CERV Action plan - RS

ongoing

The Republic of Serbia is a candidate country for EU membership. Although organizations from Serbia have participated successfully in previous programmes – Europe for Citizens and Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme, CERV programme is new and there is big potential for our organisations and possibilities to increase our participation. Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue was nominated for the National Contact Point for CERV in May 2024 and we are the first non-EU country that joined CERV, as well as the first established NCP outside the European Union. The overall aim of the NCP Serbia is to support EU integration of the Serbia in the field of promoting human and minority rights, democracy and rule of law, non-discrimination, gender equality, greater participation of citizen in the process of decision making and combating violence against women and children, through building the capacity of the civil and public sector to create project proposals, increase mutual cooperation, connect at international level and promote EU rights and values. Specific objectives are to 1. Promote the programme at local, national and regional levels; 2. Provide all necessary information to all stakeholders and to support stakeholder cooperation; and 3. Disseminate Programme results and enhance the visibility and impact of the approved projects and programme in general. CERV will be promoted through: info sessions, conferences, social dialogues, consultation meetings, organising workshops for developing projects proposals, co-organising workshops for networking with neighboring countries, at festivals, etc. Main target groups are CSOs, public bodies, independent institutions, cultural and educational organizations. Special focus will be put on promoting the Programme in rural and underdeveloped regions and on greater participation of smaller organisations and potential applicants with less experience in participating in EU funds and programmes.