Deadline: 10 July 2020
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria through the Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Nish, the Republic of Serbia announces 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 2021.
Priority Areas
Priority Areas for Project Implementation on the territory of the Republic of Serbia:
- Guaranteeing the rights of national minorities by effectively implementing human rights standards and strengthening the human rights culture of local administrations and national councils of national minorities;
- Support for freedom of expression and the freedom of media through the promotion of quality, independent and social journalism;
- Strengthening the administrative capacity for democratic reforms and strengthening the rule of law, promoting good governance;
- Promoting young people’s civic engagement and empowering them in managing public policies;
- Support for small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurship, with particular attention to creating new opportunities for young people;
- Ensuring a quality and healthy environment and sustainable management of natural resources.
Objectives and Scope of the Projects
- 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.
Funding Information
- 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 35 000 euro/;
- for projects with main purpose to carry out repairs and /or construction activities – from 70 000 BGN up to 270 000 BGN /about 135 000 euro/.
- Co-financing of project activities provided by the applicant will be considered an advantage in the evaluation, selection and approval of the projects.
Implementation Deadlines and Duration of the Projects:
- Project proposals must contain an indicative start date for the implementation of the project after March 1, 2021 and no later than November 30, 2021.
- Projects must be completed no later than December 31, 2023.
Target Groups
- non-governmental organizations;
- local self-government organizations;
- educational institutions;
- young people in the Republic of Serbia;
- minority groups.
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.
No natural or legal person can apply for whom there are circumstances under Art. 23, para. 3-8 of Decree No. 234 of the Council of Ministers of 01.08.2011 on the policy of the Republic of Bulgaria on participation in international development cooperation.
Eligible Activities
The costs of project implementation must meet all of the conditions below:
- be lawful and comply with the principles of responsibility, economy, efficiency, effectiveness and transparency;
- be executed only against the necessary supporting documents – invoices or other documents of equivalent probative value, testifying the expenditures incurred;
- be within the budget limits of the project;
- not be funded by another project, program or any other financial scheme, related to or originating from the national budget, the EU budget or any other donor.
Outputs/Results
- affirmation of Bulgaria’s reputation and international prestige must be included;
- 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 expression and the media through the promotion of quality, independent and civic journalism;
- strengthening the administrative capacity for democratic reform and strengthening the rule of law, promoting good governance;
- increasing young people’s civic engagement and empowerment in public policy management;
- support for small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurship, with particular attention to creating new opportunities for young people;
- better quality and healthier environment and sustainable management of natural resources.
For more information, visit https://www.mfa.bg/en/embassies/serbiagc/news/25167