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Call key data
Prevention of irregular migration through awareness raising and information campaigns on the risks of irregular migration in selected third countries and within Europe
Funding Program
Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund
Call number
AMIF-2024-TF2-AG-INFO-01
deadlines
Opening
19.11.2024
Deadline
01.04.2025 17:00
Funding rate
90%
Call budget
€ 10,000,000.00
Estimated EU contribution per project
between € 1,250,000.00 and € 2,500,000.00
Link to the call
Link to the submission
Call content
short description
The general objective of this call for proposals is to enhance the prevention of irregular migration in countries of origin and transit and to undermine the business models of migrant smugglers by reducing the demand for their services.
Call objectives
The general objective of this call for proposals is to enhance the prevention of irregular migration in countries of origin and transit and to undermine the business models of migrant smugglers by reducing the demand for their services. This should be achieved by raising awareness about the risks of irregular migration and migrant smuggling in key countries of origin and transit, informing potential migrants about available legal pathways to Europe, and highlighting alternative economic opportunities in their home countries. The aim is to provide reliable information to counter the false narrative promoted by criminal networks and to alter the perceptions and behaviour of third-country nationals considering irregular migration to the EU, as well as key influencers in their decisions, such as family members, religious or community leaders, teachers, returning migrants, and migration facilitators. This enables migrants and potential migrants to make better-informed decisions based on objective information rather than misinformation spread by smugglers.
The specific objectives of the call for proposals are to:
- define and dispel mis- and disinformation: identify and counter false narratives spread by migrant smugglers.
- inform potential migrants about the risks: provide trustworthy, factual, and balanced information about the risks of irregular migration during the journey and after arrival.
- promote legal pathways: provide information on the availability of legal channels to the EU and the modalities for doing so, e.g., in relation to the issuance of visa to study and work abroad.
- provide information on economic opportunities in the country of origin or transit, as well as share information on reintegration, voluntary and forced return.
- build resilience in local communities: work with trusted local actors who are actively involved in outreach activities, like educators and journalists, who will ideally continue to deliver the campaign’s messages beyond the duration of the project.
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, inparticular, 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/neighbouring countries will be favourably 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.
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Expected effects and impacts
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 programs, 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.
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Expected results
Proposals should include the following components:
- Track record of the applicants in the policy area and on information and awareness raising campaigns, including experience of working with local partners in the selected country or region.
- Preparatory analysis in view of developing a tailored communication strategy for the project. This should identify the migratory context, target audience(s), motivations, information needs and gaps, and preferred communication channels and tools. The preparatory work should rely as much as possible on available research, as well as on results and lessons learnt from previous campaigns and leverage available primary and secondary data. Any field research conducted in the context of this preparatory analysis should be focused on key unknowns or re-test the effectiveness of the approach. Pre-campaign research is crucial and should be demonstrated in the project proposal.
- Tailored communication strategy based on the outcome of the preparatory analysis, in particular, to define:
- a comprehensive concept, including the overarching idea for the campaign structure, the key messages to be used throughout the period of implementation of the activities and the key visual elements;
- SMART campaign objectives (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound);
- the target audience and its segmentation (gender, age, education, profession, etc.);
- the geographical scope of the campaign based on the target audience identified (which country/region and which part of that country in particular), the specific migratory context (country of origin vs transit or destination), and an ethics review;
- messages and narratives focusing on the risks associated with irregular migration must be country-specific and tailored to the target audience, incorporating insights from country- or population-specific policy research findings. Additionally, these messages and narratives should be adjusted throughout the project if changes in behaviour or attitudes from the target group are observed;
- the communication activities to be implemented, including, but not limited to social media campaigns, traditional media, outdoor advertising, depending on the local context and target audience, including media-buying plan where appropriate, as well as local or community level outreach, taking into account the habits of each segment of the target audience in terms of media access and consumption as well as the identification in the study on best practices of (remote) word-of-mouth messaging as the most effective and trusted communication channel in previous campaigns;
- how the activities shall be implemented on the ground and with, as relevant, the involvement of local partners;
- use messengers to share, for instance, real-life testimonies and messages on the risks of irregular migration and smuggling, also involving local authorities and civil society in countries of origin and transit, and diaspora communities in the EU. Returnee testimonies could also be considered. The choice of messenger should depend on the local context and target audience. Another communication channel that proved effective in previous campaigns was remote counselling, which reached a large number of migrants and potential migrants;
- include alternative communication tools where appropriate, such as (non-exhaustive list) educational and cultural initiatives, theatre plays, community-led debates, contests (e.g. photo, song, video) and non-financial awards (e.g. for journalists), school visits, testimonials, involvement of celebrities, adapting them to the habits and characteristics of each context and segment of the target audience;
- a creative approach allowing for participation and feedback from the target audience, e.g. by fostering use of smartphone apps and text messaging for both multiplication and monitoring/feedback purposes; a detailed plan for the roll-out and management of the campaign.
