The EU provides support to local governments in Serbia – among other things – to implement the green transition as quickly and successfully as possible. Thanks to the Interreg EU programme, Serbia cooperates with neighboring countries to solve issues of mutual interest, especially in areas close to state borders.

Do you work in local self-government, do you want to improve and modernize it, or do you want to contribute to environmental protection?

Are you interested in what cross-border and transnational cooperation between our country and its neighbors looks like?

Below you can see what all the possibilities are in these areas:

The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values ​​(CERV) programme was launched in 2021 and will run until 2027. It was created alongside the Justice 2021-2027 programme within the Fund for Justice, Rights and Values.

The CERV programme seeks to support and develop open societies based on the rule of law, which foster democratic values, equality, and inclusiveness. Such societies include a vibrant and empowered civil society, which encourages people’s democratic, civic, and social participation and nurtures the rich diversity of European society, based on our common values, history, and memory. The programme provides financial support for the promotion of civil activism, equality for all, and the rights and values ​​of the European Union. It is intended for local self-government units and civil society organisations.

The CERV programme has four pillars:

  1. Equality, rights and gender equality – promoting laws, anti-discrimination, and equality (including gender equality);
  2. Engagement and participation of citizens – promoting citizen engagement and participation in the democratic life of the EU, exchanges between citizens of different member states, and raising awareness of common European history;
  3. Daphne – focusing on the fight against violence, including gender-based violence and violence against children;
  4. EU values – protection and promotion of EU values.

Civil society organisations active at the local, regional, national, and transnational levels, as well as other interested parties, can apply to receive funds from CERV for initiatives aimed at citizen engagement, equality for all, and the protection and promotion of EU rights and values.

The national contact point for this programme in Serbia is the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue. Here you can apply for the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values ​​(CERV) programme.

Through the competent Ministry for European Integration, Serbia is involved in programmes with almost all its neighbours: Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, as well as in the transnational cooperation programmes Adrion, Danube, and the interregional cooperation programme URBAKT.

Projects can be submitted by all non-profit institutions (e.g., ministries, provincial government and local self-government bodies, public companies, universities, schools, hospitals, agencies, associations, chambers, civil society organisations, etc.) that are registered in the territory covered by the programme.

Within the transnational cooperation programme, private companies and profit-making organisations can also participate.

There are several such programmes, which you can find out about in this brochure.

The Regional Programme of Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2, known as the ReLOaD2 project, aims to strengthen democracy and the EU integration process in the Western Balkans by empowering civil society and encouraging young people to actively participate in the decision-making process. It also seeks to improve the legal and financial framework to further encourage the development of civil society.

The programme is implemented by UNDP, and you can find more opportunities within the framework of this initiative at this link.

EU for Circular Economy in Serbia is a two-year project supporting Serbia’s transition toward a resource-efficient, innovative, and sustainable economic system. The project, implemented by the Ministry of Environmental Protection with the support of the European Union, runs from January 2025 to January 2027.

The aim of the project is to help businesses adopt circular principles through expert support, education, networking, and the development of plans that contribute to Serbia’s green transition. At the same time, the project supports local self-governments in designing strategic documents and plans that strengthen their role in implementing circular economy practices at the local level.

What does the project offer?

1. Expert support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

The project provides support to five SMEs from the textile and food processing industries (dairy, meat, fruit, and vegetables), including:

  • Training on circular economy
  • Initial environmental assessment
  • Development of a Circular Business Model and Action Plan
  • Two study visits to the EU
  • Mentoring and advisory support
  • Guidance on financial instruments for implementation

Campaigns and education
The project includes a public awareness campaign and a series of events and workshops to:

  • Raise awareness about the circular economy
  • Connect actors from the private and civil sectors
  • Share best practices and knowledge

Who can participate?
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that:

  • Operate in the textile sector (clothing, leather, footwear) or food processing (dairy, meat, fruit, vegetables)
  • Are privately owned with majority domestic ownership
  • Have existed for at least three years and made a profit in 2024
  • Are motivated to develop a circular business model and implement changes

How to apply?
Calls for applications are published on the EU MOGUĆNOSTI platform, under the categories GREEN TRANSITION and LOCAL DEVELOPMENT.

