Deadline: 30-Jun-22
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria through the Embassy / Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Serbia has launched a procedure for the acceptance and selection of proposals for projects to be implemented with a grant through the Official Development Assistance of the Republic of Bulgaria, with an initial implementation period in 2023.
Objectives
- Assisting in the processes of democratic reforms, protection of human and minority rights, strengthening the rule of law, civil society, market economy, etc., including in the context of support for European integration.
- Encouraging and supporting the building of Serbia’s administrative capacity to achieve democratic reform processes and respect for human and minority rights, especially with regard to institutions that do not currently have sufficient experience and staff capacity for relevant functions and activities.
- Support for freedom of expression and the media through the promotion of quality, independent and social journalism.
- Improving the business environment and increasing employment.
- Stimulating good practices in the field of environmental monitoring and protection, as well as in sustainable management of natural resources.
Priorities
Priority Areas for Project Implementation on the territory of the Republic of Serbia:
- Protecting human rights and respecting the rights of minorities, increasing the capacity to enforce human rights standards and improving access to justice at the local level; Support for public sector reform in line with European standards in the context of Serbia’s European integration process / incl. by sending Bulgarian experts.
- Increasing administrative capacity to strengthen the rule of law, democratic governance and the promotion of civil society and the participation of young people in the decision-making process.
- Sustainable economic development and support for sustainable employment; development of entrepreneurship by improving the capacity of institutions and / or organizations supporting the development of small and medium business; support for business in the implementation of EU standards and overcoming the negative socio-economic consequences of COVID-19.
- Providing inclusive and quality education and improving school infrastructure.
- Support for providing universal health coverage and access to quality health services.
- Ensuring a quality and healthy environment and sustainable management of natural resources (with a focus on the border area with the Republic of Bulgaria).
Funding Infromation
- Minimal amount of the project is 5 000 BGN /about 2 500 euro/.
- Recommended maximum amount of the project is:
- for projects with main purpose to deliver goods and /or services – up to 70 000 BGN /about 35 800 euro/;
- for projects with main purpose to carry out repairs and /or construction activities – up to 140 000 BGN /about 71 600 euro/.
- Co-financing of project activities provided by the applicant will be considered an advantage in the evaluation, selection and approval of the projects.
Outcomes
- affirmation of Bulgaria’s reputation and international prestige
- improving socio-economic development and good governance
- deepening the interaction between institutions at central, regional and local level, etc .
- visible progress in safeguarding the rights of national minorities through the effective implementation of human rights standards and strengthening the human rights culture of local administrations and national councils of national minorities
- support for freedom of speech and the media by promoting quality, independent and citizen journalism
- strengthening the administrative capacity for democratic reform and strengthening the rule of law, promoting good governance
- raising the awareness and civic activity of young people and their empowerment in public policy management
- creating better conditions and increasing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurship, with special attention to creating new opportunities for young people
- better quality and healthier environment and sustainable management of natural resources
Eligible Activities
- Development of new/modernization of existing training modules
- Organizing and conducting training for employees from the administration of the partner country
- Conducting trainings on specific topics in Bulgarian institutions for the exchange of good practices and raising the skills of the employees of the administration of the partner country
- Organizing and conducting seminars, forums, conferences (in compliance with COVID-19 pandemic measures)
- Development of research and strategies
- Activities to raise awareness of citizens’ rights
- Activities to promote multicultural dialogue and to restraint racism, xenophobia, hate speech, discrimination and intolerance in society
- Actions to improve dialogue between non-governmental organizations and local, regional and national authorities
- Activities related to environmental protection and improvement of living conditions
- Activities related to improving the quality of the infrastructure in the respective area and increasing the potential of the sites through the supply of equipment and materials, construction works, restoration, renewal, rehabilitation, measures for preservation and improvement of adjacent buildings and infrastructure, public buildings and other complementary sites , for example:
- Supply of equipment and materials intended for state or municipal property – schools, hospitals, kindergartens, old people’s homes, etc.
- Construction works for improvement of state or municipal property objects – schools, hospitals, kindergartens, old people’s homes, etc.
Target Groups
- non-governmental organizations
- local self-government organizations
- educational institutions
- young people in the Republic of Serbia
- minority groups
- environmental organization
Eligibility Criteria
- Primary and secondary budget spenders – legal entities of the Republic of Serbia
- International and local non-governmental organizations
- Municipalities and their associations
- Educational, health and social institutions
- International humanitarian organisations
- Other organizations and associations that have no political goals and involvement
For more information, visit https://www.mfa.bg/en/embassies/serbiagc/news/33955