[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

April 16, 2026 (full proposal submission, 17:00 Brussels time)

€12,000,000 total available for 2026; lump sum grants; see call documents for award sizes.

Supports cross-border town cooperation to promote EU values, citizen engagement, diversity, and inclusion through sustainable networks and cultural exchange.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity, under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV), aims to promote exchanges and cooperation between citizens from different EU countries, particularly through the creation and support of sustainable networks of towns. Projects should deepen collaboration among towns, foster practical engagement with the EU’s shared heritage, and promote Union values and fundamental rights. The program focuses on increasing citizen participation in democratic life, raising awareness of EU citizenship rights, supporting under-represented groups, and encouraging cultural activities that counter violence, hatred, and discrimination. Projects are expected to contribute to mutual understanding, respect for diversity, and the inclusion of minorities, migrants, LGBTIQ people, and persons with disabilities. --- ## Due Dates - April 16, 2026: Full proposal submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget for 2026: €12,000,000 - Grants are awarded as lump sums; the specific amount per project is determined based on the proposal and budget justification. - Indicative number of grants is not specified; refer to the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/cerv/wp-call/2026/call-fiche_cerv-2026-citizens-town-nt_en.pdf) for details. --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities established in eligible countries (primarily EU Member States and associated countries, as specified in the call document). - Applicants must be towns/municipalities or their twinning committees or networks, other levels of local/regional authorities, or non-profit organizations representing local authorities. - Proposals must involve a network of towns from at least three eligible countries. - Detailed eligibility rules are described in the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/cerv/wp-call/2026/call-fiche_cerv-2026-citizens-town-nt_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process. - Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/CERV-2026-CITIZENS-TOWN-NT?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Application form templates and guidance are available on the portal: - [Standard application form (CERV)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/cerv/temp-form/af/af_cerv_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - Evaluation criteria, award process, and timelines are detailed in the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/cerv/wp-call/2026/call-fiche_cerv-2026-citizens-town-nt_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Projects should focus on one or more of the following: citizen engagement, democratic participation, diversity and inclusion, combating discrimination, cultural exchange, and local-level actions against violence and hatred. - The call encourages inclusion of marginalized and under-represented groups, and supports projects that align with the New European Bauhaus initiative. - All applicants should review the [FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) and the [Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) before submission. --- ## External Links - [Call details and submission portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/CERV-2026-CITIZENS-TOWN-NT?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Call document (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/cerv/wp-call/2026/call-fiche_cerv-2026-citizens-town-nt_en.pdf) - [CERV Programme overview](https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme-overview_en) - [CERV National Contact Points](https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme-overview/cerv-national-contact-points_en) - [Standard application form (CERV)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/cerv/temp-form/af/af_cerv_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General questions | [CERV Contact Point (by country)](https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme-overview/cerv-national-contact-points_en) | | Email support | [EACEA-CERV@ec.europa.eu](mailto:EACEA-CERV@ec.europa.eu) | | IT Helpdesk | [Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | European Commission | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Networks of Towns - European Commission

Sign in to see full grant listing