Deadline: 28-Apr-2026

The European Union has launched a call for proposals under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme to promote gender equality and women’s full enjoyment of rights. The call has an estimated budget of EUR 23 million, with EUR 5–7 million allocated per priority area. Eligible applicants include public and private legal entities established in EU Member States or associated countries.

The European Union has opened a funding call under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme to advance gender equality and support women’s empowerment.

The initiative supports comprehensive policies that promote equality between women and men and strengthen gender mainstreaming across sectors.

Objectives of the Call

This call aims to:

• Promote women’s empowerment

• Advance equality between women and men

• Support gender mainstreaming in policies and practices

• Ensure women’s full enjoyment of rights

Priority Areas

Projects must address one or more of the following focus areas.

1. Work-Life Balance and Care Responsibilities

Projects may support:

• Family-friendly policies among employers

• Uptake of parental leave and flexible working arrangements

• Equal sharing of care responsibilities between women and men

• Prevention of discrimination related to pregnancy or family leave

• Increased participation of men in informal and formal care work

• Recognition and value of care sector jobs

2. Equal Pay and Pay Transparency

Projects may focus on:

• Implementation of the Pay Transparency Directive

• Ensuring equal pay for equal work or work of equal value

• Gender pay gap reporting

• Supporting employers and social partners in meeting pay transparency obligations

• Strengthening social dialogue related to pay equality

3. Equal Participation and Representation

Projects may aim to:

• Increase women’s participation in economic and political decision-making

• Strengthen women’s leadership

• Address structural and societal barriers

• Promote inclusivity of women in all their diversity

4. Tackling Gender Stereotypes

Projects may address:

• Gender stereotypes in media and advertising

• Societal expectations affecting women and men

• Fair and balanced representation

Budget and Funding

• Total estimated budget: EUR 23 million

• Allocation per priority area: Between EUR 5 million and EUR 7 million

The budget is distributed across the listed priorities.

Types of Projects

• Projects may be national or transnational

• Activities must take place in eligible countries

• Projects should align clearly with one or more priority areas

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include:

• Legal entities

• Public or private bodies

• Organisations established in EU Member States or associated non-EU countries

Profit-oriented organisations may participate only in partnership with public or non-profit entities.

All participants must:

• Register in the EU Participant Register

• Be validated before submitting proposals

Key Compliance Requirements

Projects addressing equal pay must support:

• Compliance with pay transparency obligations

• Gender pay gap reporting

• Measures ensuring equal pay for equal work or work of equal value

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the total budget for this call?

The estimated total budget is EUR 23 million.

2. How much funding is allocated per priority?

Each focus area receives between EUR 5 million and EUR 7 million.

3. Can projects be national?

Yes. Projects may be national or transnational.

4. Who can apply?

Legal entities, public or private bodies established in EU Member States or associated non-EU countries.

5. Can profit-oriented organisations apply?

Yes, but only in partnership with public or non-profit entities.

6. Where must project activities take place?

Activities must take place in eligible countries.

7. Is registration required before applying?

Yes. Applicants must register in the EU Participant Register and complete validation before submission.

Conclusion

This CERV Programme call supports initiatives advancing gender equality, equal pay, work-life balance, women’s leadership, and the elimination of gender stereotypes. With a total estimated budget of EUR 23 million, the programme funds national and transnational projects aligned with its defined priorities.

For more information, visit EC.