The 7th RYCOnnecting Youth Open Call aims to strengthen youth-led reconciliation, intercultural learning, and regional cooperation across the Western Balkans by supporting high-quality, impact-oriented initiatives implemented by civil society organizations. The Call supports both emerging and experienced actors who contribute to fostering dialogue, trust, and cooperation among young people, and seeks to expand opportunities for youth engagement within the region through structured, inclusive, and sustainable initiatives.

The 7th RYCOnnecting Youth Open Call is a key implementation instrument of RYCO’s Strategic Plan 2025–2027, translating the Strategy’s vision and strategic pathways into concrete, youth-led action across the Western Balkans. Through this Call, RYCO supports initiatives that:

• promote regional youth exchange, intercultural learning, dialogue, and peacebuilding;
• strengthen cooperation and partnerships among civil society organizations and relevant stakeholders active in youth, education, culture, and related fields;
• contribute to sustainable forms of regional youth cooperation that extend beyond individual project cycles.

The Call expands opportunities for young people to engage in regional exchanges, intercultural learning, dialogue, and peacebuilding. By fostering reconciliation, trust-building, and youth participation, it supports young people in developing competencies to actively contribute to peaceful, inclusive, and democratic societies. By strengthening civil society organizations and promoting regional and cross-sectoral partnerships, the Call contributes to creating enabling environments for youth cooperation. It reinforces collaboration between youth organizations, educational and cultural institutions, and other relevant stakeholders shaping youth participation and regional cooperation.

Size of Grants

Any grant requested under this Call for Proposals must fall within the following range:

• Minimum grant amount: EUR 20,000
• Maximum grant amount: EUR 30,000

Projects supported under the 7th RYCOnnecting Youth Open Call are expected to be regional in scope and designed in line with RYCO’s mandate to promote youth cooperation, reconciliation, and sustainable regional engagement across the Western Balkans.
This call si designed with two lots :

LOT 1: Youth for Reconciliation, Dialogue, and Peacebuilding
LOT 2: Supportive and Innovative Environment for Regional Youth Structures

All projects funded under this Call must: