The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia, with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), announce the launch of a Public Call for Circular Solutions for Communities in Serbia.

The Public Call is open to local self-government units (cities and municipalities), public utility companies, private sector entities (companies and entrepreneurs), research and educational institutions, civil society organizations, professional associations, and foundations. Applications may be submitted either individually or by a consortium.

The Call invites innovative initiatives that contribute to advancing the circular economy at the local level. Eligible proposals may include solutions for improving public spaces, developing circular public services, and using renewable energy for public benefit. The Call also welcomes initiatives focused on product reuse and repair, sharing and exchange models, and reducing food loss and waste in the hospitality sector, educational institutions, and public kitchens, as well as other solutions aligned with the principles of the circular economy.

Selected initiatives may receive financial support of up to USD 40,000 each. The total budget available under this Call is USD 180,000.

The Call is open until 20 October 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with the first evaluation round scheduled for 31 July 2026. If a sufficient number of eligible proposals is received and the total amount of requested funding reaches the available budget before the deadline, the Project Board reserves the right to close the Call early. Otherwise, it will remain open until 20 October 2026.

More information about the application process and eligibility criteria is available HERE (Serbian only).

An Information Session for prospective applicants will be held on 10 July 2026 at 10:00 CEST. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the application process, selection criteria, and funding opportunities available under this Call. The session may be attended either in person at the United Nations Building in Belgrade (Bulevar Zorana Đinđića 64) or online via Zoom. Registration is available HERE.

The purpose of this Call is to support the green transition of local communities through the implementation of circular economy principles and pilot initiatives. The funded measures should contribute to the objectives and priorities set out in the recently adopted Circular Economy Development Programme of the Republic of Serbia for the Period 2026–2030 and its accompanying Action Plan.

The Call is issued within the project Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Local Communities through the Application of Circular Economy Principles in the Republic of Serbia – Circular Communities, implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia and financed by the Global Environment Facility.