The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme is the largest-ever funding programme by the European Union dedicated to promoting and protecting fundamental rights, democratic values, and active citizenship across Europe. With a strong focus on equality, inclusion, and civic engagement, CERV aims to strengthen the European identity by supporting local and transnational initiatives that foster dialogue, participation, and solidarity among citizens.

Running under the EU’s Justice and Rights framework (2021–2027), the CERV programme supports activities that:

• Promote democratic participation and civic involvement at all levels

• Protect and promote the rights of EU citizens, especially those of minority and vulnerable groups

• Advance gender equality, anti-discrimination, and the fight against all forms of intolerance

• Support town twinning, remembrance, and cross-border cooperation

It empowers local communities, municipalities, civil society, and grassroots organizations to build bridges between people and develop solutions to common challenges—rooted in shared European values.