Calls and tenders

Current and Future Calls for Energy and Climate Funding for Cities and Regions

The Western Balkans region has access to several financial mechanisms and calls for projects focused on energy and climate through various European programmes. Below is a summary of the main funding opportunities:

1. INTERREG – IPA

The INTERREG IPA programme promotes cross-border cooperation between EU and non-EU countries in the Western Balkans. It finances projects that promote sustainable development, improve transport connections and reduce environmental impacts. Sustainable mobility projects may include the development of green transport solutions, the improvement of public transport infrastructure and support for innovations in energy-efficient mobility.

Albania can apply to various Interreg – IPA programs , such as:

• Interreg – IPA CBC Albania – Kosovo
• Interreg – IPA CBC Albania – North Macedonia
• Interreg – IPA CBC Albania – Montenegro
• Interreg – IPA CBC Greece – Albania
• Interreg – IPA CBC Italy – Albania – Montenegro
• Interreg ADRION
• Interreg EURO-MED
• Interreg EUROPE
• URBACT IV

Calls for proposals: Usually announced annually. The fourth call covering the EU 27 plus Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland and Ukraine will open in the first half of 2025.

Process: Cross-border cooperation is required, usually between public institutions, NGOs and research institutions. Projects should be in line with EU policies such as the Green Deal and the circular economy.

Additional information:

• https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/cooperation/european-territorial/ipa_en
• https://interreg.eu/strand-of-cooperation/interreg-instrument-for-pre-accession-assistance/

2. EUKI (European Climate Initiative)

EUKI provides funding to NGOs, municipalities and public institutions in the Western Balkans. The aim is climate action and the transition to clean energy, aiming to reduce carbon emissions through sustainable mobility. Projects that promote active transport (e.g. bicycles), infrastructure for electric vehicles and urban planning are eligible.

Calls for proposals: Dates are published on the official EUKI website.

Process: Consortia must include organisations from the EU and beyond. Applications are submitted via the EUKI portal.

Financing: From €50,000 to €1 million.

Additional information: https://www.euki.de/

3. HORIZON EUROPE

Horizon Europe (2021–2027) is the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme, with a budget of €95.5 billion. The programme supports projects that address global challenges, strengthen industrial competitiveness and foster innovation.

Program structure:

• Excellent Science – basic research
• Global Challenges & Industrial Competitiveness – projects addressing climate, health, digitalization
• Innovative Europe – innovations through the European Innovation Council

Calls for proposals: Horizon Europe (2021–2027) is the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme, with a budget of €95.5 billion supporting projects in climate change, digital transformation, health and industrial competitiveness. The calls are organised into three pillars: Excellent Science, Global Challenges and Industrial Competitiveness, and Innovative Europe. Proposals must be aligned with the EU’s strategic priorities, including the Green Deal, the Digital Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Process: The Horizon Europe proposal process starts with the publication of the call on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. Interested applicants then engage in consortium building, creating partnerships with universities, research institutions, SMEs and industry actors in different EU countries. Proposals must be submitted electronically before the deadline, after which independent experts evaluate them on the basis of excellence, impact and implementation. Successful applicants sign a grant agreement that sets out the funding conditions and the implementation of the project. Once the project starts, beneficiaries must comply with financial and technical reporting requirements throughout its duration.

Funding: Horizon Europe funding varies depending on the call, covering up to 100% of ineligible costs for research actions and up to 70% for innovation actions, except for non-profit organisations, which may also receive full funding. Ineligible costs include staff, equipment, travel, subcontracting and indirect costs, which are usually calculated as 25% of direct costs. Some calls may also require co-financing from partners or national funding agencies.

Additional information:

https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/programmes/horizon

4. IPARD

The IPARD program (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance for Rural Development) helps EU candidate countries to approximate agricultural and rural standards to those of the EU.

Goals:

• Strengthening agricultural competitiveness and sustainability
• Improving rural infrastructure and living conditions
• Implementation of EU standards on food safety, environment and animal welfare

Beneficiary countries: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, etc.