- Production and implementation of the campaign, in particular:
- pre-testing of concepts and content of the campaign on sample/focus groups of identified target audience;
- production of content of the campaign;
- rollout of the communication activities.
- Monitoring and evaluation of the results and impact of the campaign should be based on a learning-focused monitoring strategy with frequent testing of campaign elements, that allows to adapt the campaign based on the results and/or changed circumstances. In particular, it should include:
- a theory of change guiding both the campaign design and evaluation;;
- a results framework;
- planned data collection methods;
- collection and analysis of the key performance indicators (KPIs) defined in the communication strategy, both qualitative and quantitative, with baseline and targets to be used to:
- monitor the implementation and to assess the result of the project;
- measure the outputs and results of the project against programme performance indicators included in Annex VIII, Regulation (EU) 2021/1147, in particular as regards the Specific Objectives in Article 3(2)(a), (b) and (c) (Part C of the application);
- Moreover, it should enable the project:
- to make adjustments in the messaging of the ongoing campaign if necessary;
- to identify lessons learnt and good practices for future campaigns.
- Strategy for the sustainability of the campaign activities taking into account the potential long-term results, including cooperation with the authorities of the third country concerned and the long-lasting effects of the engagement in the local communities. Providing a sound evaluation of the results of the campaign would also further enhance the sustainability of the communication activities.
The following key deliverables for the corresponding components should be included in the proposals:
- Inception report, including the results from the targeted preparatory analysis carried out in order to develop the tailored communication strategy.
- Tailored communication strategy document, including definition of the geographical scope (e.g. if target communities established or transiting across several countries), audience segmentation, selection of topics and messages, plan for the use of tailored media, social media and any suitable communication channels, detailed plan for the roll-out of the campaign, that can be adapted during the project basing on continuous monitoring and evaluation.
- Monitoring and evaluation methodology document, outlining a theory of change, a results framework and the planned data collection methods.
- Content of the information and awareness raising campaign, including products and services designed, produced and disseminated during the campaign.
- Quarterly monitoring reports, including on implementation, contingencies and adjustment measures and progress towards achieving the proposed key performance indicators.
- Midterm progress report using the standard form available on the Participant Portal.
- Final report including the results, as well as the observations from the monitoring and evaluation of the project.
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Eligibility Criteria
Regions / countries for funding
eligible entities
Education and training institution, International organization, Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) / Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Other, Public Body (national, regional and local; incl. EGTCs), Research Institution incl. University
Mandatory partnership
Yes
Project Partnership
Proposals must be submitted by:
- minimum three applicants (beneficiaries; not affiliated entities) from three different participating Member States. Affiliated entities and international organisations cannot be counted for reaching the minimum number of participating Member States
- the following entities can NOT apply as beneficiaries / affiliated entities: profit making entities
In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
- be legal entities (public or private bodies)
- be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
- EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)), excluding Denmark
- countries associated to the AMIF or countries which are in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement and where the agreement enters into force before grant signature
Specific cases:
- Natural persons are NOT eligible (with the exception of selfemployed persons, i.e. sole traders, where the company does not have legal personality separate from that of the natural person).
- International organisations are eligible. The rules on eligible countries do not apply to them. International organisations can participate as beneficiaries, regardless of their geographical location. However, being based in an eligible country does not contribute to the fulfilment of the minimum number of eligible countries required in the eligibility criteria related to the consortium composition.
