What are Union Programmes?
Union Programmes are key instruments of the European Union designed to foster cooperation among EU Member States, candidate countries, and partner regions. These programmes support strategic areas such as research, education, digital transformation, competitiveness, culture, and social inclusion.
Serbia, as an EU candidate country, actively participates in multiple Union Programmes, enabling institutions, businesses, researchers, and civil society organizations to access funding, develop international partnerships, and strengthen integration with the EU policy framework.
By joining Union Programmes, Serbian organizations can:
- Access EU funding for research, innovation, culture, digital transformation, and education
- Collaborate with European partners and strengthen regional and international networks
- Enhance skills and knowledge through specialized training, mobility schemes, and policy exchange
- Contribute to Serbia’s European integration process by aligning with EU standards and practices.
Union Programmes Serbia Participates In:
1. Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the EU’s largest research and innovation funding programme, running from 2021 to 2027, with a total budget of €95.5 billion. It aims to:
- Tackle climate change and global challenges
- Boost scientific excellence and technological development
- Strengthen European industrial competitiveness
- Encourage cooperation between academia, businesses, and policymakers.
Serbia, as an associated country, has full access to Horizon Europe, meaning Serbian researchers, institutions, businesses, and innovators can apply on equal footing with EU Member States.
Official Programme Website: Horizon Europe – European Commission
What Kind of Actions Are Supported?
Horizon Europe funds cutting-edge research, applied science, and innovation-driven projects. The programme is structured into four key areas:
Pillar I: Excellent Science
Supports high-level frontier research, researcher mobility, and infrastructure development.
- European Research Council (ERC): Funds individual research projects with long-term impact.
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA): Fellowships and training for researchers at all career stages.
- Research Infrastructures: Supports world-class research facilities and open access to scientific resources.
Pillar II: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Funds research and innovation tackling climate, health, and societal challenges.
Clusters include:
- Health
- Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society
- Civil Security for Society
- Digital, Industry, and Space
- Climate, Energy, and Mobility
- Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment.
Pillar III: Innovative Europe
Aims to make Europe a leader in breakthrough and market-creating innovation.
- European Innovation Council (EIC): Supports startups, SMEs, and deep-tech innovation.
- European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT): Fosters entrepreneurship and business-driven research.
- European Innovation Ecosystems: Encourages cross-border collaboration between innovators and investors.
Find EIC Funding Opportunities
Widening Participation and Strengthening the ERA
Encourages collaboration, excellence, and knowledge-sharing across Europe.
- Supports countries with lower participation in EU research programmes.
Funding & Budget Per Action
Horizon Europe funds cover a wide range of activities, with budget allocation varying depending on the project type and action:
- Research and Innovation Actions (RIA): Typically, €1M to €10M per project
- Innovation Actions (IA): Focus on commercialization & development, €2M to €15M per project
- Coordination and Support Actions (CSA): Policy and networking projects from €500K to €5M
- ERC Grants:
- Starting Grants (up to €1.5M)
- Consolidator Grants (up to €2M)
- Advanced Grants (up to €2.5M)
Who Can Apply?
Horizon Europe is open to a wide range of applicants, including:
- Universities and Research Institutions
- Companies (including SMEs and startups)
- Public authorities and policymakers
- Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and NGOs
- Industry and Business Associations.
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Start Your Application Here
Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)
For guidance and assistance, contact Serbia’s Horizon Europe National Contact Points (NCPs).
Useful Links:
2. Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is the EU’s flagship programme for supporting education, training, youth, and sport. It provides funding for mobility, collaboration, and innovation in learning across Europe and beyond.
With a budget of €26.2 billion (2021-2027), Erasmus+:
- Supports student and staff mobility across Europe and partner countries
- Encourages cooperation between educational institutions and businesses
- Funds youth exchange and volunteering initiatives
- Promotes inclusion, digitalization, and environmental sustainability
Official Programme Website: Erasmus+ – European Commission
Serbia’s Participation in Erasmus+
Serbia is a fully associated country in Erasmus+, meaning Serbian institutions and individuals enjoy the same participation rights as EU Member States.
