European Union provides up to 1 million euros in grants for Georgian NGOs

The European Union will finance projects from Georgian non-governmental organisations that are designed to promote democracy and human rights.

On 19 March, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Georgia Torben Holtze announced the launch of the Call for Proposals for 2004 by the European Union under its European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) programme. The overall budget available for 2004 Call for Proposals is 1 million euros.

This year the Delegation will accept applications from non-profit-making and non-governmental organisations working in the field of democracy and human rights; also from media organisations provided that the proposed action is non-profit making.

"The European Union has supported civil society development and non-governmental organizations in Georgia from the early times of Georgia's independence," said Mr Holtze in his opening remarks. While commenting on the role of non-governmental and media organization Mr Holtze said: "They can assist citizens in defending their rights and freedoms. They can promote legislation ensuring equal treatment of minority groups. They can prevent torture or campaign for human rights principles to ensure that policemen as well as prosecutors observe these principles."

There are three priority areas to be financed under the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) microprojects programme: support to the rule of law and the fight against corruption; the fight against torture; and combating discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities.

The organisations participating in the Call for Proposals must have their headquarters in Georgia, or be a local independent division of an NGO with its headquarters in another country. Activities must take place in Georgia. The minimal and maximal amounts of grants are 10 thousand and 100 thousand euros respectively. The deadline for submission of proposals is 14 June 2004 at 16.00 Georgian time.