Human rights
Human rights are protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. These include freedom from discrimination, protection of personal data, and access to justice. Every citizen is entitled to these rights equally.
Rule of law
The EU is based on the rule of law. Everything it does is founded on treaties voluntarily and democratically agreed by its member states. Law and justice are upheld by an independent judiciary, with the European Court of Justice as the final authority — its judgments are binding on all member states.
Equality
Equality ensures that all citizens are treated the same before the law. It includes gender equality and equal opportunities in every area of life. This principle has guided European integration since the Treaty of Rome.
Democracy
The EU is built on representative democracy. Citizens have the right to vote and stand in elections for the European Parliament, whether in their country of origin or residence. Political participation is a cornerstone of European citizenship.
Freedom
Freedom means the right to move, live, and work across the Union. It also safeguards personal liberties such as privacy, belief, assembly, and expression. These freedoms are guaranteed by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Human dignity
Human dignity is the foundation of European society. It is inviolable and must always be respected and protected. All fundamental rights stem from this principle.
Our story
Resilience means the ability to adapt, withstand change and grow, and it is at the heart of everything EU CRM does. The EU Civil Resilience Mechanism (EU CRM) was created to strengthen civil society in North Macedonia, helping organisations do more for their communities. Guided by EU values of democracy, human rights, equality, and the rule of law, this funding mechanism translates these principles into practical, hands-on support for civil society organisations working for their communities.
Through EU CRM, we help civil society organisations to:
- Equip young people with digital, entrepreneurial, and social enterprise skills
- Strengthen young people’s competitiveness in the local labour market
- Drive democratic participation and accountability
- Advance inclusion and equality in their communities
- Build on local needs and real community priorities
- Strengthen local communities’ understanding of the EU accession process and promote EU core values through active civic participation.
EU CRM Phase I supported 49 civic initiatives with close to €900,000 in in-kind support. EU CRM Phase II builds on that success, reaching organisations where the need is greatest: those working outside major urban centres, or with marginalised communities.
EU Civil Resilience Mechanism (EU CRM) provides flexible in-kind support to civil society organisations across North Macedonia. Instead of financial grants, organisations receive the practical services and resources they need to implement their initiatives, and EU CRM pays service providers directly.
EU CRM delivers support through two Calls. The first Call focuses on youth economic empowerment and entrepreneurship in the Kočani region, while the second Call supports civil society organisations across North Macedonia working on democracy and the rule of law, inclusion and equality, youth and community engagement, and the green and digital transition.
Beyond in-kind support, EU CRM also offers capacity building, mentoring, communication support, networking, mobility and exchange opportunities, helping organisations strengthen their skills, expand partnerships and increase their impact.
EU CRM supports small civil society and grassroots organisations across North Macedonia, particularly those working closely with local communities and addressing local needs.
EU CRM Phase II delivers €600,000 in in-kind support through two Calls for In-Kind Support. The first Call is open to organisations in the Kočani region working on youth economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. The second Call supports organisations across North Macedonia, with particular attention to rural and underserved areas.
EU CRM prioritises organisations that reach communities facing the greatest barriers, including women and girls, young people, Roma and other ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ persons, human rights defenders, volunteers, and people experiencing poverty or long-term unemployment. By strengthening civil society organisations, EU CRM helps build more inclusive, resilient and responsive communities across North Macedonia.
EU CRM helps civil society organisations turn local ideas into lasting change. By supporting organisations that understand the needs of their communities, the programme strengthens civic participation, inclusion and democratic engagement where it matters most.
In Kočani, this means creating new opportunities for young people through skills development, entrepreneurship and employability. Across North Macedonia, it means supporting local initiatives that promote democracy and the rule of law, inclusion and equality, youth and community engagement, and the green and digital transition.
The EU Civil Resilience Mechanism is delivered by a dedicated team combining project management, technical assistance, and administrative expertise. Together, they work to ensure the effective and transparent delivery of in-kind support to civil society and grassroots organisations across North Macedonia. Learn more about the individuals driving this work forward.