EC Fundamental rights & citizenship

The general objective of the Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme is to promote the development of a European society based on respect for fundamental rights.

This programme has the following objectives:

• To promote the development of a European society based on respect for Fundamental Rights and rights derived from citizenship of the Union;
• To strengthen civil society and to encourage an open, transparent and regular dialogue with it in respect of fundamental rights;
• To fight against racism, xenophobia and antisemitism;
• To improve the contacts, exchange of information and networking between legal, judicial and administrative authorities and the legal professions, including by way of support of judicial training, with the aim of better mutual understanding among such authorities and professionals.

There are 4 priorities from 2007 (the deadline is not until 5 May 2008 so these still apply)

1. Protection of the rights of the child
   Supporting projects on awareness raising campaigns, surveys concerning good practice in Member States and the ways to reproduce them elsewhere, analysis of particular problems and their possible solutions (poverty, street children, non-accompanied minors, etc.).
2. Active participation in the democratic life of the Union
   The Commission wishes to promote information and civic education initiatives on the active participation in the 2009 European parliamentary elections by Union citizens.
3. Combating racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism
   This priority supports actions aimed at fighting traditional and new stereotypes that lead to racist attitudes, speech, discriminatory action and violent incidents. It encourages initiatives aimed at combating these stereotypes.
4. Data protection and privacy rights
   This priority supports actions (from NGOs, national authorities, etc.) aiming at informing the public about data protection and safeguarding of security and the promotion of their rights through awareness-raising activities will be supported.

Who can apply
Project proposals may be submitted by non-governmental organisations, institutions and public or private organisations, universities, research institutes, national, regional and local authorities, international organisations and other not-for-profit organisations

Eligibility
Proposals must involve a partnership of at least two eligible organisations from two different EU Member States or at least one Member State and one other State which may either be an acceding country or a candidate country. The duration of the project must not exceed 18 months and projects are expected to start in late 2008.

Budget
The contribution of the EC towards a single project will be between €75,000 and €500,000. This contribution may not exceed 80% of the total costs of the project so the organisation must find match funding of 20%.

For more information please visit:

http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/funding/rights/funding_rights_en.htm

European Commission
DG Justice, Freedom and Security Unit
JLS/C/4
LX 46 07/122
B-1049 Brussels
Belgium

Email : JLS-FRC-PROGRAMME@ec.europa.eu

Don't forget the deadline for applications is 5 May 2008