Public diplomacy

The Embassy uses public diplomacy (PD) as an instrument to promote the policies of the Netherlands among specific audiences in Montenegro and Serbia. Public diplomacy aims at presenting a realistic and positive image of the Netherlands and its policies abroad. Highlighting Dutch views, society and ways of doing business contributes to mutual understanding and better relations between our countries.

The emphasis our public diplomacy will be on the following:

• The EU-integration of Montenegro and Serbia, and cooperation in the framework of NATO.

• Public diplomacy projects in this area should highlight shared European values, such as the rule of law, human rights and good governance. Particular priority will be given to promoting the gender equality, LGBTI rights and freedom of expression;

Next to these activities, social media also plays an important role in our public diplomacy strategy. Please visit our Facebook page, IG SR, IG MN or X accounts for the latest news and events, leave us your comment or suggestion.

Cultural diplomacy

The Embassy supports cultural activities that connect policy priorities to cultural manifestations. Using art and cultural performances as a means to express key values, these projects highlight the Dutch cultural sector and convey policy objectives to audiences in Montenegro and in Serbia.

Specifically, our cultural activities should: 

• Highlight shared European values, such as the rule of law, human rights and good governance. Particular priority will be given to promoting the gender equality, LGBTI rights freedom of expression.

• Promote economic cooperation by emphasizing the links between cultural and economic diplomacy.

Funding criteria for cultural activities:

• The activity must be an expression of Dutch art and/or culture. 

• Results do not only relate to art and/or culture but also are emphatically connected to the mission’s main priorities. 

• The activity is yet to take place; contributions to cover shortfalls after the event in question has taken place are excluded.

• The following are not eligible for funding: hospitality and overheads and infrastructural costs, traditional Netherlands promotion activities and purely commercial projects. 

• The contribution cannot be higher than 50% of the total costs of the activity. 

• The activity clearly meets local demand. 

• The activity must take place in either Serbia or in Montenegro.

The application procedure:

• Applications should be submitted to the Netherlands Embassy in Belgrade (nevena.nikolic@minbuza.nl) on standard application form in English language. 

• There is no set deadline for submitting proposals; applications are accepted as long as there are funds available. 

Caveat:

Since the culture and public diplomacy budget lines have limited financial resources, project proposals will not necessarily be approved even if all of the above requirements are met.

The application form is available here.

Questions?

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Embassy:
Phone: 011 / 2023.900
Contact person for projects is Ms. Nevena Nikolić -  nevena.nikolic@minbuza.nl