Application deadline: 26 Oct 2026.
In brief
The 2nd call of the Interreg IPA Croatia-BiH-Montenegro programme closed on 6 June 2025 and no newer open call was found. The Western Balkans Fund has an ERC call open until 26 October 2026, but only for non-profit organisations in partnerships from at least four Contracting Parties, not municipalities.
This article explains two sources of cross-border and regional money often mentioned for rural tourism in East Herzegovina: the Interreg IPA programme Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and the Western Balkans Fund (WBF). It concerns associations, tourism organisations and municipalities considering a project with partners from neighbouring countries. Situation as of 6 October 2026.
In short
- Interreg IPA Croatia-BiH-Montenegro 2021-2027: the 2nd call for standard projects had EUR 29,926,000 of EU funds and a deadline of 6 June 2025 (applications through the Jems system). The priority "Sustainable tourism and culture" (RSO4.6) was one of four covered by the call, so rural tourism could fit under it. No newer open call was found, and we could not check the programme site on 6 October 2026, so check it yourself.
- Western Balkans Fund, ERC call (2nd edition): deadline 26 October 2026, 13:59 CET, grants of EUR 20,000 to 25,000, up to 80% of eligible costs, at least 20% co-financing in cash. One lead applicant and at least three partners are required, from at least four WBF Contracting Parties in total.
- ERC is not open to municipalities or other public authorities. It is open to non-profit legal entities: civil society organisations, business associations, media, educational and sports associations.
- WBF Matching Grants: up to EUR 10,000 and up to 50% of costs. The project must involve partners from at least two of the six Western Balkans countries, and a second donor covering the rest must be secured before applying. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Who it applies to
- ERC: non-profit legal entities from WBF countries (BiH, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia). The lead applicant must have donor-funded project experience in the last three years. Profit-making companies, political parties and government bodies cannot be lead or partner. State and local institutions can only take part as associated institutions with no financial interest. Cooperatives, d.o.o. companies and farms operating for profit should check eligibility before applying, because profit-making entities are excluded.
- Matching Grants: legal non-profit entities in the region with experience in donor-funded projects. The fund's page lists public bodies among eligible applicants, but check the call terms before applying. A single local organisation cannot apply alone.
- Interreg: applications come through cross-border partnerships from Croatia, BiH and Montenegro. Check the exact list of eligible applicants in the applicant documents on the programme site when a new call appears.
What to do
- For Interreg, watch the programme website for a new call. Applications for the 2nd call went through the Jems online system. Do not plan an application before a call is published.
- For ERC, find partners on the WBF Partnership Platform (wbfpartnership.com) and form a partnership of one lead applicant and at least three partners, from at least four countries in total.
- Apply through the WBF online grant system (OGMS), in English. The application form, budget and a signed and stamped declaration by the lead applicant are mandatory. Shortlisted applicants must also provide a partnership agreement, statute and registration certificate, bank account and financial statements, and a financial capacity form.
- Secure cash co-financing, not in-kind. Costs already financed by another EU action are not eligible (no double financing).
- For Matching Grants, secure the second donor for the remaining 50% and partners from at least two Western Balkans countries before applying.
- Send ERC questions in writing to info@westernbalkansfund.org by 12 October 2026.
Deadlines and amounts
- ERC: deadline 26 October 2026, 13:59 CET. Information sessions 1 to 14 October 2026 in six cities, including Sarajevo; check the ERC page for the Sarajevo date and registration, as some sessions may already have passed. Questions by 12 October, answers by 16 October. Contract signature indicatively December 2026 to January 2027. Total EUR 300,000. Project duration 6 to 10 months.
- Matching Grants: up to EUR 10,000, duration 2 to 4 months, rolling applications, decided in seasonal cycles.
- Interreg: 2nd call closed 6 June 2025, no current deadline found.
Where to go
- Interreg IPA Croatia-BiH-Montenegro: programme website
- Western Balkans Fund: ERC call, Matching Grants, questions to info@westernbalkansfund.org
Laws and sources
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