The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers story grants to support the production of in-depth reporting on current and emerging marine issues in the Adriatic Sea, with a focus on the Western Balkans. Applications from Western Balkan countries that border the Adriatic Sea are welcome (i.e. Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania). Journalists from inland Balkan countries such as Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia are also eligible to apply if their stories can be directly tied to the Adriatic Sea. EJN expects to award up to 10 grants with a budget of up to €1,200 each. The application deadline is 13 March 2025. Details here
Russia/Eastern Europe
Coimbra Group of Universities — Scholarships for Professional Mobility
The Coimbra Group is an association of long-established European universities committed to creating academic and cultural ties to promote internationalization. Towards this end, the Coimbra Group offers scholarships to encourage short-term professional and academic experiences in Europe by applicants from Africa, Latin America, and the European Neighborhood. Each Coimbra University publishes its grant guidelines and contact information. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2025. Click here
European Commission — Young Energy Ambassadors Program 2025
The Young Energy Ambassadors (YEA) program offers individuals aged 18 to 35 the opportunity to engage in EU energy policy making and promote a clean, fair energy transition. Ambassadors will participate in the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) from June 10-12, 2025, and contribute to the European Youth Energy Day. The year-long mandate includes mentorship, workshops, policy dialogues, and media features. Eligible applicants are young professionals, students, activists, and researchers committed to sustainable energy. Applications are open until 01 March 2025. Link to the program
Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe — Danubius Young Scientists 2025
The Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe, in partnership with the Austrian Federal Ministry for Science and Research, offers the Danubius Award to honor persons with extraordinary scientific achievement in relation to the Danube Region. The Danubius Young Scientist Award will be granted to 14 young scientists — one in each of Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Romania, and Ukraine. Priority is for work that is relevant beyond national borders, in any discipline. Each winner will receive €1,350. The deadline for nominations is 09 May 2025. Danubius Young Scientist Award
European Union — European Exchange Program for Entrepreneurs
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a cross-border exchange program for aspiring entrepreneurs. New entrepreneurs will benefit from on-the-job training in a small or medium-sized enterprise in another participating country. The program provides practical and financial assistance, and matches entrepreneurs with experienced hosts. Applications are accepted from both, host entrepreneurs (HEs) – ideally owners of a micro or small enterprise – and new entrepreneurs (NEs) in their early stages. Participating NEs will receive financial support for travel, living and subsistence costs during the visit. Applications are accepted from permanent residents in one of 28 EU Member States, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Iceland, Montenegro, Moldova, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Kosovo. Applications are accepted continuously. Find out how to participate
European Climate Initiative — Transboundary Climate Action in Europe
The European Climate Initiative (EUKI) calls for project ideas for transboundary climate action in Europe. Projects may propose forward-looking ideas in the areas of climate policy, energy, buildings and municipalities, mobility, agriculture, soils and forestry, awareness, climate-aligned finance, or sustainable economy. Financing of between €50 thousand and €1 million may be provided for each project. EUKI supports climate projects in EU member states, with a regional focus on Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe as well as the Baltic states. Non-profit organizations from EU accession candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey) may apply for financing as implementing partners. Project ideas have to be submitted by 10 March 2025. More about EUKI
International Research & Exchanges Board — Community Solutions Program
The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) seeks applications for its Community Solutions Program (CSP) with the aim to improve communities by addressing issues related to the environment, among others. The Community Solutions Program is a year-long professional development program with a four-month fellowship in the United States. To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 26 and 39 (as of 01 January 2025). Eligible countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe, East Asia and the Pacific, South and Central Asia, and Latin America are listed in the announcement. Applications must be submitted by 13 November 2024. About the Program
ProBleu — Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
The ProBleu funding initiative supports primary and secondary schools as essential champions in educating children and youth about blue sustainability and the safeguarding of marine and freshwater ecosystems. The call is open to primary and secondary-level schools in the EU Member States and associated countries. Schools can apply for up to €10 thousand for water & ocean literacy projects that last up to a year. The application deadline is 21 November 2024. Link to ProBleu
Regional Incubator for Social Entrepreneurs — Support for Young Social Entrepreneurs
Regional Incubator for Social Entrepreneurs (RISE) is a project for the youth, willing to learn and change things for the betterment of the Western Balkans. RISE invites ideas or innovative solutions for a new and better way to approach education, women empowerment, culture, rural development, health or employment in regional communities. The program will support regional changemakers through tailor-made programs, mentorship, and training. Young people from 18 to 35 years old from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia are eligible. Please note that Local Incubators may have different deadlines. Applications close on 20 September 2024. Link to RISE
Earth Journalism Network — Mediterranean Media Initiative Story Grants
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) supports the production of in-depth stories covering current and emerging marine issues in the Mediterranean. EJN offers up to 10 story grants with a budget of up to €1,000 each for this round of story grants to support reporting on illegal fishing and the biodiversity crisis in the Mediterranean region, as well as solutions to marine issues. Applicants can be from any country that borders the Mediterranean Sea. Countries include Algeria; Albania; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Croatia; Cyprus; Egypt; France; Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory); Greece; Italy; Israel; Lebanon; Libya; Malta; Monaco; Montenegro; Morocco; Palestine; Slovenia; Spain; Syria; Tunisia; Türkiye. Applications are open to journalists working in any medium (online, print, television, radio) and other expert media practitioners with professional reporting experience. The application deadline is 19 August 2024. Link