Depending on the funding authority, projects are divided into centralized and decentralized.
- Centralized projects are submitted to the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) in Brussels.
- Decentralized projects are submitted to the Foundation Tempus, which serves as Serbia’s National Agency for Erasmus+.
Foundation Tempus – Erasmus+ National Agency
What Kind of Actions Are Supported?
Erasmus+ is structured into three key actions (KA1, KA2, KA3) and a Sport strand:
1. Key Action 1 (KA1) – Learning Mobility of Individuals
- Student and staff mobility (higher education, vocational training, school education, adult education)
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Youth exchanges and volunteering (European Solidarity Corps).
2. Key Action 2 (KA2) – Cooperation Among Organizations & Institutions
- Partnerships for Cooperation (educational institutions, businesses, NGOs)
- Erasmus+ Capacity Building projects (higher education, youth, vocational training)
- Alliances for Innovation and Forward-looking projects.
3. Key Action 3 (KA3) – Support for Policy Development & Cooperation
- Promotes evidence-based policies for education and youth
- Encourages social inclusion and sustainability in education
- Supports networks and cooperation platforms.
Erasmus+ Sport
- Supports collaborative partnerships in sports
- Promotes inclusion and equality in sports
- Fights doping, violence, and discrimination in sports.
Who Can Apply?
Erasmus+ funding is available to:
- Universities, schools, and vocational training institutions
- Youth organizations & NGOs
- Businesses and public authorities
- Teachers, students, researchers, and youth workers.
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted:
Funding & Budget Per Action
- Student & Staff Mobility Grants: Up to €2,000 per month
- Partnerships for Cooperation: €100K – €400K
- Capacity Building Projects: €500K – €1M
- Jean Monnet Activities: €30K – €300K.
Serbia Desk – National Contact Point (NCP)
Erasmus+ National Agency – Foundation Tempus
Foundation Tempus – National Agency for Erasmus+ in Serbia
Address: Ruže Jovanović 27a, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
General Contact: erasmus@tempus.ac.rs
Phone: +381 11 3342 430
Website: www.tempus.ac.rs
Erasmus+ for Practitioners – How to Get Involved Beyond Funding?
Even if you are not applying for Erasmus+ funding, you can still:
- Attend Erasmus+ conferences, networking events, and info days
- Follow Erasmus+ news and updates on funding and opportunities
- Join Erasmus+ alumni networks and professional communities
Stay Updated with Erasmus+ in Serbia: Erasmus+ Serbia Facebook Page
3. Creative Europe
Creative Europe is the EU’s flagship programme supporting the cultural and creative sectors, including film, music, literature, performing arts, and digital media.
With a budget of €2.44 billion (2021-2027), Creative Europe:
- Funds cultural projects, co-productions, and transnational collaborations
- Strengthens the competitiveness of European cultural and creative industries
- Supports the development, promotion, and distribution of European films and media content
- Promotes artistic freedom, diversity, and innovation.
What Kind of Actions Are Supported?
Creative Europe is divided into three strands supporting different aspects of cultural and creative industries:
Culture Strand – Promoting Cultural and Artistic Collaboration
- Funds transnational cultural cooperation projects
- Supports translation and promotion of European literature
- Provides mobility grants for artists and professionals.
MEDIA Strand – Strengthening the Audiovisual Industry
- Supports film development, TV productions, and co-productions
- Enhances film distribution and access to European audiovisual works
- Develops training programmes for industry professionals.
Cross-Sectoral Strand – Boosting Innovation & Media Literacy
- Encourages innovation across cultural and creative sectors
- Supports journalism, media freedom, and literacy initiatives
- Develops digital tools for cultural content distribution.
Funding & Budget Per Action
- Cultural Cooperation Projects: €200K to €2M per project
- MEDIA Film & TV Development Grants: €50K to €500K
- Literature Translation Projects: €100K to €500K
- Creative Innovation & Digital Content: €250K to €1M.
