Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (2021–2027) (CERV Programme)

This programme targets a wide range of public and private organisations active in the fields of equality, human rights, civil society engagement, and violence prevention. The funding is geographically designed for EU Member States and associated third countries, aiming to strengthen Union values, citizens' rights, and democratic participation, as well as to combat discrimination and violence.

The programme supports a variety of projects and activities in the areas of equality, citizens' rights, social inclusion, and violence prevention. This includes awareness campaigns, mutual learning, analytical activities, capacity building, and support for civil society organisations. It primarily supports measures at all stages of development, from planning to evaluation, with a focus on promoting EU values and civic engagement.

The CERV Programme provides financial assistance in the form of grants. The exact amount of funding and the funding rate are determined in the specific calls for proposals. The programme runs over the multiannual financial framework from 2021 to 2027 and has a significant overall budget allocated to various action areas.

Participation in the CERV Programme is subject to specific legal and administrative conditions, detailed in the work programmes and calls. Public and private organisations are eligible for funding. Collaborations, especially in the form of town twinning and networks, are encouraged. The programme is subject to EU budgetary rules and emphasizes transparency and the visibility of Union funding.

Applications for the CERV Programme must be submitted within the framework of specific calls published on the EU's "Funding & Tender Portal". Projects are selected following a defined procedure, with evaluation committees, possibly including external experts, reviewing the applications. The results of the evaluations feed into the decision-making process.

The CERV Programme is based on a specific European Union Regulation that defines its objectives, financial allocation, and implementation provisions. This Regulation serves as the primary legal basis for the entire programme and governs its operations within the EU's multiannual financial framework.