EU funding programmes for 2021–2027

In 2021–2027, EU funding in the area of justice will consist of two different funding programmes: the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) and the Justice Programme. Together, these programmes form the new Justice, Rights and Values Fund of the EU, which aims to promote the overall goals of the EU, such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, respect for human rights and the rights of persons belonging to minorities.

The aim of the CERV Programme is to promote the implementation of the EU's core values and fundamental rights, equality and non-discrimination. A further goal is to promote the active and democratic participation of citizens in the EU and to prevent violence, in particular against children, young people, women, and other vulnerable groups. These objectives will be pursued by supporting actors at different levels, such as civil society organisations.

The Justice Programme aims to promote the development of the European area of justice by allocating funding for judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, promotion of the rights of victims of crime, suspects and accused persons, e-Justice projects, and judicial training. The programme provides support for legal practitioners and civil society actors, among others. 

The total budget allocated to the CERV Programme for the 2021–2027 period is EUR 1,370 million and to the Justice Programme EUR 217 million.

Universities, research institutes, judicial and administrative authorities and civil society organisations, for example, can apply for funding for their projects. Funding can be granted for training, conducting surveys and studies, organising seminars and campaigns, and developing and maintaining information systems, among other things.

The Commission will publish calls for proposals under these programmes annually.

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