Check Work Programmes & Calls: Creative Europe Calls for Proposals
Who Can Apply?
Creative Europe funding is available to:
- Cultural organizations, museums, and theaters
- Film production companies and media outlets
- Music, publishing, and performing arts institutions
- Educational institutions and non-profits in the creative sectors.
Applications are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Start Your Application Here.
Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)
Kultura Desk Srbija (Culture Desk Serbia)
- Vuk Radulović – Head of Desk – vuk.radulovic@kultura.gov.rs
- Milica Rašković – Project Manager – kreativnaevropa@kultura.gov.rs , milica.raskovic@kultura.gov.rs
- Bojan Milosavljević – Project Manager – kreativnaevropa@kultura.gov.rs , bojan.milosavljevic@kultura.gov.rs
MEDIA Desk Srbija (MEDIA Desk Serbia) – Filmski Centar Srbije
- Una Domazetoski – Head of MEDIA Desk – una@fcs.rs
- Ana Ćosić – Financial Coordinator – ana.cosic@fcs.rs
Useful Links:
Creative Europe Calls for Proposals
Explore More Funding Opportunities with CulturEU!
Stay Updated & Connected!
4. Digital Europe
The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) is an EU funding programme aimed at bringing digital technology to businesses, citizens, and public administrations. With a budget of €8.1 billion, it supports:
- Supercomputing
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Cybersecurity
- Advanced Digital Skills
- Broad Adoption of Digital Technologies in Economy & Society.
This programme helps bridge the gap between research and market deployment, fostering European digital sovereignty and resilience. Serbia, as an associated country, has full access to funding opportunities, calls for proposals, and innovation hubs.
Official Programme Website: Digital Europe – European Commission
DIGITAL funds strategic projects to accelerate digital transformation and technological innovation.
- Supercomputing: High-performance computing to solve complex challenges.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI research, data-sharing platforms, and innovation hubs.
- Cybersecurity: Strengthening cyber resilience and securing digital infrastructure.
- Advanced Digital Skills: Training in AI, cybersecurity, and emerging digital fields.
- Digital Transformation: Supporting SMEs, startups, and public administration in digital adoption.
Funding & Budget Per Action
- Supercomputing & AI: Projects typically funded between €5M and €15M
- Cybersecurity: Grants from €3M to €10M per project
- European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs): Funding from €1M to €5M
- Advanced Digital Skills: Training initiatives between €500K and €5M
Check Work Programmes & Funding Calls: Digital Europe Work Programmes
Who Can Apply?
DIGITAL is open to a wide range of applicants, including:
- Tech companies & startups
- SMEs & large enterprises
- Universities & research institutions
- Public administrations & policymakers
- Digital innovation hubs & incubators
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Start Your Application Here
Serbia Desk – National Contact Point (NCP)
Maja Zarić
Head of division for international cooperation and European integrations in the field of media, electronic communications and postal services and information society
Ministry of Information and Telecommunications
Government of the Republic of Serbia
M: + 381 64 670 5388 | Т: + 381 11 292 8953 | W: www.mit.gov.rs
Useful Links:
Digital Europe Programme Overview
Digital Europe Calls for Proposals
5. Citizens, Equality, Rights & Values programme (CERV)
The Citizenship, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme is the largest EU fund dedicated to promoting democracy, fundamental rights, and EU values.
With a budget of €1.55 billion (2021-2027), CERV:
- Supports civil society organizations in promoting fundamental rights and democracy
- Fosters gender equality, anti-discrimination, and the fight against intolerance
- Encourages civic engagement and participation in EU policymaking
- Strengthens the protection of victims of violence
Official Programme Website: CERV – European Commission
CERV Funding Page: Find Funding Opportunities
Serbia’s Participation in CERV
Serbia is eligible to participate in CERV-funded projects as part of the EU’s efforts to support democracy, human rights, and social inclusion in candidate countries. Serbian civil society organizations, local authorities, and public bodies can apply for funding and collaborate with EU partners.
