Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV)

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Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) is the EU's funding programme for citizens' engagement and the implementation of EU rights and values.

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What is the aim?

The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme aims to: 

protect and promote Union rights and values
promote rights, non-discrimination, equality, including gender equality
promote citizens engagement and participation in the democratic life of the Union and exchanges between citizens of different Member States
raise awareness of the common European history

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What does it support?

CERV funds activities: 

promoting non-discrimination and gender equality, the rights of the child, European remembrance and citizens’ engagement, as well as combat racism and gender-based violence
strengthening the protection and promotion of the rule of law and democratic dialogue, transparency and good governance
supporting, empowering and building the capacity of civil society organisations active in the promotion of values and rights, at local, regional, national and transnational level.

Specific activities funded include:

training activities, workshops, conferences
mutual learning and cooperation, capacity building
town twinning
media campaigns, awareness raising and dissemination activities

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Who can apply?

Civil society organisations
Public authorities
European-level networks
Think tanks

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Why does the EU fund European citizenship and values?

Read more about EU policy on the topic of European citizenship and values.

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Budget

The programme has a total budget of €1.56 billion for 2021-2027.

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Project Example

ACTZen – Active Citizen for People and Planet

‍Oxfam Ireland was a partner in the CERV-funded project “ACTZen - Active Citizen for People and Planet.” Delivered from 2022 to 2024 by 7 partners in 5 EU counties, ACTZen’s focus was to engage citizens in discussions and action related to the climate and environment and propose solutions to decision makers. Explore the project results on the European Commission’s website.

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