GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

Proposals for information and awareness-raising campaigns should target migrants in third countries of origin and transit along the key migratory routes towards the EU, in  particular, the Eastern, Central and Western Mediterranean and Atlantic routes, the Western Balkans route, the Silk route, and the EU’s eastern border.

Proposals should address and clearly indicate the above-mentioned migratory routes and/or one or more of the following priority third country(ies): Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Gambia, Guinea, Iraq, Kosovo, Mauritania, Montenegro, Morocco, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Senegal, Serbia, Tunisia, and Türkiye.

Proposals for regional campaigns addressing multiple third countries along a migratory route/neighboring countries will be favorably considered, provided that such a regional approach is strategically meaningful and aligns with the call’s objectives.

Campaigns conducted in third countries may include complementary components in Europe aimed at engaging the target audiences’ social networks established in the destination countries.

Campaigns that envisage activities in EU countries should specify how the diaspora in EU Member States will be involved and how the messages will be addressed in the countries of origin. Campaigns focusing solely on the diaspora within EU Member States without activities implemented in third countries are not in the scope of this call.

This call for proposals aims to build on the lessons learned and expertise gained from past and ongoing information and awareness-raising campaigns and activities in the area of prevention of irregular migration and migrant smuggling, including those implemented by the EU, Member States and International Organisations.

Expected impact – Proposals should convincingly demonstrate how they will contribute, both in the short and long-term, to:

• reduced irregular migration flows along the main migratory routes to the EU from the third countries of origin and transit outlined in the scope of this call;
• increased awareness among potential migrants of the dangers associated with irregular migration routes;
• increased trust in credible and factual information on migration, enabling potential migrants to make better informed decisions;
•  decreased influence of smugglers’ misinformation and increased resistance among potential migrants to smugglers’ promises, resulting in fewer individuals engaging in irregular migration, including in the digital domain;
• higher number of migrants using legal migration pathways or choosing to stay in their country of origin, thanks to greater awareness of local economic opportunities;
• increased economic development in countries of origin as a result of migrants opting to pursue local opportunities;
• enhanced awareness among migrants of voluntary return and reintegration programmes, as well as about forced return;
• reduced exploitation of migrants by criminal networks during transit;
• amplified visibility and influence of trusted voices – such as diaspora members, returnees, and local leaders – in shaping migrants’ perceptions of life in the EU and the risks of irregular migration;
• decreased romanticization of irregular migration within communities of origin by promoting realistic narratives about the challenges faced by irregular migrants;
• strengthened collaboration among stakeholders to extend the reach and impact of information campaigns;
• improved policy responses to irregular migration through evidence-based approaches and enhanced cooperation among various actors.