CERV in Serbia
Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue
https://www.minljmpdd.gov.rs/
Department for International Cooperation and European Integration
Palace of Serbia, East Entrance
Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 2, 11070 Belgrade, Serbia
Contact Person: Ms. Sanja Atanasković Opačić
Email: sanja.atanaskovic@minljmpdd.gov.rs, cerv@minljmpdd.gov.rs
Tel: +381 11 2250 624
What Kind of Actions Are Supported?
The CERV programme is structured into four key areas of support, out of which at the moment three key areas are open for applicants from Serbia.
1. Equality, Rights, and Gender Equality
- Promotes gender equality and fights discrimination
- Supports actions against racism, xenophobia, and intolerance
- Enhances protection of rights for marginalized groups.
2. Citizens’ Engagement and Participation
- Encourages participation in EU decision-making
- Supports debates, awareness campaigns, and civic education
- Fosters cross-border town partnerships and historical remembrance.
3. Daphne – Combating Gender-Based Violence
- Funds projects that protect victims of gender-based violence
- Supports training and capacity building for professionals
- Encourages innovative prevention strategies.
Who Can Apply?
CERV funding is available to:
- Civil society organizations
- Local and regional authorities
- Public institutions, schools, universities, cultural and research centers
- Media organizations and human rights defenders
Opportunities under CERV: Explore CERV Opportunities
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Start Your Application Here.
Funding & Budget Per Action
- Civil Society Projects: €100K – €500K
- Gender Equality & Anti-Discrimination Projects: €200K – €1M
- Citizens’ Engagement & Remembrance Projects: €60K – €400K
- Daphne – Combatting Violence Against Women & Children: €300K – €2M.
Check Work Programmes & Calls: CERV Calls for Proposals
CERV Work Programme for 2023-2025: Download Here
Projects & Results
See the work done in past and ongoing projects. View the statistics on proposals, success rates, funded projects, and participants.
Serbia Desk – National Contact Point (NCP)
CERV Contact Point in Serbia
Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue
Department for International Cooperation and European Integration
Palace of Serbia, East Entrance
Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 2, 11070 Belgrade, Serbia
Contact Person: Ms. Sanja Atanasković Opačić
Email: sanja.atanaskovic@minljmpdd.gov.rs , cerv@minljmpdd.gov.rs
Tel: +381 11 2250 624
https://www.facebook.com/CERVrs
CERV for Practitioners – How to Get Involved Beyond Funding?
Even if you are not applying for CERV funding, you can still:
- Attend conferences, networking events, and training sessions
- Follow CERV news and updates on funding and opportunities
- Engage in civil society initiatives promoting EU values
Stay Updated with CERV in Serbia:
https://www.facebook.com/CERVrs
6. European Social Fund+ (EaSI)
Serbia’s Participation in the EaSI Strand of ESF+
Serbia participates in the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) strand of the European Social Fund+ (ESF+), which focuses on employment, social inclusion, and fair working conditions.
As part of ESF+, EaSI follows the same policy objectives, aligned with the European Pillar of Social Rights, which serves as the main framework for creating a fairer and more inclusive European labor market.
European Pillar of Social Rights Overview: Building a Fairer and More Inclusive EU
The EaSI strand of ESF+ is a EU funding instrument that supports projects aimed at strengthening employment policies, social innovation, and equal opportunities across Europe.
With a budget of €5.4 billion (2021-2027), EaSI:
- Improves labor market access and social protection systems
- Encourages innovative employment and inclusion projects
- Supports fair working conditions and equal opportunities
- Provides microfinance and funding for social enterprises.
How Does EaSI Work? – Direct Management by the European Commission
Unlike other strands of the European Social Fund+ (ESF+), which are managed at the national level, the bulk of EaSI is directly managed by the European Commission.
What Does This Mean?
- The European Commission launches the calls for proposals to award grants to projects.
- Calls for tenders are issued to fund service and supply contracts.
- The Commission may also award prizes for specific achievements in employment and social innovation.
