Call for Concept Notes MATRA 2023

The Dutch government attaches particular importance to the Matra program since it is focused on reinforcing and promoting shared European values. Values that connect European countries, bridging their cultural diversity. Supporting a strong and pluralist democracy that respects the rule of law, human rights, democratic processes, and good governance is at the heart of this program.

The general objective is to contribute to social transformation leading to a sustainable and stable relationship between governments and its citizens.

The Matra Program is demand-driven. It supports initiatives of NGOs in line with the Embassy’s policy priorities. For 2023, the Matra program is looking to support a total of 4-5 new projects in various areas including:

• Freedom of expression, independent journalism, media freedom, and literacy
  1. Overall, the project should focus on providing civil society and journalists with access to tools that counter disinformation, misinformation, and fake news, and/or tools that promote ethics, fact-checking, and independence.
  2. Specific topics that are of interest to this Embassy:
     1. Support the independent position of journalists and media organizations in a variety of ways, with a particular focus on countering disinformation, misinformation, promoting ethical reporting, and fostering a culture in which freedom of expression is considered self-evident.
     2. Raising awareness and combating impunity for people who threaten or attack journalists as well as contributing to having effective legislation in place and providing a safe space for threatened journalists.