As part of the European PROGRESS program, the first Call for Proposals (CfP) to support the projects that will be implemented in cooperation with local self-governments and civil society organizations was issued. These projects are aimed at the economic empowerment of vulnerable groups in southeastern and southwestern Serbia.

The European Union and the Swiss Government will support the implementation of these projects with 46 million dinars through the Citizens Involvement Fund (CIF).  All the projects must be anchored in the municipal strategies for sustainable development and contribute to one of the following priorities: employment, reduction of poverty and an increase in inclusion of vulnerable groups in society, promotion of intercultural dialogue, the raising of awareness about migration issues and a reduction in human trafficking.

As for individual projects, which are the result of partnerships between civil society organizations and local self-governments, a maximum of 2.3 million dinars will be allocated.  If the partnership includes a minimum of two organizations and two municipalities, the maximum value of financial assistance will be up to 4.6 million dinars.  One of the requirements of the CfP is that partnership organizations should provide the co-funding amounting to at least 10% of the donor funding.  The total value of individual projects mustn’t exceed the amount of 4.6 million dinars, or 9.2 million dinars, when two organizations and two municipalities are involved in the project.

In the previous years, as part of the EU PROGRESS program, which preceded the European PROGRES one, 66 similar projects were successfully completed through two CIF Calls for Proposals.  

The associations and organizations that have their seats in at least one of the 34 municipalities included in the European PROGRESS program are eligible to apply for the funds provided under this CfP.  The projects must be carried out within a maximum of twelve and a minimum of six months, or within nine months for projects with dual partnership. The call for proposals is open until October 31, 2014, while the application documentation and additional information are available on http://www.euprogres.org/konkursi.php?oblast=pozivi .

The 34 local self-governments included in the European PROGRES program are as follows: Novi Pazar, Ivanjica, Nova Varos, Priboj, Prijepolje, Raska, Sjenica and Tutin in southwestern Serbia, followed by Prokuplje, Blace, Zitoradja, Kursumlija, Leskovac, Bojnik, Vlasotince, Lebane, Medvedja, Crna Trava, Vranje, Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Vladicin Han, Presevo, Surdulica, Trgoviste, Brus, Aleksinac, Gadzin Han, Doljevac, Merosina, Svrljig, Babusnica, Bela Palanka and Knjazevac in southeastern Serbia.

Source: Website of the City of Vranje and Coordination Body