CitizEn Micro-Grants – Support for Local Engagement on EU Enlargement

The Citizens for EU Enlargement (CitizEn) project is launching a call for up to 15 micro-grants to support local initiatives that engage citizens in discussions about the future of EU enlargement. The call is offered by the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) through the CitizEn project. The application deadline is 25 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Opportunity name: CitizEn Micro-Grants – Support for local engagement on EU enlargement

- Funder/initiator: Citizens for EU Enlargement (CitizEn) project (IDM)

- Funding type: Micro-grants for local engagement activities

- Number of grants: Up to 15 micro-grants

- Grant amount per initiative: €500 to €750 (each selected initiative receives between these amounts)

- Eligible applicant locations: 11 EU Member States and 3 candidate countries (see eligibility section)

- Activity period: 1 January to 31 May 2027

- Application deadline: 25 October 2026

- Notification: Selected applicants informed by end of November 2026

- Showcasing / event: Selected activities presented at the IDM Conference on 3 December 2026

About the Opportunity

The CitizEn Micro-Grants are designed to support local engagement that helps citizens learn about, discuss, and participate in debates concerning EU enlargement. The call encourages creative, locally relevant formats that create real opportunities for dialogue and participation. Eligible initiatives can focus on questions, concerns, and expectations surrounding a future enlarged European Union, with a particular interest in active participation and exchange rather than one-way information sharing. Funding and Benefits Micro-grant level - Each selected initiative will receive a micro-grant of €500 up to €750. - The call supports reasonable costs directly related to implementing the activity. What costs may be covered The source lists examples of allowable costs, including: - Venue costs - Communication materials - Travel and accommodation for speakers or participants - Translation - Refreshments Non-financial support In addition to funding, grantees will receive: - Access to the CitizEn communication toolkit, including practical guidance and communication materials on EU enlargement for use in activities - Connection 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 Who Is Eligible? Eligible organisations Applications are open to organisations including: - Think tanks - NGOs - Educational institutions - Youth organisations - Cultural organisations - Local media initiatives - Other local multipliers or organisations with an established connection to their community Eligible countries (must be based in one of the listed locations) Applicants must be based in one of the following:

- EU Member States: France, Czechia, Austria, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Belgium, Slovakia, Portugal

- Candidate countries: Albania, Moldova, Montenegro

Important notes - Eligibility is based on the organisation being based in one of the specified countries. - The source does not provide additional exclusions or minimum qualifications beyond the applicant type and country requirement (Not specified in the source). Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The micro-grants support concrete, meaningful opportunities for citizens to: - Learn about EU enlargement - Discuss or participate in debates on EU enlargement - Engage through dialogue and participation Format (open and flexible) The activity format is open and should be chosen based on what applicants consider most effective, for example: - Public discussions and workshops - Cultural events - Youth activities - Communication campaigns - Other innovative formats Engagement requirement The proposed activity should go beyond simply disseminating information. It should include: - Active participation and exchange - Opportunities for dialogue Local relevance and inclusion Applicants are encouraged to address concrete, locally relevant issues that shape public attitudes toward enlargement. Initiatives that reach groups traditionally less engaged in discussions about European affairs are particularly welcome. Why This Opportunity Matters This micro-grant call targets local, citizen-facing engagement on EU enlargement. It is structured to fund initiatives that create two-way dialogue—such as events, workshops, or communication campaigns—while also providing grantees with a CitizEn communications toolkit and links to a broader European civil society network. How to Apply - Complete the application form (document for application).

- Send the completed form to: [contact details removed].

- Submit by the deadline: 25 October 2026.

Official link After submission - Selected applicants will be informed by the end of November 2026. - Selected activities will be presented at the IDM Conference on 3 December 2026. Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Plan for participation, not only information: The source emphasizes active participation and exchange beyond straightforward dissemination. - Choose a format aligned to your audience: The grant format is open, but should be justified as effective for reaching and engaging your target group.

- Address locally relevant concerns: The strongest-fit initiatives are those that tackle concrete local issues shaping public attitudes toward enlargement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the CitizEn Micro-Grants call about?

It supports local initiatives that help citizens learn about, discuss, or participate in debates on EU enlargement through dialogue and participation.

2) How much funding is available?

Up to 15 micro-grants are planned. Each selected initiative receives €500 up to €750.

3) Which countries are eligible for applicants?

Applicants must be based in France, Czechia, Austria, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Belgium, Slovakia, or Portugal, or in Albania,