The conclusion after the ceremony of awarding new EUR 12 million of the EU support, held at the Europe House in Belgrade, was that civil society organizations and the media play a crucial role in progress in all spheres.

Projects covering different areas, from media freedom to the rule of law and environmental protection, will be implemented by 21 organizations in the next three years. Their common goal is to make positive changes with their partners in the spheres of society where they have recognized challenges and issues.

Emanuele Giaufret, the EU Ambassador to Serbia, noted that it is symbolic that the awarding ceremony is held on the eve of the Human Rights Day, celebrated on December 10th.

“Respecting human rights is one of the fundamental values of the EU and its policies. The European Union is committed not only to the protection of the fundamental rights of its citizens, but also to the promotion of human rights around the world. In this important mission, we rely on you – civil society, the voice of citizens and the driving force of positive changes”, says Ambassador Giaufret.

He also recalled the challenges faced by civil society organizations and the media, and emphasized the important role they play in the process of European integration.

“Your inspiring projects remind us that significant changes are not the work of individuals, but a joint effort. It is a collective effort, in which we – the Delegation of the European Union in Serbia – together with large and small civil society organizations from all over the country, as well as independent media, join forces with the citizens. Every project, every initiative, is an opportunity to shape a better future together”, concluded the EU Ambassador to Serbia.

The representatives of the organizations thanked for the support and individually presented the goals of their projects in the coming period.

The following organizations received support, Local Press, Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM), Business Info Group, Caritas Serbia, Pomoć deci, ERA, Foundation Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture, Asylum Protection Centre, Youth Initiative for Human Rights, Centre for Girls, Centre for Children’s Rights, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Centre for Education Policy, Young Researchers of Serbia, Smart Collective, INTER, Centre for Cultural Decontamination, Zaječarske Initiative, Pro.TOK 21, Business Development Centre Kragujevac, Centre for Youth Work.