Capacity Building for Employment Support Bodies in the Danube Region: New Funding Opportunity

The Danube region is undergoing a profound demographic transformation marked by shifting age structures, declining populations, and increasing migration. These trends are placing growing pressure on social systems, with employment support bodies facing some of the most significant challenges. For governments, businesses, and communities alike, understanding and adapting to these demographic changes is essential for maintaining economic stability and social cohesion.

In response to these pressing needs, the Danube Region Programme (DRP) has announced a dedicated funding initiative of 3 million euros. This funding is earmarked for projects focused on equipping the public employment services and specialized support organizations across the Danube region with the knowledge, tools and frameworks necessary to meet future workforce challenges. Thus, the DRP will support the development of innovative data capture and management systems, and the creation of new, flexible models for delivering employment support, including tailored services for the disadvantaged. Innovative methodologies to support training activities in key areas such as social economy, skills assessment and measurement, and the application of AI in employment support services could be addressed. Designing and piloting collaborative service delivery strategies to foster and improve coordination to enhance overall effectiveness are welcome.

This funding opportunity represents not only a response to current demographic pressures but also a commitment to building a more resilient, inclusive, and adaptive employment support infrastructure in the region, with an emphasis on non-EU Danube countries.

Disclaimer: This article does not provide complete or detailed information for application purposes. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the Call documents to ensure alignment with the Programme’s priorities and call requirements.