- A small part of the programme is implemented under indirect management by international organizations.
EaSI Annual Work Programmes: Find EaSI Work Programmes Here.
Check Calls for Proposals & Funding Opportunities: Funding & Tenders Portal – EaSI
What Kind of Actions Are Supported?
The EaSI strand funds employment, social innovation, and labor market inclusion projects in the following key areas:
1. Employment & Labor Market Policies
- Supports national and regional labor market reforms
- Develops innovative employment initiatives
- Enhances skills for job seekers and disadvantaged groups.
2. Social Inclusion & Equal Opportunities
- Promotes inclusion of marginalized groups
- Reduces poverty and social exclusion
- Strengthens social economy and microfinance support.
3. Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Funds innovative solutions to social challenges
- Supports social enterprises and cooperatives
- Encourages responsible business practices.
Funding & Budget Per Action
- Employment & Skills Training Projects: €500K to €5M
- Social Inclusion & Equal Opportunity Grants: €1M to €10M
- Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship Support: €1M to €5M.
Check Work Programmes & Calls: ESF+ EaSI Calls for Proposals
Who Can Apply?
EaSI funding is available to:
- Public authorities & labor market institutions
- Social enterprises & cooperatives
- NGOs and civil society organizations
- Educational institutions & training providers
- Employment agencies & microfinance institutions
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Start Your Application Here.
EaSI for Practitioners – How to Get Involved Beyond Funding?
There are several ways to benefit from the EaSI strand, even without applying for grants or tenders:
- Attend public conferences, workshops, and networking events organized by the European Commission and EaSI beneficiaries.
- Follow news updates and funding opportunities on the EaSI webpage and the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Check ‘What’s New’ in EaSI: EaSI News & Events
Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)
EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL INNOVATION (EaSI) – Serbia Contact Point
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 Team Contact:
Email: EMPL-EaSI@ec.europa.eu
European Social Fund+ (EaSI) Overview
EaSI Annual Work Programmes
ESF+ Calls for Proposals
EU Funding & Tenders Portal
7. CUSTOMS Programme
The EU Customs Union, established in 1968, is one of the fundamental pillars of the European Union, ensuring seamless trade, security, and financial protection across Member States. It enables the free movement of goods within the EU while applying a common customs tariff for imports from non-EU countries. Over the years, the Customs Union has played a key role in simplifying trade, preventing illicit activities, and supporting economic growth.
The EU CUSTOMS programme (2021-2027) continues this legacy by strengthening customs cooperation and digital transformation across Europe and partner countries.
With a budget of €950 million, CUSTOMS:
- Enhances cooperation between national customs administrations
- Develops and maintains EU-wide customs IT systems
- Supports training and knowledge sharing for customs officials
- Strengthens risk management and fraud detection in customs operations.
Serbia’s Participation in CUSTOMS
Serbia is an eligible participant in the CUSTOMS programme, allowing its customs authorities to:
- Engage in EU-wide cooperation projects
- Access EU-developed customs IT systems
- Participate in training, seminars, and networking activities
- Enhance risk assessment, fraud prevention, and border security
Customs in Serbia – National Contact Point (NCP)
Ivan Milošević
Uprava carina – National Programme Coordinator (NCP)
Email: miloseviciv@carina.rs
What Kind of Actions Are Supported?
Strengthening Customs Cooperation
- Enhances collaboration between EU and partner country customs authorities
- Supports common IT tools and digital solutions for customs procedures
- Facilitates information exchange on trade flows and risk assessment.
Customs Digital Transformation & IT Systems
- Develops and maintains EU-wide digital customs tools
- Enhances electronic data exchange between customs administrations
- Improves interoperability of national customs systems.
Risk Management & Fraud Prevention
- Improves risk analysis and customs security screening
- Supports joint investigations to combat fraud and smuggling
- Enhances cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
CUSTOMS News & Events
FISCALIS programme
The FISCALIS programme is the EU’s key funding initiative for tax cooperation, designed to enhance coordination among tax authorities across Europe. It helps tax administrations develop modern, fraud-resistant, and digitalized tax systems while ensuring a fair and competitive tax environment.
