirements, align their projects with EU priorities, prepare strong evidence-based proposals, and ensure all application documents are complete and compliant with EU PRAG procedures.
For more information, visit European Commission.