Deadline: 30-May-23
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 announces a procedure for the acceptance and selection of proposals for projects that will be implemented with a grant within the framework of the Official development assistance (ODA) of the Republic of Bulgaria with an initial term to be implemented in 2024.
Priority Areas
Priority Areas for Project Implementation on the territory of the Republic of Serbia:
- Protecting human rights, implementing human rights standards and improving access to justice.
- The affirmation of democratic values and reforming of the public sector according to European standards in the context of the European integration process of Serbia / incl. by sending Bulgarian experts/.
- Increasing administrative capacity in order to strengthen the rule of law, democratic governance and promote civil society and the social inclusion of young people in the decision-making process.
- Connectivity – small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurship, job creation for young people with an emphasis on regions that are the least developed in terms of economic development, access to education, healthcare, etc.
- Improving the learning environment in educational institutions with a focus on underdeveloped regions and educational institutions.
- Ensuring a quality and healthy environment and sustainable management of natural resources.
- Improving the energy efficiency of public and socially significant building stock with an emphasis on regions that are the least developed in terms of economic development.
Objectives and Scope of the Projects
- Providing assistance to the processes of democratic reforms, protection of human rights and minority rights, strengthening of the rule of law, public institutions, civil society, market economy, etc., including in the context of support for European integration;
- Stimulating and supporting the building of the administrative capacity of Serbia to achieve the processes of democratic reforms and the observance of human rights and the rights of minorities, especially in relation to institutions that currently do not have sufficient experience and personnel capacity for the relevant functions and activities;
- Support for freedom of speech and the media by promoting quality, independent and citizen journalism;
- Improving the business environment and increasing employment;
- Stimulation of good practices in the field of environmental monitoring and protection, as well as in the sustainable management of natural resources.
Funding Information
- The minimum allowable value of a project is BGN 10,000 /about EUR 5,000/
- Maximum value per project is:
- for projects whose main purpose is the delivery of goods and/or the provision of services – up to BGN 80,000 /about EUR 40,900/;
- for projects whose main purpose is to carry out repair and/or construction activities – up to BGN 160,000 (about EUR 81,800).
- Duration:
- Project proposals must contain an indicative start date for project implementation after January 15, 2024 and no later than November 30, 2024.
- The deadline for project implementation cannot be later than December 31, 2026.
Expected Results
- confirmation of the good name and international authority of Bulgaria;
- improving socio-economic development and good governance;
- deepening the interaction between the institutions at the central, regional and local level, etc.;
- visible progress in guaranteeing the rights of national minorities through 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 reforms and strengthening the rule of law, promoting good governance;
- increasing the awareness and civic activity of young people and their empowerment in the management of public policies;
- creating better conditions and increasing competitiveness for small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurship, with special attention to the creation of new opportunities for young people;
- better and healthier environment and sustainable management of natural resources.
Eligible Activities
- Development of new/updating existing training modules;
- Organizing and conducting trainings for the employees of the administration of the partner country;
- Conducting trainings on specific topics in Bulgarian institutions to exchange good practices and increase the qualification of employees from the administration of the partner country;
- Organization and holding of seminars, forums, conferences;
- Research and strategy development;
- Activities to raise awareness of citizens’ rights;
- Activities to promote multicultural dialogue and to limit racism, xenophobia, hate speech, discrimination and intolerance in society
- Activities to improve dialogue between non-governmental organizations and local, regional and national authorities;
Target Groups
- NGOs;
- Organizations of local self-government;
- Educational institutions;
- Young people in the Republic of Serbia;
- Minority groups;
- Eco organizations.
Eligibility Criteria
- International and local non-governmental organizations;
- Municipalities and their associations;
- Educational, health and social institutions;
- International humanitarian organizations;
- Other organizations and associations that have no political goals and involvement.
For more information, visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.