Regional Challenge Fund Launches Fourth Call for Applications — Substantial Funding to Strengthen Skills and Boost Business Competitiveness in the Western Balkans

Vocational Training Institutes and Enterprises from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia Invited to Apply by June 6, 2025.

The Regional Challenge Fund (RCF) has officially opened its Fourth Call for Expressions of Interest, inviting consortia of vocational training providers and enterprises from all six Western Balkan economies to apply for funding aimed at enhancing skills development and strengthening regional business competitiveness.

Vocational training institutes, in partnership with a minimum of three enterprises, are encouraged to submit their applications by June 6, 2025, at 23:59 CET. Successful applicants will gain access to substantial grant funding to support investments in modern equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and work-based learning programs.

Who Can Apply?

Vocational training institutes, in partnership with a minimum of three enterprises, are encouraged to submit their applications by June 6, 2025, at 23:59 CET. Selected projects will benefit from substantial grant funding to support investments in modern equipment, infrastructure upgrades and work-based learning programs tailored to real market needs.

Vocational training institutes eligible to apply include any accredited or licensed educational and training entities – whether public or private – that have been operating for at least two years in one of the Western Balkan Six economies. Partner enterprises must also be legally registered business entities, public or private, with a minimum of two years of operational history.

In addition to the core consortium, project preparation and implementation may be supported by external partners, whose financial or in-kind contributions are recognized as co-financing. Such partners may include local municipalities, development agencies, professional associations or other relevant institutions.

Scope of Funding Support

Eligible projects may include both existing and newly developed training programs – provided that new programs are certified or accredited no later than six months after application approval, and prior to signing the funding agreement. VET consortia can apply for grant support to purchase equipment and machinery, carry out construction or renovation works, enhance training curricula and materials, or provide capacity building for teachers and in-company trainers. In cases where space limitations exist, training activities may also be conducted in rented facilities. While participating enterprises benefit from better-prepared trainees and upskilled staff, the vocational training institute remains the primary grant recipient and final owner of all funded assets.

The requested funding from the RCF must range between EUR 150,000 and EUR 500,000 per project. In addition, all VET consortia are required to provide a matching contribution of at least 10% of the requested grant amount.

€44 Million Already Mobilized for Skills Development Across the Region

Since its launch, the RCF has attracted over 450 applications and supported 99 projects with approximately €44 million invested across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia. These projects have led to modernized training environments, stronger public-private partnerships and more inclusive access to quality vocational education.

New Tools for Knowledge Exchange: Net4VET Platform Launched

Net4VET is an online knowledge-sharing platform designed to support cooperation between vocational training providers, enterprises and other stakeholders involved in skills development across the Western Balkans. The platform offers access to best practices, success stories, innovative training models and resources related to vocational education and training. By fostering regional collaboration and peer learning, Net4VET contributes to improving the quality and relevance of work-based learning and helps bridge the gap between education and labor market needs.

Potential applicants are encouraged to explore Net4VET to learn from awarded projects, discover innovative cooperation models, and access resources related to vocational education and training human capital development in the Western Balkans 6.

Need Additional Info on the Fourth Open Call?

Visit the FAQs section of the website here.

How to Apply

Consortia of vocational training providers and enterprises can find detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and guidelines for submission here.