Calls for proposals: The IPARD programme periodically publishes calls for proposals for the financing of projects in the fields of modernisation of agriculture, rural development and environmental protection. These calls are addressed to EU candidate countries and potential candidate countries. The calls focus on activities that are consistent with the programme’s objectives, such as improving agriculture and food security, rural infrastructure, diversifying rural economies and promoting sustainable environmental practices. These calls are published on the official websites of the EU and the national governments of the participating countries.

Process: Calls for proposals under the IPARD Programme are published by national authorities and are available on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal or on national portals. Applicants, usually private businesses, local authorities or farmers, must meet eligibility criteria, including co-financing part of the project. Proposals are submitted electronically through the relevant portal, with strict deadlines and an evaluation process that examines relevance, feasibility and impact. Successful applicants sign a grant agreement detailing the funding conditions, project objectives and timelines. Once approved, beneficiaries implement the project and submit progress reports, with national authorities carrying out monitoring and audits to ensure compliance.

Financing:

• IPARD provides co-financing for projects, which means that beneficiaries must also contribute their own funds.
• The program supports other sectors such as farm modernization, agribusiness development, rural tourism, and environmental protection.
• Funds are allocated through multiannual rural development programmes, with implementation overseen by national authorities.

Additional information: https://azhbr.gov.al/programi-ipard/

5. Cervia

CESR is the EU funding programme for the period 2021–2027, designed to support the promotion of rights, equality, democracy and active citizenship across Europe. With a focus on strengthening fundamental rights and promoting European values, CESR aims to improve social cohesion and participation in democratic life, by addressing challenges in the areas of equality, civil society and active citizenship.

Main Objectives:

1. Protection and Promotion of Rights and Equality: CERV supports actions aimed at combating discrimination (based on gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, etc.), promoting gender equality and ensuring LGBTIQ rights and social inclusion.
2. Promoting Active Citizenship and Democracy: The program encourages active participation in democratic processes and supports organizations working on issues such as human rights, media literacy, and freedom of speech.
3. Strengthening European Values: CERC strengthens the rule of law, democratic governance and the promotion of European values within the EU and candidate countries.
4. Civic Participation and Volunteerism: The program funds initiatives that encourage civic participation, volunteerism, and support for civil society organizations working for social change.

Calls for Proposals: The CERV Programme publishes calls for proposals on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal, where organisations can find detailed information on available funding opportunities. These calls aim to fund projects that align with the programme’s objectives, such as promoting democracy, human rights, equality and active citizenship. Calls typically cover areas such as: • Rights and equality, including gender equality and anti-discrimination. • Democratic participation and promotion of the rule of law. • Volunteering and civic engagement. • Social inclusion and youth participation. Each call specifies the funding amount, eligibility criteria and thematic priorities and is open to a wide range of applicants, including non-profit organisations, public authorities and universities.

Process: Calls for proposals under the CERV Programme are published on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal, including objectives, eligibility criteria, funding conditions and submission deadlines. Applicants, including non-profit organisations, public authorities and universities, must meet specific criteria and may need to be part of a consortium. Proposals must be submitted electronically, detailing project descriptions and their compatibility with the CERV objectives. Submissions are assessed on the basis of relevance, impact, quality, feasibility, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Successful applicants sign a grant agreement setting out the funding conditions, deliverables and deadlines. During the implementation of the project, beneficiaries must submit financial and technical reports, with the possibility of monitoring by the European Commission.

Funding: • CERV provides financial support for projects in its focus areas, with grants covering a portion of the project costs, typically up to 80% for most actions. • The programme supports small and large projects and encourages cooperation and exchange between European citizens, institutions and organisations.

Additional information:

https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home

6. TAIEX

The TAIX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange) instrument is a funding programme under the European Commission, which aims to provide technical assistance and facilitate the exchange of knowledge between EU Member States and other countries. It helps to strengthen institutional capacity by providing expertise and support in areas related to public administration and governance. The instrument focuses mainly on areas such as public policy, the rule of law and human rights.