With a budget of €269 million (2021-2027), FISCALIS:
- Supports cooperation between tax authorities in the EU and partner countries
- Funds training, knowledge-sharing, and expert exchanges for tax officials
- Develops and maintains advanced IT systems for taxation
- Strengthens tax compliance, fraud prevention, and risk management.
Serbia actively participates in the FISCALIS programme, benefiting from:
- EU-wide tax cooperation projects
- Participation in training, seminars, and expert exchanges
- Access to EU tax IT systems and digital tools
- Improved tax compliance, fraud detection, and policy alignment.
FISCALIS in Serbia – National Contact Point (NCP):
Vesna Adrović
Poreska uprava – Nacionalni koordinator programa
Email: vesna.adrovic@purs.gov.rs
What Kind of Actions Are Supported?
1. Strengthening Tax Cooperation & Exchange of Information
- Facilitates exchange of tax data between tax administrations
- Supports cooperation on tax fraud, tax evasion, and VAT fraud prevention
- Develops best practices and common tax policies.
2. Digital Transformation of Tax Administration
- Develops and maintains EU-wide digital tax systems
- Enhances interoperability between national tax databases
- Supports e-invoicing, e-reporting, and blockchain-based solutions for taxation.
3. Capacity Building & Training for Tax Officials
- Funds training programs and workshops for tax professionals
- Encourages joint audits, peer learning, and knowledge-sharing
- Supports professional development of tax authorities.
9. Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA)
The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) provides independent, evidence-based advice to EU institutions, Member States, and partner countries on fundamental rights. The agency monitors human rights challenges across Europe, offering data, legal analysis, and policy recommendations to promote democracy, rule of law, and equality.
Serbia’s Cooperation with FRA
Although Serbia is not an EU Member State, it cooperates with FRA to align national policies with EU human rights standards. Serbia benefits from FRA’s expertise in:
- Strengthening anti-discrimination and gender equality policies
- Enhancing judicial independence and access to justice
- Improving protections for minority groups and vulnerable populations
- Monitoring hate crime, hate speech, and digital rights.
FRA in Serbia – National Contact Point (NCP):
Danka Vasić
Ministarstvo pravde – Operativni kontakt
Email: danka.vasic@mpravde.gov.rs
What FRA Does?
Research and Data
FRA uses a variety of methods to collect evidence on the state of fundamental rights in the EU. These include:
- Desk research
- Qualitative socio-legal studies
- Legal opinions
- Large-scale quantitative surveys.
The research aligns with relevant laws and policies. FRA conducts comparative studies and shares results through interactive data tools. The Agency has two key research units:
- Justice, Digital and Migration
- Equality, Roma and Social Rights
FRA covers topics from artificial intelligence to data protection and inequality in various aspects of life. We provide evidence and expertise to international organizations, civil society, and academia.
Capacity-Building
FRA helps EU and national authorities strengthen their capacity to protect fundamental rights, through:
- Offering advice, guidance, and targeted training
- Providing tailor-made, real-time support
- Building strong partnerships with key stakeholders.
Work Programme
The FRA Annual Work Programme sets out our priorities and key areas of research and policy development.
Areas of Work
FRA works to build a culture of fundamental rights in the EU, with the expertise that includes:
- Access to justice
- Victims of crime
- The information society
- Roma integration
- Rights of the child
- Anti-discrimination
- Immigration and integration of migrants
- Racism, xenophobia, and intolerance.
Since April 2022, FRA’s activities are no longer based on a five-year multiannual framework but instead follow its annual programming document.
FRA Projects
FRA runs numerous projects across different fields, providing research, data, and recommendations on fundamental rights topics.
10. EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), established in October 2001, is the EU’s central framework for strengthening disaster prevention, preparedness, and response across Europe and beyond. It enables coordinated action among EU Member States and 10 additional participating countries, including Serbia.
