The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme is an EU funding initiative aimed at protecting and promoting rights and values enshrined in EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. It focuses on four key areas: Union values, equality and rights, citizens' engagement and participation, and combating violence. CERV has a total budget of €1.55 billion for 2021-2027. The programme provides funding for civil society organizations, public bodies, and other stakeholders active at local, regional, national, and transnational levels. Typical grant amounts vary depending on the specific call for proposals, but can range from €75,000 to several million euros. To receive funding, applicants must demonstrate how their projects align with CERV's objectives and contribute to fostering open, rights-based, democratic, and inclusive societies. Projects should have a clear European dimension and involve partners from multiple eligible countries. Recent beneficiaries include initiatives promoting gender equality, combating discrimination, protecting children's rights, and fostering active citizenship. The programme also supports projects related to Holocaust remembrance, civic participation, and countering disinformation. CERV plays a crucial role in strengthening European values and supporting civil society organizations across the EU and associated countries.
The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme could potentially support the European Housing Cooperative (EHC) through its focus on promoting EU values, civic engagement, and equality. The Union Values strand and Citizens' Engagement and Participation strand seem most relevant for EHC's goals. CERV could provide financial support through grants for activities that foster European citizenship, increase democratic participation, and promote social inclusion - all of which align with EHC's mission. The programme could fund initiatives like workshops, training, and awareness campaigns to promote cooperative housing models across Europe. Non-financial support could include networking opportunities with other EU-wide initiatives, capacity building for staff, and increased visibility for EHC's work at the European level. While no exact precedents exist, CERV has funded projects promoting alternative housing models and citizen-led urban initiatives. For example, it supported the European Network for Community-Led Housing and has funded various local housing cooperatives to scale their impact. To access funding, EHC would need to respond to relevant calls for proposals, demonstrating how its work advances CERV's objectives of strengthening European values and increasing civic participation across borders. Partnering with established housing organizations in multiple EU countries could strengthen applications.