Calls for Proposals: Calls for proposals under the TAIX Instrument are published on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. These calls invite public authorities from EU Member States, candidate countries and neighbourhood countries to submit proposals for projects aimed at improving governance, sharing expertise and implementing reforms. Each call usually defines specific thematic areas, eligibility conditions and funding limits.

Process: Calls for proposals under the TAIX Instrument are published on the EU portal, including objectives, eligibility criteria and deadlines. Eligible participants, including EU Member States, candidate countries and public authorities, can submit proposals through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. Proposals are assessed for relevance, quality and impact, in particular on governance reform. Successful applicants sign a grant agreement with the European Commission, which sets out the funding conditions and project details. Beneficiaries then implement the project and submit progress and financial reports.

Funding: The TAIX instrument provides financial support for eligible projects related to technical assistance and information exchange in public administration and governance. Funding usually covers up to 100% of the non-eligible costs, including staff, travel and equipment needed to carry out the project. Each call specifies the amount of funding available and the budget requirements for the proposed activities.

Additional information: EU Funding & Tenders Portal .

7. WBIF – Western Balkans Investment Framework

The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is a key financial initiative aimed at supporting the economic development of the Western Balkans. It provides financial support for the implementation of strategic projects related to infrastructure, energy, environment and public sector development. The WBIF works to improve the region’s integration with the European Union and supports efforts for sustainable development, regional cooperation and alignment with EU policies.

Calls for Proposals: WBIF publishes calls for proposals targeting infrastructure, energy and other development projects in the Western Balkans. These calls are addressed to government bodies, public institutions and regional organisations from the Western Balkans seeking funding for projects that are in line with the EU’s strategic goals for the region. Calls usually include detailed information on eligible sectors, funding conditions and application deadlines.

Process: WBIF publishes calls for proposals through its official channels and the EU Funding and Tenders Portal, including objectives, eligibility criteria and deadlines. Eligible applicants include public authorities, government institutions, regional organisations and public-private partnerships from the Western Balkans, with a focus on infrastructure, energy and sectoral reforms. Proposals should be submitted through the relevant portals, including project objectives, impact and coherence with EU priorities. Proposals are assessed on the basis of relevance, quality, feasibility and impact. Successful applicants sign a grant agreement with the European Commission, which sets out the funding conditions and project deadlines. Beneficiaries must implement the project and submit progress reports, with monitoring and auditing to ensure compliance.

Financing: The WBIF provides substantial financial support to eligible projects, typically covering up to 100% of eligible costs. Financing is available for projects in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, environment and public administration reform. The WBIF provides both grants and loan guarantees, often in cooperation with other EU financial instruments, such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Additional information: WBIF Website

9. GAP Fund

The GAP Fund (Global Agriculture and Productivity Fund) is a financial initiative designed to support agricultural and rural development in developing countries. Its main goal is to improve agricultural productivity, food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The GAP Fund is part of global efforts to foster economic development, reduce poverty and ensure food security through innovation and the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies.

Calls for Proposals: The GAP Fund frequently publishes calls for proposals to fund projects that focus on increasing agricultural productivity, improving food systems, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable practices in rural communities. These calls are typically open to agribusinesses, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and local authorities working on agricultural development projects that aim to create sustainable impact.

Process: The application process for grants from the GAP Fund usually begins with the publication of a call for proposals on the official portal. Interested participants submit project proposals electronically, including project objectives, implementation strategies and expected results. The evaluation of proposals takes into account factors such as innovation, sustainability and compliance with the fund’s priorities. Successful applicants are invited to sign a grant agreement that sets out the specific funding conditions, project tasks and timelines. During the implementation of the project, beneficiaries are required to submit progress reports and comply with monitoring requirements set by the GAP Fund.

Funding: The GAP Fund provides financial support in the form of grants and investments, typically covering up to 70% of eligible project costs. Funding is directed towards research, innovation and scaling up projects that improve agricultural productivity, sustainability and food security. The GAP Fund prioritizes projects that focus on the adoption of new technologies, the development of market systems and the strengthening of agricultural value chains.

Additional information: GAP Fund