Open Calls

Challenge Call for Proposals for Innovative Solutions for the Green Transition of the Serbian Economy

The most important dates to Challenge Call implementation 

With the support of the European Union, Sweden and Switzerland, in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and in cooperation with the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia is launching the perennial Challenge Call for Proposals for innovative solutions for the green transition of the Serbian economy.

The purpose of this Challenge Call for Proposals is to support the implementation of innovative solutions for all five areas of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans:

1. decarbonization and green industry

2. circular economy - conservation and better use of natural resources*

3. environmental pollution reduction with a particular focus on air,

4. protection and conservation of nature and biodiversity, and

5. development of rural and sustainable food supply systems.

* Within the second pillar - circular economy, the received project proposals will be evaluated in the third phase of the Challenge, starting in September 2024.

Public and private companies, social enterprises, research institutions, civil society organizations, local self-governments and managers of protected areas can apply individually or jointly to this Challenge Call.

The best applications will receive mentoring and technical support to develop their ideas, while the best among them will receive co-funding to implement these solutions in practice.

The call for innovative ideas will be open until the end of the project, i.e. until the end of 2026, and the received applications will be evaluated and selected in several cycles.

Registration for this Challenge is done exclusively electronically, by filling out the online form HERE.

The concept application can be submitted at any time, and the deadlines for evaluating and selecting projects for the next stages of development will be announced in the second part of the year.

This Challenge Call for Proposals is published in the framework of the project "EU for Green Agenda in Serbia", which, with the technical and financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional funding from the Governments of Sweden, Switzerland and Serbia. 

For more information please contact us, via email to: zelena.agenda.rs@undp.org  

or phone: 062 609 467.

PUBLIC CALL FOR SUPPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT OF SERBIA AND AP VOJVODINA INSTITUTIONS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs) IN THE AREA OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) invites all institutions under the jurisdiction of the Government of Serbia, AP Vojvodina, and all local government units (LGUs) to apply for the competition in accordance with the below criteria and the application form.

The Public Call aims to collect applications from relevant institutions for the selection of those that have the greatest potential and interest in investing in energy efficiency improvement projects through the public-private partnership model, i.e., the Energy Service Contract model (ESCO) for the implementation of energy efficiency improvement actions by public sector stakeholders.

UNDP will prepare the ESCO project documents for at least 5 selected buildings.

The deadline for submitting applications is from 20th July until 15th September 2023. 

Open Call to Local Government Units for Co-financing of Air Protection Measures

Belgrade, 5 June 2023 - Within the EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia Project, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announces an Open Call to Local Government Units for Co-financing of Air Protection Measures in local self-government units.

The Call for applications for co-financing the air protection measures is intended for local self-government units that have, within the “EU for Green Agenda in Serbia” project, prepared and/or improved Air Quality Plans (AQP) and/or Short-term Action Plans (StAPs) for local self-government units that are not legally obliged to adopt the aforementioned plans, participated in the capacity building program and incorporated air protection measures into their strategic documents through the project "EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia", and, in exceptional cases, to those local-self-government units that were not part of this project, but adopted AQP or StAP, if they explain in detail the problem they have with air quality and the exceptional benefits of application of the proposed measure.

The implementation of measures within this call should also contribute to the implementation of the National Air Protection Programme for the period 2022-2030 adopted by the Republic of Serbia in December 2022.

Local self-government units that have defined air quality improvement measures in planning documents have the opportunity to apply for co-financing of one selected measure, up to a maximum of 50% of total value of its use. For measures approved under this call, co-financing will be provided in the amount of 20,000 - 40,000 USD (for small-scale projects) and 40,000 - 80,000 USD (for large-scale projects). The rest of the funds, at least 50%, is provided by the local self-government unit from its budget or other sources of financing.

The application must be submitted no later than July 3, 2023, by 5 p.m., via the online platform that you can access HERE.

In addition to filling out the application form, it is necessary to submit a statement signed by an authorized person confirming the secured co-financing and participation in the public call, a detailed budget, a planning document containing the proposed measure for co-financing, as well as  accompanying technical documentation (if applicable), to the email address: zelena.agenda.rs@undp.org. More information about this can be found in the Terms and Conditions for applying at the following link.

An info day will be organized for representatives of interested local governments on Tuesday, June 13. Registration for the info day is on the following LINK.

If you have additional questions, you can contact us via email at: zelena.agenda.rs@undp.org.

This Challenge Call for Proposals is published in the framework of the project "EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia", which, with the technical and financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional funding from the Governments of Sweden, Switzerland and Serbia.

Public call for civil society organizations for the improvement of natural values in protected areas

As part of the "EU for Green Agenda in Serbia" project, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) publishes a Public Call for civil society organizations to submit small-scale project proposals for improving natural values and climate change resistance in protected areas in the Republic of Serbia.