Each call includes detailed application instructions.

The European Union’s Customs Union plays a key role in facilitating trade, preventing illegal activities, and fostering economic growth. It is one of the fundamental pillars of the European Union, ensuring smooth trade, security, and financial protection among Member States. It allows the free movement of goods within the EU, while imports from third countries are subject to a common customs tariff.

The EU Customs Programme (2021–2027) continues this tradition with the aim of further strengthening cooperation and introducing modern digital tools into customs processes across Europe and its partner countries. With a total budget of €950 million, the Customs Programme:

  • Enhances cooperation between national customs administrations of EU Member States and candidate countries, enabling better coordination and faster exchange of information, making trade safer and more efficient.
  • Develops and maintains modern European IT systems that improve the digitalization of customs procedures and enable faster, more accurate data processing.
  • Supports training, exchange of information and knowledge among customs officers, allowing for greater expertise and harmonization in the implementation of customs procedures, as well as reducing risks of errors or fraud
  • Improves risk management and detection of customs fraud, contributing to greater border security and better protection of the EU market from illegal activities.

Since 2014, Serbia has been a full participant in the Customs Programme, which enables its customs authorities to take part in cooperation projects, use modern EU-level customs IT systems, participate in training and networking activities, and enhance border security and fraud prevention.

What types of projects are supported?

The Customs Programme supports: joint actions, seminars and workshops, project groups, expert teams, administrative capacity building in customs administrations, studies, awareness-raising campaigns, IT skill development, and training for the development of professional customs skills and knowledge.

Strengthening customs cooperation:

  • Enhances collaboration between EU customs authorities and partner countries
  • Supports the development of joint IT tools and digital solutions for customs procedures
  • Enables the exchange of information on trade flows and risk assessment.

Digital transformation of customs and IT systems:

  • Develops and maintains digital tools for customs management at the EU level
  • Improves electronic data exchange between customs administrations
  • Enhances the interoperability of national customs systems.

Risk management and fraud prevention:

  • Improves risk analysis and border security controls
  • Supports joint investigations to combat customs fraud and smuggling
  • Strengthens cooperation between customs authorities, police, and other security services.

Who can apply?

All actions are open to officials working in customs administrations from: EU Member States and Candidate countries that have joined the Programme.

Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)

Customs Administration – National Programme Coordinator (NCP)

Ivan Milošević

Email: miloseviciv@carina.rs

Key resources and useful links:

The Digital Europe Programme is aimed at enhancing digital transformation across the European Union. It is designed to support the development of digital technologies, infrastructure, and skills, enabling all participating countries to use the benefits of the digital age. Serbia has become a full member of this programme, allowing companies and institutions to help bridge the gap between digital technology research and its application, and bring research results to market – for the benefit of citizens and businesses.

With a total budget of €8.1 billion, the programme focuses on several key areas:

  • Digital Infrastructure: encourages investment in high-speed broadband networks and 5G technology to improve internet access for citizens and businesses and accelerate data transmission.
  • Digital Technology and Innovation: supports the research and development of emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data analytics. This kind of support fosters innovation and competitiveness among European businesses.
  • Digital Skills and Education: includes training programmes for teachers, digital technology education for young people, and support for workforce upskilling, helping citizens adapt to digital changes in society and the workplace.
  • Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Digital Europe pays special attention to strengthening digital security within the EU. This includes measures to protect the privacy of citizens’ and businesses’ data, as well as efforts to combat cybercrime and hacking attacks.

What kind of projects are supported?

The Digital Europe Programme funds strategic projects that drive technological innovation and accelerate digital transformation:

  • Supercomputing: High-performance computing to solve complex challenges.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI research, data exchange platforms, and innovation hubs.
  • Cybersecurity: Enhancing cyber resilience and protecting digital infrastructure.
  • Advanced Digital Skills: Training in AI, cybersecurity, and emerging digital technologies.
  • Digital Transformation: Supporting SMEs, startups, and public institutions in adopting digital technologies.

