Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme overview

The CERV programme in a nutshell

The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme was launched in 2021 and will run for seven years until 2027. It was created along with the 2021-2027 Justice programme under the Justice, Rights and Values Fund.

The CERV programme seeks to support and develop open, rights-based, democratic, equal and inclusive societies based on the rule of law. That includes a vibrant and empowered civil society, encouraging people's democratic, civic and social participation and cultivating the rich diversity of European society, based on our common values, history and memory.

The CERV programme has four pillars:

1. Equality, Rights and Gender Equality - promoting rights, non-discrimination, equality (including gender equality), and advancing gender and non-discrimination mainstreaming
2. Citizens' engagement and participation - promoting citizens engagement and participation in the democratic life of the Union, exchanges between citizens of different Member States, and raising awareness of the common European history
3. Daphne - fight violence, including gender-based violence and violence against children
4. Union values - protect and promote Union values

Civil society organisations active at local, regional, national and transnational level, as well as other stakeholders, can apply to receive CERV funding for initiatives aimed at citizens’ engagement, equality for all and the protection and promotion of rights and EU values.

Here you can apply for Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV).

For the latest news on funding opportunities & funded projects under the CERV and Justice programmes, sign up here to receive the funding newsletter on a regular basis.

Many countries have a national contact point to help applicants and beneficiaries with questions and issues related to the CERV programme (including how to apply for funding). You can view the list of CERV Contact Points here.

If your country does not yet have a CERV national contact point, feel free to contact the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).