EU Launches Public Call to Strengthen Civil Society, Media, Human Rights and Democracy in BiH
The Delegation of European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina has launched a Public Call worth EUR 5.7 million, which is part of an overall package worth EUR 6.9 million, to strengthen participatory democracy, protect human rights, and advance the EU integration process in Bosnia and Herzegovina through an enhanced role for civil society organisations and independent media.
The Public Call will support the following five areas: Strengthening media freedom, pluralism, and resilience; Reinforcing the rule of law with a focus on integrity, accountability, and anti-corruption; Promoting reconciliation and trust-building through inclusive sport and cultural initiatives; Supporting a country-wide Civil Society Organisations Resource Centre to strengthen civil society capacities and engagement in EU-related reforms; and Advancing human rights and democratic values, including inclusive and human-centred digital and Artificial Intelligence transformation. The remaining EUR 1.2 million of the 6.9 million package will go towards strengthening the integrity of elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“As underlined by Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina last year, critical voices need to be heard loud and clear to bring Bosnia and Herzegovina into the EU. Bosnia and Herzegovina needs a strong civil society and critical, independent journalists. The European Union deeply values their role and remains committed to supporting them in every possible way. An active civil society and free and independent media sector are not obstacles to reforms but drivers of democratic progress. They promote transparency, strengthen accountability, and ensure that citizens’ voices are heard. Through our support, we underline our commitment to protecting democratic space and supporting those who contribute every day to a more open, resilient and European Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Strengthening democratic spaces and safeguarding freedom of expression remain central priorities in the EU enlargement process. The European Union remains committed to supporting democratic values and protection of human rights, strengthening the rule of law, and accompanying Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards European Union membership. Through this Call for Proposals, the European Union reiterates its role as a key partner to civil society organisations and independent media in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
More information on the Call for Proposals, including how to apply can be found here.