The programme ‘Protecting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law through an open civic space’ (PLATO) aims to protect, promote and raise awareness of EU fundamental rights & values by supporting Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Greece & Cyprus active in these fields, by increasing their knowledge, capacity and sustainability. PLATO is co-funded by the European Union (90% funding rate), through the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values programme* (CERV-2024-CITIZENS-VALUES), and by the Bodossaki Foundation and NGO Support Centre (10% funding rate), with the total grant amounting to €3.1 million. PLATO is coordinated by the Bodossaki Foundation (Greece) in consortium with the NGO Support Centre (Cyprus).
During the 3 years of its implementation, running from January 2025 to January 2028, PLATO will launch two open calls for funding:
- 1st Call: Empowering Civil Society to promote the rule of law, participatory democracy, good governance, and defend civic space and media freedom.
- 2nd Call: Protecting and promoting human rights, democracy, and equality by empowering vulnerable groups.
A total of €2.2 million will be allocated to fund approximately 40 projects in Greece and 10 in Cyprus. The objective of these calls is to provide financial support to CSOs for the implementation of awareness-raising, education, capacity-building, advocacy, research, and the exchange of best practices with other EU member states. While the primary beneficiaries of the programme are CSOs, its activities will also involve vulnerable groups, policymakers, media, public servants, educators, and the general public.
Additionally, PLATO offers a comprehensive capacity-building and professional support programme tailored to the specific needs of CSOs in Greece and Cyprus, aimed at promoting their organisational development and sustainability. This includes specialised awareness-raising activities to enhance the role of Civil Society in promoting the rule of law, a cycle of training on organisational development, professional support services (such as team mentoring, executive coaching, and consultancy), and networking opportunities.
Furthermore, a cycle of specialised training on European legislation will boost CSOs’ capacity to contribute to strengthening EU democratic values, enhancing freedom of speech and security, and addressing issues such as cybercrime, disinformation, and hate speech.
The launch event for the programme in Greece will be held on March 11, 2025. You can register here.
*The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme was launched in 2021 under the Justice, Rights and Values Fund of the European Union, for the period 2021-2027.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Complaints Email: cerv-complaints@bodossaki.gr
