The European Union (EU) Delegation to Tajikistan has published a new call for proposals to support non-profit organizations, such as non-governmental organizations, public sector operators, local authorities or international organizations.

Applicants can now seek EU funding for projects in the two prioritized areas - supporting people living with disabilities, and expanding opportunities for youth self-development, employability and increased participation in decision-making processes.

The European Union will in this call for proposals allocate a total of 2,909,305 euros.  Applicants may request a grant between 200,000 euros and 400,000 euros.

The organizations not established in Tajikistan that apply, need to act with at least two local Tajik partner organizations, as well as provide their own contribution for the proposed project corresponding to the percentage indicated in the call guidelines.

Given the impacts of COVID-19, local Tajik organizations are on an exceptional basis, exempted from the mandatory contribution of own funding.  The amount of the proposed projects, if match the thresholds within the call, can thus be fully funded by an EU-grant.  Applicants established in Tajikistan should apply for grant with at least one partner organization.

Following a standardized competitive and transparent evaluation process, the selected projects are expected to start operating in 2021, and run for a period not lower than 24 months and not exceeding 36 months.  The deadline to submit the concept notes is September 4, 2020 at 13:30 (Brussels time).

EU-Tajikistan relations date back to 1991 when the European Commission launched the Technical Aid to the Commonwealth of Independent States.  Bilateral development assistance has increased from around €20 million per year in the early 2000s to the current €33 million annually.  The EU's priorities for cooperation with Tajikistan in the current programming cycle (2014-2020) are education, health and rural development.  Boosting investment also remains a priority.  Tajikistan is the largest recipient of EU bilateral aid in Central Asia.

The EU also supports Tajikistan through international organizations and global health initiatives to strengthen healthcare systems.