The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), which provides funding for this call for proposals, is a European Union instrument that aims specifically at promoting democracy and human rights worldwide. This instrument is designed to support civil society to become an effective force for political reform and defence of human rights. It offers great flexibility and capacity to respond to changing circumstances and to support innovation. The EIDHR Global Programme to Strengthen Political Parties falls under objective 3 of the EIDHR: Support to Democracy.

This programme which aims at strengthening political parties and party systems is anchored firmly in the EU's policy framework. The EU commitment to democracy is articulated in the Treaty on the European Union (Art. 21), and therefore is a key component of EU foreign policy. This commitment is also part of the efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16: 'promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.'

As stated in the Global Strategy for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy, democracy is one of the 'vital interests underpinning our external action'. The proposal for a new European Consensus on Development explicitly mentions that 'accountable, democratic institutions are preconditions for sustainable development and stability' and states that the EU will promote 'accountable and transparent institutions' and 'participatory decision-making'.

Furthermore, support to the capacity of political parties is mentioned in the Council Conclusions on Democracy Support of 2009 according to which 'EU democracy support should (…) aim at assisting efforts and strengthening the capacity of Governments, Parliaments and other state institutions, political actors, civil society organisations and other actors.' The annexed Agenda for Action states that 'EU democracy support should include a special focus on the role of elected representatives and political parties and institutions' and that the 'EU should continue its established practice of looking for innovative ways to involve civil society, political parties, the media and other nongovernmental political players in the dialogues.' The Joint Communication on the Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2015-2019)  announces that the EU engagement with political parties and citizen movements will be increased 'with a view to strengthening their role in fostering democratic and accountable institutions and practices.' The Council Conclusions on Democracy Support also emphasise that 'the ability of men and women to participate on equal terms in political life and in decision-making is a prerequisite of genuine democracy.' As the EU Gender Action Plan 2016-2020 points out, 'discriminatory laws, practices or norms often limit girls’ and women’s social, economic and political participation.' The Commission is supporting 'women's increased participation in policy, governance and electoral processes at all levels' through 'efforts to contribute in a measurable manner to increase girls' and women's agency, voice and participation in social, economic and political life.'

OBJECTIVES

Lot 1: Participation of women – and especially young women – in political parties

• To empower young women to take an active role in the life of the parties (including in their policy-making and decision-making structures) and in political affairs in general, at both national and local levels, including increasing the percentage of young female members and female decision makers/leaders in political parties.

 Lot 2: Party-systems

• To support inter-party dialogues on the legal, financial and/or policy framework affecting political parties and political party financing, and/or
• To support political parties in improving their governance, transparency, accountability and outreach to citizens (particularly women and youth), both at national and local levels.

SIZE OF GRANTS

Any grant requested under this Call for Proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts:

• For Lot1:
  • minimum amount: EUR 950,000
  • maximum amount: EUR 1,250,000
• For Lot 2
  • minimum amount: EUR 500,000
  • maximum amount: EUR 600,00

ELIGIBLE CRITERIA

In order to be eligible for a grant, the lead applicant must:

• be a legal person and
• be non-profit-making and
• be a specific type of organization such as: civil societyorganizations , including non-governmental, non-profit organizations, associations and political foundations, community-based organizations and private- sector non-profit agencies and networks thereof at local, national, regional and international level;
  • public sector operators, public sector institutions and organisations, local authorities , non-profit-making universities;
  • international (inter-governmental) organisation as defined by Article 43 of the Rules of application of the EU Financial Regulation be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with the co-applicant(s) and affiliated entity(ies), not acting as an intermediary
• No nationality restriction applies to lead applicants, co-applicants and affiliated entities.
• Potential applicants may not participate in calls for proposals or be awarded grants if they are in any of the situations.

The call for proposal deadline is 04 July 2017 at 16:00 (Brussels date and time). Download the attached guideline for more information.   

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