Twinning Western Balkans Special

Last updated: 16.7.2025
Grant

The Twinning Western Balkans Special program is a targeted initiative under Horizon Europe, aiming to significantly boost research and innovation (R&I) capacities in Western Balkan countries. It uniquely fosters deep, strategic partnerships between research institutions in these countries and leading counterparts across the EU and Associated Countries, promoting excellence through knowledge transfer, best practices, and collaborative research projects. This program is part of a broader European Excellence Initiative, contributing to the region's long-term economic recovery and convergence with the European Union.

Who is Funded by Twinning Western Balkans Special?

The Twinning Western Balkans Special program is designed to strengthen the research and innovation capabilities of institutions in the Western Balkan countries. It defines specific criteria for eligible applicants, outlines the geographical focus for project activities, and details the overarching goals of the funding initiative. The program aims to bridge the R&I gap within Europe by fostering strategic partnerships and improving the overall research landscape in the targeted region.

What is Funded by Twinning Western Balkans Special?

The Twinning Western Balkans Special program funds activities aimed at capacity building and fostering scientific excellence in Western Balkan research institutions through strategic partnerships. It supports a range of R&I activities, including exploratory research, and has specific rules regarding eligible costs and project maturity levels.

Type and Scope of Twinning Western Balkans Special Funding

The Twinning Western Balkans Special program offers grant funding for a duration of up to three years, with a total budget allocation of EUR 21 million. Specific rules apply to the allocation of funds to ensure effective capacity building in Western Balkan countries.

Conditions and Requirements for Twinning Western Balkans Special

To ensure effective collaboration and financial compliance, the Twinning Western Balkans Special program outlines specific conditions for both applicants and the formation of consortia, alongside detailed budget regulations and broader policy considerations.

Application Procedure for Twinning Western Balkans Special

The application process for the Twinning Western Balkans Special call is now closed, with evaluations completed and results communicated. Standard EU procedures and forms were used for submission and assessment.

The Twinning Western Balkans Special program operates under a robust legal framework, drawing its authority from key European Union regulations and strategic documents related to research, innovation, and regional development.

Similar Programs

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Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Closed

Allocated Budget

Allocated Budget:

21,000,000 €

Deadline

Deadline:

05.10.2021

Open Until

Open Until:

Ongoing

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Framework Programme Call

Region

Region:

Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia), EU Member States, and Associated Countries

Sectors

Sectors:

Research and Development, Other

Application Type

Application Type:

Consortium Required

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Basic Research, Applied Research, Capacity Building, Process Optimization

Funding Provider

Program Level:

European Union

Funding Body:

European Commission

Managed By:

European Commission

Additional Partners:

Research Enquiry Service, Enterprise Europe Network, IT Helpdesk, European IPR Helpdesk, CEN-CENELEC Research Helpdesk, ETSI Research Helpdesk, EU Grants AGA, The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitment, Partner Search Services

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