Current project calls can be viewed HERE.

Funding and budget per project

  • Supercomputing and Artificial Intelligence (AI): From €5M to €15M per project
  • Cybersecurity: Grants from €3M to €10M per project
  • European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs): Funding from €1M to €5M
  • Advanced Digital Skills: Training initiatives from €500K to €5M

Who can apply?

The Digital Europe Programme is open to a wide range of applicants, including:

  • Technology companies and startups
  • SMEs and large enterprises
  • Universities and research institutions
  • Public institutions and policymakers
  • Digital innovation hubs and business incubators. Applications for open calls are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portala:

Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)

Ministry of Information and Telecommunications

Head of the Department for International Cooperation and European Integration in the Field of Information, Electronic Communications, Postal Services and Information Society:

Maja Zarić M: +381 64 670 5388 | T: +381 11 292 8953 | W: www.mit.gov.rs

Key resources and useful links

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the main financial instrument of the European Union that significantly supports employment policies, social policies, education, skills development, and structural reforms in these areas. Through this programme, the EU aims to build a more inclusive and fair society, improve employment opportunities, and promote social protection.

The Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) strand of the European Social Fund+ follows the same political objectives, aligned with the European Pillar of Social Rights, and funds projects focused on strengthening employment policies, social innovation, inclusion, and fairer working conditions across Europe.

With a total budget of €5.4 billion (2021–2027), EaSI:

  • Improves access to the labour market and social protection systems, making it easier for citizens to find employment while ensuring adequate protection during social and economic challenges.
  • Encourages innovative projects in employment and social inclusion that help not only the unemployed, but also provide opportunities for marginalised groups.
  • Supports fair working conditions and equal opportunities, contributing to the reduction of social inequalities and promoting labour market balance.
  • Enables microfinance and funding for social enterprises, which is especially important for supporting small entrepreneurs and social initiatives that positively impact communities.

Serbia, as a candidate country, has the opportunity to benefit from EaSI funds to develop its labour market, social policies, and inclusion in a fair and sustainable way, thereby contributing to the creation of a more just and inclusive society.

How does EaSI work?

Unlike other segments of the European Social Fund+, which are managed at the national level, EaSI is largely managed directly by the European Commission:

  • The EC launches calls for project proposals
  • Calls for tenders finance services and deliverables within the programme
  • The Commission awards prizes for outstanding achievements in employment and social innovation
  • A part of the programme is implemented in cooperation with international organisations.

You can view EaSI Annual Work Programmes HERE.

What types of projects are supported?

EaSI funds projects related to employment, social innovation, and market inclusion in the following key areas:

Employment and labour market policies:

  • Funds national and regional labour market reforms
  • Develops innovative employment initiatives
  • Improves skills for jobseekers and vulnerable groups

Social inclusion and equal opportunities:

  • Promotes the inclusion of marginalised groups
  • Reduces poverty and social exclusion
  • Strengthens the social economy and supports microfinance

Social innovation and entrepreneurship:

  • Funds innovative solutions to social challenges
  • Supports social enterprises and cooperatives
  • Encourages responsible business practices

Browse calls for project proposals HERE.

Funding and project budgets

  • Employment and skills training projects: €500,000 – €5 million
  • Grants for social inclusion and equal opportunities: €1 million – €10 million
  • Support for social innovation and entrepreneurship: €1 million – €5 million

Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)

Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs

Danka Čančarević – Operational Contact, danka.cancarevic@minrzs.gov.rs

Stefan Stamenić – Operational Contact, stefan.stamenic@minrzs.gov.rs

European Commission – EaSI contact team: EMPL-EaSI@ec.europa.eu

Key resources and useful links

The FISCALIS program is a key European Union initiative financing tax cooperation designed to improve coordination among tax administrations across Europe. Its goal is to reduce administrative burdens, harmonize costs for taxpayers, enable better monitoring of tax obligations through digital systems, and reduce tax abuses, while ensuring a fair and competitive tax environment.

