The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme is a key EU funding instrument dedicated to fostering democratic engagement, protecting fundamental rights, and promoting equality across Europe. As autumn 2025 approaches, two major CERV calls open important funding opportunities for organizations committed to these critical social goals.
Project calls:
1. Town Twinning
Deadline: 17 September 2025
Budget: Approx. €5 million
This call supports transnational cooperation between municipalities across Europe to promote:
- Active citizen participation and grassroots democracy
- Cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue
- Shared European identity and values through local initiatives
This project call encourages small- to medium-scale projects fostering community cohesion and engagement across borders.
2. EU Charter of Fundamental Rights & Union Values
Deadline: 18 September 2025
Budget: Approx. €18 million
This strategic call targets initiatives that:
- Raise awareness and build capacity around the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
- Promote strategic litigation and legal empowerment
- Combat hate crimes, discrimination, and protect whistleblowers
- Strengthen civil society’s role in defending democracy and rule of law
Projects typically involve civil society networks, NGOs, and think tanks working transnationally.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Municipal and regional authorities
- Civil society networks and coalitions
- Universities and research institutions
- European-level think tanks and advocacy groups
Most projects require transnational partnerships with organizations from at least two EU Member States to ensure cross-border impact and cooperation.
Activities that can be funded:
Examples of activities:
- Organizing transnational workshops, citizen forums, and intercultural events
- Capacity-building and training for civil society and local authorities
- Development of educational tools and awareness campaigns on EU values
- Legal support, strategic litigation, and advocacy initiatives
- Designing communication campaigns combating misinformation and hate speech
- Research and policy recommendations to strengthen fundamental rights
Projects usually run from 12 up to 36 months, with budgets reflecting the scale and scope of activities.
How Planet to the 3rd Power Can Support Your Success
At Planet to the 3rd Power, we combine deep expertise in EU project management, communications, and stakeholder engagement to maximize your chances of success.
Proposal Development & Project Design
- Analyze call requirements and tailor project concepts accordingly
- Support multi-country consortium building and partner outreach
- Draft clear, coherent proposals with solid logical frameworks and budgets
Communication & Outreach Strategies
- Develop citizen engagement plans and interactive event formats
- Design multilingual communication materials, social media campaigns, and toolkits
- Manage dissemination and outreach to key stakeholders, policymakers, and the public
Project & Grant Management
- Ensure compliance with EU reporting and administrative rules
- Monitor progress and impact through KPIs and data collection systems
- Facilitate knowledge exchange and policy uptake beyond the project lifespan
Take Action Today
With application deadlines fast approaching in September 2025, early preparation is critical. Whether you lead a municipality aiming to strengthen community ties or a civil society organization defending rights and democracy, Planet to the 3rd Power is your dedicated partner for:
- Collaborating as a project partner
- Providing external communications and engagement services
- Leading proposal coordination and writing
📩 Reach out to us now at projects@planet3pm.si to discuss your project ideas and how we can help bring them to life. Together, let’s build a more democratic, inclusive, and resilient Europe.