Civil Society

The Civil Society Facility (CSF) is one of the instruments by which the EU supports the development of civil society and the media in the enlargement countries. Since its inception in 2008, pre-accession assistance has been provided to civil society in the Western Balkans and Turkey. General objectives of the Civil Society Facility 2021‒2023 are gender equality, economic growth, reducing inequality and the sustainability of cities and communities.

Thematic Programme on Human Rights and Democracy 2021‒2027 (HR&D) promotes democracy and human rights around the world by supporting civil society organisations. This programme replaces and upgrades the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) (2006‒2013, 2014‒2020). The general goal of the programme is the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. The specific objective is to protect and empower individuals to contribute to the full enjoyment of all human rights, be they civil, political, economic, social or cultural rights.

The European Union has been supporting the regional RECOM Initiative for years as well, the goal of which is to list all victims and missing persons during the wars in the former Yugoslavia. RECOM provides financial assistance to organisations and local initiatives for projects that address the culture of remembrance, those that raise citizens' awareness of judicial facts and contribute to reconciliation in the region.

In addition to this initiative, the EU also provides direct assistance to civil society organisations in Serbia that deal with regional reconciliation and transitional justice.

The European Union also provides support to civil society organisations in capacity building and development of ideas, especially those aimed at establishing the basic values ​​of the EU.