The goal of this call is to support civil society initiatives aimed at improving biodiversity and strengthening the resilience of ecosystems in protected areas, in cooperation with managers of protected areas and other institutions and organizations.

Civil society organizations that deal with environmental protection and climate change and are registered in the Republic of Serbia can apply for the Call.

The best rated solutions will receive financial support for the implementation of their project proposals.

The deadline for applying to the call is Friday, May 26 until 5:00 PM.

Registration for this Call is done exclusively electronically, by filling out an online form in Serbian HERE.

In addition to the completed online form, additional documentation must be submitted to the email address: zelena.agenda.rs@undp.org. You can find more information about this in the Application Guidelines, which are available in Serbian and English. If you have additional questions, you can contact us via email at: zelena.agenda.rs@undp.org.

This Public Call was published within the project "EU for Green Agenda in Serbia", which, with the technical and financial support of the European Union and the partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is implemented by UNDP, in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional funding from the Governments of Sweden, Switzerland and Serbia.

PUBLIC CALL FOR SUPPORT TO UNITS OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT (ULG) IN THE FIELD OF WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in cooperation with the Resources Mobilisation Facility financed by Ministry of Finance of Slovak Republic and the German Development Bank (KfW) is inviting units of local governments (ULGs) to apply to this Public related to biowaste management and renewable energy sources.

The Public Call aims to receive applications from ULGs in order to select ULGs demonstrating the greatest potential and interest to invest in projects for production of biogas and biowaste compost.

Compost and biogas production from farming residues and biowaste is a well-established practice in many countries and provides opportunities to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and creating new jobs in rural areas. With this in mind, based on this Public Call, UNDP will develop a study for use of biowaste for at least 3 selected ULGs. The study includes a detailed analysis of the available biowaste potential and provides guidelines or recommendations for investment in treatment or use of waste.

Applications are open from 22nd March until 10th June 2023 by 5PM. 

Challenge Call for Innovative Solutions in the field of Forrest Ecosystem Restoration and Greeneing

With the support of the European Union, and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia announced the Challenge Call for Innovative Solutions: Forests and Green Infrastructure for Improving Natural Capital and Climate Resilience.

This challenge aims to support the implementation of innovative ideas that will contribute to increasing the forested areas and improving the functionality of ecosystems, thus enriching the biodiversity and increasing the resilience to natural disasters and extreme weather events caused by climate change. The application of these ideas in practice will contribute to a healthier environment, further accelerate the green transformation of the economy and society, and the implementation of the EU Green Agenda in Serbia.

Best solutions under this call will receive mentoring and technical support, while co-financing will be provided to the most successful among them, so that these ideas may be applied in practice. Project applications that result in the formation of forests and green urban areas by using diverse indigenous species of forest vegetation would be particularly welcomed. Also, projects that have multiple benefits for local communities, such as better air quality, improvement of biodiversity, preservation of the quality of agricultural land, and greater absorption of carbon dioxide - will be prioritised.

All interested local self-government units, public companies, managers of protected areas, and/or cooperatives can apply for projects on publicly owned land; and all interested forest owners (e.g. cooperatives, associations, companies) can apply for projects on forest and agricultural land in private and cooperative ownership, until July 13, 2020. More information can be found in the Guidelines for Applicants.

Applications will be accepted only online and in Serbian language, through an online Application Form.

For all interested applicants, Info days will be held on 17 and 24 June 2022 in Belgrade. Registration for hybrid Info days is available at this link.

The deadline for submission of applications for Challenge Call has been extended until Monday, July 25, 2022, at 16:00.

The Challenge Call for Innovative Solutions: Forests and Green Infrastructure for Improving Natural Capital and Climate Resilience has been published within the "EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia" project, which, with the financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the EIB.

For more information, please contact us at: adaptacije.rs@undp.org.

APPLY HERE

Challenge Call for Innovative Solutions for Cleaner Air

With the support of the European Union, and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia announced the Challenge Call for Innovative Solutions for improving Air Quality.

The aim of this challenge is to support the implementation of innovative ideas that will contribute to reducing air pollution and improving air quality at the local level. The application of these ideas in practice will contribute to a healthier environment and further accelerate the green transformation of the economy and society, i.e., the implementation of the Green Agenda in Serbia.

Ten best solutions submitted to the call will receive mentoring and technical support, while co-financing will be provided for at least three solutions, so that these ideas may be applied in practice. All interested local self-government units, public and private companies, small and medium enterprises and research institutions with an idea for air quality improvement, can apply for the call until 27 June 2022. More information can be found in the Guidelines for Applicants. Applications will be accepted only online and in Serbian language, through an online Application Form.

For all interested applicants, Info days will be held on 1 June 2022 in Novi Sad and 8 June 2022 in Belgrade. Registration for the hybrid info days is required, available at this link.

The deadline for submission of applications for Challenge Call has been extended until Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at 16:00.

