Calls and Tenders
Current and upcoming calls for funding for sustainable mobility for cities and regions
The Western Balkans region can access several financial mechanisms and funding calls focused on sustainable mobility and energy through various European programmes. Here is an overview of the main funding opportunities:
- INTERREG – IPA
The Interreg IPA programme promotes cross-border cooperation between the EU and non-EU countries in the Western Balkans. It finances projects that promote sustainable development, improve transport connections and reduce environmental impacts. For sustainable mobility, eligible projects may include the development of green transport solutions, the improvement of public transport infrastructure and the support of innovations in energy-efficient mobility solutions.
Western Balkan countries can apply for various IPA programmes, such as:
- Interreg – IPA CBC Bulgaria – Serbia
- Interreg – IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro
- Interreg – IPA Croatia – Serbia
- Interreg – IPA CBC Greece – Albania
- Interreg – IPA CBC Italy – Albania – Montenegro
- Interreg – IPA Romania – Serbia
- Interreg – IPA CBC Hungary – Serbia
Calls for proposals: Calls are generally published annually, the fourth call covering EU 27 Plus Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland and Ukraine will open in the first semester in 2025.
Process: Applicants must collaborate across borders, typically involving public institutions, NGOs and research entities. Project proposals must align with EU policy goals, such as the Green Deal and the circular economy.
Submission: Proposals must be submitted via the relevant programme website. For example, the Interreg Danube programme provides detailed submission guidelines on their platform.
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/
- EUKI (European Climate Initiative)
EUKI provides funding to non-governmental organisations, municipalities and public bodies across the Western Balkans. The initiative aims at climate action and energy transition, focusing on reducing carbon emissions through sustainable mobility. Projects promoting active transport (e.g. cycling), electric vehicle infrastructure and urban planning for mobility are eligible for funding. Each call specifies a number of priority areas such as energy efficiency in public transport or regional cooperation on climate-friendly policies.
Calls for proposals: Exact dates will be published on the EUKI website.
Process: Projects must be submitted by consortia involving organisations from the EU and non-EU countries. There are several thematic categories, such as mobility, renewable energy and energy efficiency. The application is usually made through the EUKI application portal.
Funding: Grants range from €50,000 to €1 million, depending on the scope and impact of the project.
Additional information: https://www.euki.de/
- ELENA (European Local Energy Assistance)
ELENA, managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and financed by the European Commission, supports large-scale projects promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable urban mobility. It provides technical assistance for project preparation to municipalities, public entities and private firms. ELENA is particularly useful for Western Balkan countries seeking to implement major improvements to public transport infrastructure, deploy electric vehicle fleets or invest in energy-efficient street lighting.
Rolling call: ELENA operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines, allowing applications to be submitted at any time.
Process: Applications can be submitted by municipalities, regional authorities or private entities working on energy and transport projects.
Funding : ELENA covers up to 90% of eligible costs for preparatory activities, typically involving projects with a minimum investment of €30 million.
Additional information:
https://www.eib.org/en/products/advisory-service/elena/index
- LIFE Programme
The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for environmental and climate action. It includes funding streams for projects promoting sustainable mobility, in particular through electric and low-emission public transport systems, as well as multimodal transport solutions integrating different forms of low-carbon transport. Eligible countries in the Western Balkans can apply for co-financing to support environmental and mobility transitions.
Calls for proposals: LIFE Calls for Proposals 2024 were published on the Last Opportunities and Tender Portal on 18 April 2024. The call is still open.
Process: Applications are submitted through the European Commission’s Funding and Tenders Portal. Projects must align with the priorities of the LIFE programme, including clean energy transition, biodiversity and sustainable transport.
Funding: Grants typically cover up to 60% of project costs, with some larger grants extending to 75%.
Additional information: https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life/life-calls-proposals-2024_en
- CEF (Connecting Europe Facility)
CEF focuses on enhancing trans-European networks and infrastructure, including sustainable transport. Western Balkan countries can use funds for projects that integrate with EU transport corridors, improving connectivity and reducing emissions. This could include cross-border rail and road infrastructure, intelligent transport systems and electrification of public transport.
Calls for proposals: The CEF Calls for proposals 2024 were published on the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal on 29 February 2024. The call will be open until 24 September 2024.
Process: The application process involves detailed project proposals, often requiring transnational partnerships. Proposals must align with EU objectives for connectivity, decarbonisation and energy efficiency.
Funding: CEF co-financing of up to 50% of eligible costs, depending on the scope of the project.
https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/funding-opportunities_en