Following an open call for expression of interest for small grants to municipalities in South East Europe, dedicated to tackling minority issues, the Council of Europe received more than 150 applications from all seven beneficiaries. This great interest in the Call demonstrates both the need for and the aptness of the Project.

It also means that the rights of minorities have been high on the agenda of the more than 700 stakeholders in the region over the last few months.  Each application has been prepared by a team of at least five experts representing the task force at municipal level and approved by the respective mayors.

The Council of Europe Secretariat, the Steering Committee member from each beneficiary, and the EU Delegations will review all applications in order to allocate 36 grants.

The 36 successful municipalities will be selected by 10 October 2014.