MATRA stands for maatschappelijke transformatie, meaning ‘social transformation’. Itis part of the Netherlands Fund for Regional Partnerships (NFRP) that supports current and potential EU candidate countries and the countries of the Eastern Partnership in their attempts to fulfil conditions required by the EU accession processes (e.g. Copenhagen Criteria and/or Association Agreements with EU). The partnership supplements the European Commission’s efforts and aims to help countries on the fringes of the European Union to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, thus enhance stability.
OBJECTIVE AND PRIORITIES OF MATRA IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
The objective of MATRA is to contribute to social transformation, leading to a sustainable relationship between government and the citizens in the areas of plural democracy, the rule of law and human rights, using Dutch experience where possible.
With this objective in mind, support is provided to civil society organizations to promote constructive dialogue between government and civil society through demand-driven projects.
The aim is to increase accountability and transparency of BiH authorities, influence policies and legislation, and/or monitor their implementation in the following fields:
- Rule of Law, including reform of the judiciary and public administration, and fight against corruption and organised crime;
- Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, with a special focus on human rights defenders, equal rights for LGBTI persons and freedom of religion and belief;
- Freedom of expression and independent media, including a safe working environment for journalists in traditional and digital media.
- Social and economic reforms in light of EU accession path of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Stability and security, with a focus on migration, counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism.
The following activities and types of projects are not eligible for funding under MATRA:
- Projects related to other than above listed themes;
- Projects with a predominantly academic focus, i.e. research and feasibility studies;
- Projects that largely or exclusively involve the delivery of goods or materials;
- Infrastructural or construction projects;
- Bursaries or education programmes;
- Humanitarian aid;
- Projects which are primarily a continuation of previous or ongoing projects, funded by the MATRA or by other donors.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR MATRA?
MATRA is open for applications by local non-governmental organizations.
WHEN TO APPLY FOR MATRA?
The embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands publishes at the beginning of the year a MATRA open call for proposals. Applications can be submitted after this publication, throughout the year. Submitted proposals will be assessed in three rounds (1st round by April 1st; 2nd round by July 1st; and 3rd round by October 1st).
If you are interested in submitting your project proposal for MATRA support, please visit the links below for additional information.
HOW TO APPLY FOR MATRA?
Proposals must be submitted both on paper and in electronic form (in Word, PDF or Excel format), state the name(s) of the applicant(s), the date and be signed by an authorized person from the organization with ultimate responsibility. Proposals must be written in English.
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact Ms. Leila Fetahagic or Ms. Viktorija Ruzicic from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands through leila.fetahagic@minbuza.nl or viktorija.ruzicic@minbuza.nl
