EU and Croatia announce new regional funding and subsidy programs

The European Union is launching a new funding initiative for civil society organizations in the Koçani region of North Macedonia. Through the IPA III program, local organizations in Koçani, Češinovo-Obleshevo, Zrnovci, and Vinica can apply for grants ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 euros. These funds are intended to support projects focused on youth economic empowerment, digital skills, artificial intelligence knowledge, and social entrepreneurship. An information session for local organizations is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at Hotel Amor in Kočani.

In Croatia, the government has announced a 20 million euro subsidy program to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. The Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund will offer grants to approximately 3,000 new vehicles. Citizens can receive up to 9,000 euros for electric cars priced below 35,000 euros, and up to 7,000 euros for those priced above that threshold. Additionally, light electric vehicles such as scooters and motorcycles may receive up to 2,500 euros in support. Applications must be submitted through the state's digital eFZOEU platform.