This public call has been published within the "EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia" project, which, with the financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the EIB. For more information, please contact us at: adaptacije.rs@undp.org.

APPLY

Challenge Call for Decarbonisation of the Economy and Depollution of the Environment

With the support of the European Union, and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Serbia announced the Challenge Call for decarbonisation of the economy and depollution of the environment.

We are inviting public companies, private entities and industries to propose solutions for lowering carbon intensity, producing positive environmental, social and economic benefits for communities and citizens, contributing to the economy decarbonisation and depollution of our environment.

The challenge call aims at removing some of the biggest identified obstacles to green transformation and decarbonisation of the public and corporate sector, such as: the lack of investments, incentive measures and sustainable business models, followed by the lack of a policy framework that promotes synergies for efforts to reduce GHG emissions and other harmful emissions into environment.

Interested applicants shall APPLY ONLINE until 20 June 2022.

The Call consists of two LOTs:

LOT 1 for decarbonisation of the economy by applying new business models, new technologies or digital solutions with the primary objective to reduce GHG emissions in both EU ETS sectors: electricity and heat generation, energy-intensive industry sectors including oil refineries, steelworks, and production of iron, aluminium, metals, cement, lime, glass, ceramics, pulp, paper, cardboard, acids and bulk organic chemicals (i.e. EU-ETS operators) and non-ETS sector (e.g. transport, buildings, agriculture, waste, etc.), as well as entities obliged under the Energy Management System.

LOT 2 – Pollution reduction of IPPC operators (falling under the Industrial Emissions Directive), through investments in the application of the best available technologies to pursue a clean technology transition and better resource efficiency.

At least thirty (30) most promising proposals will receive mentoring and technical support through acceleration process. With the technical support of experts, they will have the opportunity to work on their project concepts, test them and further develop submitted technical solutions. At the end of this phase, projects which are evaluated to contribute most to decarbonisation, contribute reducing the other harmful emissions and transformation to green business models will be chosen for the implementation phase and will receive co-financing.

For all interested applicants, info days will be organised on May 17, May 25, and June 1 2022, please register in advance via this link.

The deadline for submission of applications for Challenge Call has been extended until Monday, June 27, 2022, at 16:00.

For more information, feel free to contact us at: zelena.agenda.rs@undp.org

Open Call for Expressions of Interest for Technical Support in Development and/or Improvement of Air Quality Plans and/or Short-term Action Plans on Air Quality Protection

With the support of the European Union, and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia announced the Open Call for Expressions of Interest for technical support in development and/or improvement of Air Quality Plans and/or Short-term Action Plans on Air Quality Protection.

This call aims to support the development or improvement of local air quality plans that will contribute to the reduction of air pollution from public or private sources. The application of these plans in practice will contribute to a healthier environment and further accelerate the green transformation of the economy and society, i.e., the implementation of the Green Agenda in Serbia.

All interested local self-government units that want to develop or upgrade existing action plans related to air quality can apply for the call until 20 May 2022.

During phase one, ten best-rated expressions of interest will receive mentoring and technical support, while in the next phase, a maximum of three local self-government units will additionally receive co-financing to implement measures from their action plans.

More information can be found in the Guidelines for Applicants.

Expression of interests will be accepted only in Serbian language, through an online application form.

For all interested applicants, info day will be held on 11 May 2022. Registration for the hybrid info day is required, available at this link.

This public call has been published within the "EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia" project, which, with the financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the EIB.

For more information, please contact Zorica Korać, Project Manager, via email: zorica.korac@undp.org

APPLY

Challenge for Innovative Solutions in the Field of Circular Economy

The aim of this challenge is to support the implementation of innovative ideas that will contribute to more efficient use of resources, as well as to the reduction and reuse of waste in production processes. The application of these ideas in practice will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, GHG, which will accelerate the green transformation of the economy and society, i.e., the implementation of the Green Agenda in Serbia.

Twenty of the best solutions submitted to the call will be selected to receive mentoring and technical support, while co-financing will be provided for the top five, so that these ideas may be applied in practice. 

Local self-governments, public utility companies, and companies from the private sector may apply to the Open Call to participate in this challenge until May 16, 2022.

APPLY

Applicants representing the public sector may propose innovative business models, technologies, and digital solutions that will contribute to the efficient use of resources through the use and recycling of non-hazardous waste, especially biodegradable waste, including sludge.

Applicants from the private sector, especially those representing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the hospitality and waste management sector, as well as those involving agricultural holdings, are invited to propose ideas for industrial symbiosis, e.g., establishing partnerships that would enable a company’s waste or by-product(s) to be used as a resource by another company. SMEs are also invited to propose solutions for the treatment of different types of waste, including bio-waste, construction waste, plastics, paper, metals, and glass.

For all interested applicants, info days will be organised on March 30, April 5, April 15, May 5 2022. Registration form is available at this link.

The public call has been published within the "EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia"project, which, with the financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment, is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the EIB.