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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. It replaces both Europe for Citizens and the Rights, Equality and Citizenship programme.
This call aims to support projects that promote inclusive remembrance and education about non-Jewish victims of 20th-century atrocities in Europe, particularly Roma, LGBTIQ people, and other persecuted minorities.
Projects under this topic should focus on the non-Jewish victims of the Holocaust, including Roma and LGBTIQ people, as well as other genocides, war crimes and crimes against humanity of the 20th century’s Europe.
Projects under this topic should NOT address the Holocaust against Jewish people which is covered by Topic 2.
The European Union is founded on the principles of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law. Europe’s 20th century was marked by horrific crimes, genocides including Holocaust, war crimes and crimes against humanity as well as the crimes committed under authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, including those of communist and fascist dictatorships. The remembrance of these gravest crimes committed on European soil plays a critical role in upholding these values.
Strengthening collective memory of such crimes contributes not only to preventing their recurrence but also to reinforcing democratic resilience, fostering civic engagement, and building a common European culture of remembrance.
The legacy of these crimes requires continuous sharing, remembering, teaching as well as research. Education targeting all generations, in particular young people on the importance of safeguarding democracy and fundamental rights should draw on the lessons from these crimes. This also implies countering distortion, denial and trivialisation of the historical facts.
Among these atrocities, the Roma Holocaust—often overlooked or insufficiently acknowledged—requires dedicated attention. Remembering the Roma Holocaust (Porajmos) and other genocides is essential not only to honour the victims and survivors but also to address its lasting impact on the situation of Roma today who are significantly lagging behind in all areas of life. The continued presence of antigypsyism and structural discrimination underscores the urgent need to integrate Roma history and memory into broader European narratives. The importance of initiatives raising awareness on the Roma genocide, advancing reconciliation efforts, helping to challenge prejudice is recalled by the EU Roma Strategic Framework and its aligned Council Recommendation.
During the Holocaust, amongst other minorities, LGBTIQ people were also persecuted by the Nazi regime, and were often imprisoned in concentration camps. In addition, many LGBTIQ people suffered severe abuse and forced labour, facing marginalization both during and after the war, with their experiences largely unrecognized for decades. As a result, the history of LGBTIQ persons in Europe is marked by both struggle and resilience, shaped by periods of persecution as well as progress toward equality. The preservation and recognition of LGBTIQ history and memory are essential to building an inclusive European identity rooted in dignity, diversity, and human rights, thus acknowledging their vital role in Europe's democratic and cultural legacy.
Projects under this topic could focus on:
For further information about the call and its conditions, please see the Call document.
In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
For lead applicants (i.e., the “Coordinator”):
For co-applicants:
+ be non-profit or for profit legal entities (public or private bodies). Organisations which are for profit may apply only in partnership with public entities, private non-profit organisations or with international organisations
+ be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
Other eligibility conditions:
Projects can be either national or transnational.
Proposals must be submitted by a consortium of at least 2 applicants (lead applicant ("Coordinator") and at least one co-applicant, not being affiliated entity or associated partner).
Projects should normally range between 12 and 24 months.
EUR 2.400.000
The minimum grant requested cannot be lower than EUR 50.000
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