Any country in the world affected by a disaster can request emergency assistance through the UCPM. The European Commission, through its Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), coordinates assistance and helps cover transport and operational costs.
Why is it Important?
Disasters often cross borders. The UCPM provides a single point of coordination, streamlining communication, eliminating duplication, and ensuring that aid reaches those in need efficiently. It pools resources, expertise, and logistics for faster and more coherent action.
Serbia, along with 9 other countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Türkiye, and Ukraine), participates in the Mechanism on equal footing.
What Kind of Actions Are Supported?
Emergency Response Coordination:
- Activation of the ERCC for fast deployment of emergency support
- Mobilisation of search-and-rescue, firefighting, and medical teams
- Use of Copernicus satellite maps for emergency planning.
rescEU – A Strategic Reserve
- Adds an EU-funded layer of response capacity
- Strengthens European preparedness for wildfires, pandemics, CBRN incidents, and energy disruptions
- Includes reserves of medical equipment, evacuation planes, and firefighting aircraft.
Civil Protection Pool (ECPP)
- Pooling national assets from EU and participating countries
- Enables faster, pre-planned coordinated response
- Core component of Mechanism deployment capacity.
Prevention and Preparedness
- Civil protection training programmes and joint exercises
- EU-wide risk assessments and early warning systems
- Promotes disaster resilience through research and policy.
Serbia’s Participation in UCPM
Serbia actively participates in the UCPM, benefiting from:
- Access to EU-coordinated disaster response mechanisms
- Participation in rescEU and the Civil Protection Pool
- Inclusion in training, exercises, and preparedness efforts
- Deployment of national assets and expert support during crises.
EU Civil Protection in Action
In 2024, the UCPM was activated 58 times, including:
- Medical evacuations from Ukraine
- Flood and wildfire responses in the Balkans and Latin America
- Cyclone response in Mayotte
- Consular evacuations from Vanuatu and Haiti.
The Ukraine response is the largest UCPM operation to date, with over 4,000 medical evacuations and millions of aid items delivered via logistical hubs in Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
Serbia Desk – National Contact Point (NCP)
National Contact Point for UCPM in Serbia
Dr Dejan Radinović
Head of EU Affairs Unit
Department for General Legal Affairs and International Humanitarian Aid
Sector for Emergency Situations, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Serbia
Mije Kovačevića 2–4, 11000 Belgrade
Tel: +381 11 2741105
Fax: +381 11 2282911
Email: dejan.radinovic@mup.gov.rs
Useful Links:
EU Civil Protection Mechanism
Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC)
rescEU
European Civil Protection Pool
Prevention and Preparedness
Legal Framework
11. Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a key EU funding instrument that promotes economic growth, sustainability, and competitiveness through targeted investments in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.
With a total budget of €33.7 billion for 2021-2027, CEF:
- Develops high-performance and sustainable trans-European networks
- Fills missing links in European transport, energy, and digital connectivity
- Enhances the EU’s energy security and transition to renewable energy
- Facilitates digital transformation and cross-border interactions
Serbia, as a candidate country, has access to various CEF funding opportunities to enhance connectivity with EU networks and modernize its infrastructure.
What Kind of Actions Are Supported?
CEF is divided into three key sectors, each funding large-scale infrastructure projects:
1. CEF Transport – Modernizing European Transport Networks
CEF Transport funds projects that improve mobility and connectivity across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
- Supports cross-border transport infrastructure, bottleneck removal, and missing link completion
- Invests in sustainable transport, multimodal mobility, and intelligent traffic management systems
- Promotes innovation to reduce environmental impact and increase safety.
Budget: €25.81 billion (including €11.29 billion for cohesion countries)
More Info: CEF Transport Funding & Projects
2. CEF Energy – Building a Smart and Sustainable Energy System
CEF Energy supports the development of a modern, secure, and interconnected energy infrastructure to achieve the European Green Deal goals.
- Invests in electricity, gas, and cross-border renewable energy projects
- Improves energy market integration and enhances security of supply
- Supports interoperability and digitalization of energy networks.