- Entities which do not have legal personality under their national law may exceptionally participate, provided that their representatives have the capacity to undertake legal obligations on their behalf, and offer guarantees for the protection of the EU financial interests equivalent to that offered by legal persons.
- EU bodies (with the exception of the European Commission Joint Research Centre) can NOT be part of the consortium.
- Entities composed of members may participate as ‘sole beneficiaries’ or ‘beneficiaries without legal personality'. Please note that if the action will be implemented by the members, they should also participate (either as beneficiaries or as affiliated entities, otherwise their costs will NOT be eligible).
other eligibility criteria
Financial support to third parties is not allowed.
The following types of activities will not be considered eligible or relevant for the call and thus will not be funded:
- duplication of previously funded projects;
- projects requiring operating grants for setting up or maintaining of networks;
- research projects.
Additional considerations applicable to 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. Proposals should take into account the identified shortcomings of previous campaigns and incorporate the recommendations of the above-mentioned Study on best practices in irregular migration awareness campaigns, emphasizing the need to enhance the overall effectiveness and outcomes of the campaigns.
Particularly, project proposals should seek synergies with and avoid the duplication of ongoing communication activities being implemented under actions funded by the EU, such as the relevant projects co-funded by AMIF, and projects funded by the EU Trust Fund for Africa, as well as, where relevant, with those implemented by EU Member States, International Organisations and other partners. Past and ongoing projects’ descriptions can be found on the EU Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal. The Financial Transparency System is an additional source for information on previous projects.
Given the significance of behavioural change in the context of information and awareness raising campaigns, insights from psychology, sociology and behavioural economics could help to target and design communication activities and to measure their effects. Applicants are encouraged to embed a behavioural approach.
Proposals must outline how all applicants will actively participate in project implementation. For mere advisory roles, proposals should include “associated partners” (See section “13. Important, Consortium roles” for a definition of the roles).
The European Commission welcomes proposals that include applicants that have a track record in the policy area, are well established in a country or region, and have experience in working with local partners or international organisations. This can be evidenced by already having a physical presence and operational capacity in a country or region (e.g. running or having access to a transit or research centre, local offices, access to cooperation mechanisms with third countries, etc.).
The European Commission welcomes proposals that implement activities in and target the population of multiple third countries along a migratory route mentioned under the section “Scope”.
The European Commission welcomes proposals that involve relevant partners established in the AMIF-participating countries in the consortium, such as public bodies, international organisations, higher education institutions, research organisations as well as non-profit and civil society organisations, wherever relevant for the implementation.
The European Commission welcomes proposals that ensure the largest impact possible by connecting with relevant actors in a country/region of implementation prior to submission of the proposal.
Successful applicants will have to associate EU Delegations in third countries to their project and provide them with regular updates on the progress of the implementation.
Additional information
Topics
Relevance for EU Macro-Region
EUSAIR - EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, EUSALP - EU Strategy for the Alpine Space, EUSBSR - EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, EUSDR - EU Strategy for the Danube Region
UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs)
project duration
36 months
Additional Information
Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System (accessible via the Topic page in the Search Funding & Tenders section). Paper submissions are NOT possible.
Proposals (including annexes and supporting documents) must be submitted using the forms provided inside the Submission System ( NOT the documents available on the Topic page — they are only for information).
Proposals must be complete and contain all the requested information and all required annexes and supporting documents:
- Application Form Part A — contains administrative information about the participants (future coordinator, beneficiaries and affiliated entities) and the summarised budget for the project (to be filled in directly online)
- Application Form Part B — contains the technical description of the project (to be downloaded from the Portal Submission System, completed and then assembled and re-uploaded)
- Application Form Part C — contains the project’s contribution to EU programme key performance indicators (to be filled in directly online)
- mandatory annexes and supporting documents (to be uploaded):
- list of previous projects (key projects for the last 4 years, not limited to EU-funded projects): template available in Part B but to be submitted as a separate annex.
- detailed budget table: not applicable
- CVs of core project team: not applicable
- activity reports of last year: not applicable
Proposals are limited to maximum 50 pages (Part B without annexes).
Call documents
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