[CERV FUNDING PROGRAMME]

[EU CITIZENS EQUALITY]

[RIGHTS AND VALUES]

Resilient and vibrant societies are built from the grassroots up.

The European Union has developed its project

on the support for democracy, peace and common values.

And today, this mission must continue.

This is why we are making EUR 1.55 billion available for the next seven years

for projects supporting European grassroots organisations

and the respect of fundamental rights and values.

This is the biggest budget

the European Union has ever had for this work.

It will substantially contribute to reinforcing a Union of Equality,

rule of law, rights and values, and democracy.

Over the next seven years, we will provide funding

to support civil society organisations in their work on promoting these values.

These organisations play such a crucial role in keeping the rule of law intact.

We want to see projects that fight intolerance, racism,

xenophobia, discrimination, hate speech and hate crime.

We want to see projects

that promote democratic participation, and empower people

to actively contribute in building our democratic societies.

We want to support those who care about Europe's future with funding today.

I warmly encourage organisations

who are ready to promote our EU common values

to apply for the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values funding Programme.