CitizEn Micro-Grants - Support for local engagement on EU enlargement

We are looking for 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 – from public discussions and workshops to cultural events, youth activities or communication campaigns – that create opportunities for dialogue and participation, and address questions, concerns and expectations surrounding a future enlarged European Union.

Applications are open to organisations in 11 EU member states and three candidate countries. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝟮𝟱 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Who can apply? 

Think tanks, NGOs, educational institutions, youth organisations, cultural organisations, local media initiatives, as well as other local multipliers or organisations with an established connection to their community. 

Applicants must be based in one of the following EU Member States: France, Czechia, Austria, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Belgium, Slovakia or Portugal; or in one of the following candidate countries: Albania, Moldova or Montenegro. 

What do the micro-grants support? 

The grants are intended to support concrete meaningful opportunities for citizens to learn about, discuss or participate in debates on EU enlargement. The format is open and should be chosen based on what applicants consider most effective for reaching and engaging their target audience. This could be an event, a communication campaign or another innovative format. 

The proposed activity should go beyond simply disseminating information and should include active participation and exchange. Applicants are encouraged to address concrete, locally relevant issues that shape public attitudes towards enlargement. Initiatives that reach groups traditionally less engaged in discussions about European affairs are particularly welcome.  

Grant and duration 

Each selected initiative will receive a micro-grant of 500 € up to 750 €. 

The grants should be used to implement activities between 1 January and 31 May 2027. 

The grant can cover reasonable costs directly related to the implementation of the activity (e.g. venue costs, communication materials, travel and accommodation for speakers or participants, translation, refreshments etc.). 

In addition to financial support, grantees will receive access to the CitizEn communication toolkit, including practical guidance and communication materials on EU enlargement, which they are welcome to use in their activities. 

Grantees will also be connected to the wider CitizEn network of think tanks and civil society organisations across Europe. Where appropriate, selected initiatives may be showcased as examples of good practice through CitizEn communication channels. 

Application process 

Applicants should complete the following application form and send it to [email protected]: Document for application

The deadline for applications is 25 October 2026. 

Selected applicants will be informed by the end of November 2026. The selected activities will be presented at the IDM Conference on 3 December 2026.