Western Balkans Fund MOVE Grants 7th Open Call 2026 - Apply Online for Regional Mobility Funding

Post Update: 09 September 2026

The Western Balkans Fund (WBF) is currently accepting applications for the Western Balkans Fund MOVE Grants 7th Open Call 2026, aimed at supporting individuals seeking funding for regional mobility, cultural exchange, research, and professional development. Eligible participants can receive a financial grant ranging from €500 to €3,000 to cover up to 100% of eligible costs associated with their proposed mobility initiative. The final deadline to submit applications for this open call is 05/10/2026 at 12:59 CET. Interested candidates should review the eligibility criteria carefully and complete their submissions through the official portal before the deadline.

Western Balkans Fund MOVE Grants 7th Open Call 2026 Overview

Western Balkans Fund MOVE Grants 7th Open Call 2026 Benefits and Funding

The MOVE Grants scheme provides vital financial backing to individuals aiming to foster regional cooperation and people-to-people connections across the Western Balkans. The overall financial envelope allocated for this 7th Open Call stands at €40,000.

Applicants can request financial support aligned with their project needs and scope. The key funding details include:

• Minimum Grant Amount: €500 per approved individual mobility project.
• Maximum Grant Amount: Up to €3,000 per successful application.
• Coverage: The Western Balkans Fund may finance up to 100% of the total eligible costs outlined in the approved budget.
• Cost-Sharing: Co-financing or partial cost-sharing by the applicant or host institution is also permitted where applicable.
• Budget Structure: Applicants must prepare realistic budgets in euros based on genuine market costs. Only items explicitly presented in the submitted budget will be evaluated for financing.

Western Balkans Fund MOVE Grants 7th Open Call 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before initiating the process of how to apply, candidates must ensure they meet all prescribed rules set by the funding authority. Only individual applications are eligible; group mobility initiatives are strictly not supported under this call.

• Age Limit: Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age as on the application deadline. Age relaxation applies per established rules.
• Citizenship and Residency: Must be both a citizen and a resident of one of the six WBF Contracting Parties (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia).
• Professional Status: Must be an established professional, employed or affiliated with a legal public or non-public organisation, or currently enrolled as a student at the time of the application deadline.
• Character: Must have no criminal record.
• Language Proficiency: Must be capable of preparing the application, communicating effectively with the Western Balkans Fund, and reporting on the mobility activity in English.
• Host Institution Requirement: Must have a confirmed host institution in another WBF Contracting Party and provide an official invitation letter or proof of enrolment/participation.

Western Balkans Fund MOVE Grants 7th Open Call 2026 Important Dates and Deadline

Keeping track of the timeline is essential to secure consideration for the grant. The schedule for the 7th Open Call is detailed below.

How to Apply for Western Balkans Fund MOVE Grants 7th Open Call 2026

Submitting an application requires careful preparation and adherence to the online submission portal guidelines. Follow these sequential steps to complete your submission successfully:

1. Visit the apply online portal to review specific guidelines and create a user profile.
2. Read the 7th Open Call instructions thoroughly to ensure your mobility proposal matches the thematic areas of cultural cooperation, education, and scientific exchange.
3. Prepare a comprehensive and realistic budget in euros covering only eligible expenses related to your travel and project execution.
4. Obtain an official invitation letter, confirmed registration, or an acceptance letter from a host institution located in another WBF Contracting Party.
5. Fill out the application form accurately with all required personal, professional, and project details.
6. Upload all mandatory supporting documents in the specified formats.
7. Review the complete application package carefully before final submission.
8. Submit the application online well before the 05/10/2026 deadline and save the confirmation receipt for future reference.

Documents Required for Western Balkans Fund MOVE Grants 7th Open Call 2026

To validate your eligibility and project viability, you must attach specific documents during the digital submission process. Incomplete applications may face rejection during initial screening.

• Application Form: Fully completed digital application form via the official portal.
• Detailed Budget: A realistic budget breakdown prepared in euros reflecting actual market costs.
• Host Institution Documentation: Official invitation letter or confirmed registration, acceptance, or enrolment letter from the designated host institution in another WBF Contracting Party.
• Identification Proof: Valid government-issued passport or national ID confirming citizenship and residency in an eligible Western Balkans country.
• Supporting Professional Proof: Student ID, employment certificate, or professional portfolio establishing current status.

Western Balkans Fund MOVE Grants 7th Open Call 2026 Selection Process

The evaluation mechanism for the grants is designed to identify high-impact initiatives that align with regional integration goals. The process involves several structured stages:

• Initial Administrative Check: Submissions are reviewed for completeness, adherence to formatting rules, and verification that applicants meet minimum age, citizenship, and residency conditions.
• Eligibility Assessment: Evaluators check whether the proposed activity involves genuine regional mobility between WBF Contracting Parties and satisfies the host institution prerequisite.
• Quality Evaluation: Proposals are scored against core programme objectives, including potential for regional cooperation, feasibility of the realistic budget, clarity of purpose, and professional impact.
• Grant Awarding: Successful candidates are notified through the official portal, followed by the signing of grant agreements and disbursement of the approved stipend.

Western Balkans Fund MOVE Grants 7th Open Call 2026 Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last date to apply for the Western Balkans Fund MOVE Grants 2026?

The last date to submit applications online is 05/10/2026 at 12:59 CET.

What is the financial grant amount provided under this open call?

Successful applicants can receive a stipend ranging from €500 to €3,000, covering up to 100% of eligible costs.

Who is eligible to apply for the MOVE Grants 7th Open Call?

Individuals who are at least 18 years old, citizens and residents of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia, and who are students, professionals, or organizational affiliates can apply.

Can groups of people apply together for this mobility grant?

No, only individual applications are eligible for funding; group mobility is not supported under this scheme.

Where can I submit my application online?

You can submit your application and check further guidelines directly by visiting the official website.