Thematic programmes
Human Rights and Democracy Thematic Programme
The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) can be used to intervene anywhere outside the European Union, operating worldwide at national, regional and international levels. The initiative provides financial assistance to support human rights defenders and civil society initiatives that promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. It addresses a variety of challenges, including sensitive political issues such as - electoral integrity, freedom of expression, access to justice and the fight against impunity, torture and the death penalty. It offers independence of action by implementing projects without the need for approval of national authorities.
CSO programme
The EU Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Programme’s goal is to strengthen CSOs as independent actors of good governance and development in their own right. The CSO Programme supports CSOs through funding, technical assistance, and networking opportunities. The programme contributes to their enabling environment, facilitates capacity-building and knowledge exchange of CSOs. With a focus on grassroots involvement and participatory governance, the programme addresses local challenges while promoting sustainable development. It thereby broadens democratic spaces by creating enhanced opportunities for civil society participation in dialogue with other stakeholders while strengthening the civil society ecosystem and dialogue between empowered, and inclusive civil society actors.
The EU Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Programme is the only thematic programme with a clear actor-based mandate under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. It offers independence of action by implementing projects in EU partner countries without the need for approval of national authorities.