Deadline: 29-May-2026
The CEI Cooperation Fund has opened its annual Call for Proposals to support projects that strengthen regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building across CEI Member States. The call is open to public and private entities, NGOs/CSOs, and international organisations, with a total indicative budget of EUR 442,000.
About the CEI Cooperation Fund Call
The CEI Cooperation Fund is inviting eligible institutions to apply for funding for innovative regional cooperation projects.
The fund supports actions that:
- Strengthen regional collaboration
- Promote capacity building
- Encourage knowledge exchange
- Advance sustainable development
- Support cross-sector cooperation in CEI Member States
The fund is financed through annual contributions from all CEI Member States.
Thematic Priorities
Projects can be proposed under a wide range of themes, including:
- Good governance and institutional development
- Youth, women, and vulnerable groups
- Health and well-being
- Connectivity and sustainable mobility
- Renewable energy
- Energy efficiency and energy security
- Circular bioeconomy
- Environmental protection
- Risk reduction and resilience
- Sustainable communities, cities, and territories
- Business environment and entrepreneurship
- Research and innovation through science diplomacy
- Media freedom
- Cultural cooperation
Funding Available
Total Budget
The total indicative budget is:
- EUR 442,000
Budget Breakdown
- Thematic Agenda: up to EUR 342,000
- Includes proposals aligned with CEI Flagship Event requirements
- Focused Section: up to EUR 100,000
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Public entities
- Public-equivalent bodies
- Private entities
- NGOs / CSOs
- International Organisations
Location Requirement
Applicants must be:
- Based and registered in CEI Member States
Who is Not Eligible?
- Individuals cannot apply
Can Previous Grantees Apply Again?
Yes. Applicants who previously received CEI funding may reapply if:
- Their previous project has been completed
- Their final report was approved
Why This Fund Matters
This call is important because it supports:
- Regional policy and institutional cooperation
- Cross-border learning and partnership building
- Innovation across social, environmental, cultural, and economic sectors
- Sustainable development in CEI Member States
It is especially useful for organisations seeking small-to-medium regional project funding with strong collaboration value.
How to Apply
The source text does not include the deadline, grant size per project, or official submission link, so applicants should review the official CEI call guidelines.
Suggested Steps
- Confirm your organisation is based in a CEI Member State
- Choose a project aligned with a thematic priority
- Decide whether your proposal fits the Thematic Agenda or Focused Section
- Build a strong regional cooperation and capacity-building case
- If previously funded, ensure your earlier project is fully closed and approved
- Submit through the official CEI application process
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying as an individual
- Submitting a project outside CEI thematic priorities
- Not showing clear regional cooperation value
- Ignoring whether the proposal belongs under the Thematic Agenda or Focused Section
- Reapplying before previous CEI reporting is approved
Quick Facts
- Fund Name: CEI Cooperation Fund
- Type: Annual Call for Proposals
- Total Budget: EUR 442,000
- Thematic Agenda: Up to EUR 342,000
- Focused Section: Up to EUR 100,000
- Eligible Applicants: Public/private entities, NGOs/CSOs, International Organisations
- Ineligible: Individuals
- Geographic Scope: CEI Member States
FAQ
1. What is the CEI Cooperation Fund?
It is a funding mechanism that supports regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building projects across CEI Member States.
2. How much funding is available in total?
The total indicative budget is EUR 442,000.
3. Who can apply?
Public entities, public-equivalent bodies, private entities, NGOs/CSOs, and International Organisations based in CEI Member States.
4. Can individuals apply?
No. Individuals are not eligible.
5. Can past CEI grantees apply again?
Yes, if their previous project is completed and the final report has been approved.
6. What are the two funding sections?
The call includes:
- Thematic Agenda (up to EUR 342,000)
- Focused Section (up to EUR 100,000)
Conclusion
The CEI Cooperation Fund Call for Proposals 2026 is a valuable opportunity for institutions seeking to advance regional cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development across CEI Member States.
With broad thematic coverage and a total budget of EUR 442,000, the call is well suited for organisations working on collaborative, cross-sector, and capacity-building initiatives.
For more information, visit CEI.