With a total budget of €269 million (2021–2027), Fiscalis:

  • Strengthens cooperation between tax authorities in the EU and partner countries, enabling faster and more efficient information exchange and better coordination in combating tax fraud.
  • Finances training, knowledge exchange, and expert secondments for tax officials, contributing to greater expertise and better implementation of tax policies in participating countries.
  • Develops and maintains advanced IT taxation systems that allow tax administrations to more effectively monitor and process taxes, reducing the possibility of abuse and errors.
  • Enhances tax compliance, fraud prevention, and risk management, contributing to a fair and competitive tax environment in the EU and partner countries.

Serbia actively participates in the program and benefits from alignment with European practices and standards, access to EU tax IT systems and digital tools, and harmonization of tax policies, contributing to greater economic stability and a favourable business environment.

What types of projects are supported?

Strengthening tax cooperation and information exchange

  • Enables exchange of tax data between tax administrations
  • Supports cooperation in fighting tax fraud, tax evasion, and VAT fraud
  • Develops best practices and common tax policies.

Digital transformation of tax administration

  • Develops and maintains advanced EU-wide tax IT systems
  • Improves interoperability of national databases
  • Supports e-invoicing, e-reporting, and the application of blockchain technology in the tax system.

Capacity building for tax officials

  • Finances training programs and workshops for tax experts
  • Encourages joint audits, experience sharing, and peer learning programs among professionals
  • Supports professional development of tax authorities.

Who can apply?

All activities are open to officials working in tax administrations in EU member states and candidate countries participating in the program.

Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)

Tax Administration – National Program Coordinator

Vesna Adrović

E-mail: vesna.adrovic@purs.gov.rs

Key resources and useful links

Disasters—whether natural or man-made—know no borders. That’s why the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) was established as a central coordination point for assistance, enabling rapid response, avoiding duplication of efforts, and ensuring the efficient distribution of resources among European and partner countries.

Any country in the world affected by a disaster can request urgent assistance through the Mechanism. The European Commission, through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), coordinates operations and co-finances transport and intervention costs. The Mechanism brings together the 27 EU Member States and 10 additional participating countries—including Serbia—into a unified network ready to respond to crises.

To strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response to disasters, the Civil Protection Mechanism provides:

  • Participation in joint operations, training, and exercises to enhance risk management capacities
  • Access to advanced IT systems and EU tools for rapid and coordinated response
  • Opportunities for sharing expertise, personnel, and equipment among participating countries
  • Active engagement in sending and receiving international aid during emergencies.

Serbia actively participates in the Mechanism and benefits from its advantages. Through this partnership, Serbia is part of a European network that saves lives and protects communities in times of crisis.

What activities are supported?

The programme covers the following areas:

  • Emergency response coordination: Activation of the ERCC for rapid aid deployment, mobilisation of search and rescue teams, firefighting and medical teams, and use of satellite maps from the Copernicus system for operational planning
  • rescEU – Strategic reserve network: EU-funded additional support during crises, enhancing preparedness for wildfires, pandemics, chemical and energy-related incidents; includes reserves of medical equipment, evacuation aircraft, and firefighting planes
  • European Civil Protection Pool (ECPP): Shared resources from member and participating states, enabling better planning and faster emergency response
  • Prevention and preparedness: Training programmes and exercises for civil protection teams, joint risk assessments and early warning systems; promotes disaster resilience through research and policy.

The Mechanism in practice

In 2024 alone, the Mechanism was activated 58 times: evacuations from Ukraine, response to floods and wildfires in Europe and Latin America, reaction to Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, consular assistance and evacuation of EU citizens from crisis zones. The joint response of all 27 EU

Member States and 6 participating countries (including Serbia) to the crisis in Ukraine represents the largest UCPM operation to date.

Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)

Sector for Emergency Management, Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia

Department for General Legal Affairs and International Humanitarian Assistance

Dr Dejan Radinović, Head of European Affairs Unit

Mije Kovačevića 2–4, 11000 Belgrade

Phone: +381 11 2741105

Fax: +381 11 2282911

Email: dejan.radinovic@mup.gov.rs

Key resources and useful links

Info sessions
“EU Opportunities” podcast
Panel discussion