Budget: €5.84 billion
More Info: CEF Energy Funding & Projects
3. CEF Digital – Strengthening Europe’s Digital Infrastructure
CEF Digital accelerates digital transformation by deploying secure and high-speed digital networks across Europe.
- Supports cross-border 5G networks, secure cloud services, and fiber optic infrastructure
- Improves high-speed connectivity for businesses, public administrations, and key sectors
- Enhances digital resilience and cybersecurity.
More Info: CEF Digital Overview
Funding & Budget Per Action
- CEF Transport: €1M to €100M+ per project (depending on scale and complexity)
- CEF Energy: Typically, €5M to €50M per project (focus on trans-European energy projects)
- CEF Digital: Grants ranging from €2M to €20M
Check Work Programmes & Calls: CEF Calls for Proposals
Who Can Apply?
CEF funding is available to:
- Public administrations & infrastructure operators
- Private companies & SMEs working on large infrastructure projects
- Transport, energy, and digital network service providers
- Cross-border partnerships and consortia
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Start Your Application Here.
Useful Links:
Connecting Europe Facility Overview
CEF Transport Funding
CEF Energy Funding
CEF Digital Overview
EU Funding & Tenders Portal
12. Single Market Programme
The Single Market Programme (SMP) is the EU’s primary funding tool for strengthening the functioning of the internal market and supporting businesses, consumers, and regulatory frameworks.
With a budget of €4.2 billion (2021-2027), SMP:
- Enhances market surveillance and competition policy
- Boosts SME competitiveness and growth
- Ensures high consumer protection and food safety
- Develops European and international financial reporting standards
- Produces and disseminates high-quality statistics for policy development.
Competition Policy: EU Competition Policy – European Commission
What Kind of Actions Are Supported?
The SMP consolidates multiple funding activities under one programme to maximize impact and efficiency.
1. Food Safety – Ensuring a Sustainable and Safe Food Chain
- Strengthens controls on food and feed safety
- Supports innovation in food production and traceability
- Improves disease prevention in animals and plants.
2. Consumer Protection – Enhancing Consumer Rights & Product Safety
- Strengthens consumer rights across EU and candidate countries
- Improves market surveillance of unsafe products
- Supports cross-border cooperation between consumer authorities.
3. SME Support – Strengthening Competitiveness & Sustainability
- Facilitates access to finance and investment opportunities
- Helps SMEs expand within the EU and internationally
- Supports digital transformation and sustainability initiatives.
4. A More Effective Single Market – Better Regulation & Market Surveillance
- Enhances cross-border cooperation and regulatory enforcement
- Supports competition policy and anti-trust enforcement
- Improves dispute resolution mechanisms for businesses and citizens.
5. High-Quality European Statistics – Data-Driven Policy Making
- Develops harmonized statistical data across the EU and candidate countries
- Supports evidence-based policymaking at national and EU levels
- Enhances business and financial reporting standards.
6. European Standards & Reporting – Developing Effective Regulatory Frameworks
- Creates international standards for financial and non-financial reporting
- Improves auditing and corporate governance practices
- Strengthens regulatory alignment with EU best practices.
Funding & Budget Per Action
- SME Support & Competitiveness: €1M to €10M per project
- Food Safety & Consumer Protection: €500K to €5M
- Market Surveillance & Regulatory Improvement: €2M to €10M
- European Standards & Statistics Development: €1M to €5M.
Check Work Programmes & Calls: Single Market Programme Calls for Proposals
Who Can Apply?
SMP funding is available to:
- Public authorities & regulatory agencies
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Consumer rights organizations
- Business associations & financial institutions
- Statistical offices & market surveillance authorities.
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Start Your Application Here.
Serbia Desk – National Contact Point (NCP)
Katarina Jovanović Obradović
Ministarstvo privrede – Contact Point for the Programme
katarina.jovanovic@privreda.gov.rs
Useful Links:
Single Market Programme Overview
SMP Calls for Proposals
EU Funding & Tenders Portal