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.

“RCF empowers training providers to equip workers with the skills businesses need — a contribution with long-lasting benefits for the entire Western Balkans,” emphasized David Piegazki, Secretary General of the WB6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6-CIF).

€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.

New Tools for Knowledge Exchange: Net4VET Platform Launched

The 4th Call was launched during the Regional Challenge Fund Regional Knowledge Exchange: Empowering Skills Development for Business Transformation event, held online on April 7, 2025.

In addition to announcing the new call, the RCF introduced Net4VET — a dedicated online knowledge-sharing platform designed to connect businesses, vocational education providers, and other stakeholders.

“We are proud to present Net4VET — a space developed to foster the exchange of best practices, success stories, and innovative training models from across the region,” said Frieder Woehrmann, Team Leader of the RCF Fund Management Unit.

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.

How to Apply

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

A full schedule of upcoming online info sessions in all WB6 economies — including registration links — is available here.