The International Renaissance Foundation is launching a new three-year project in cooperation with the European Union, titled “Whole-of-Society Accession: Strengthening Civil Society’s Role in Ukraine’s EU Accession.” This initiative continues the framework partnership between the Foundation and the EU Delegation to Ukraine. The project’s budget exceeds €6 million, most of which will be allocated to grant support for Ukrainian civil society organizations.
“We are extremely pleased to continue our long-standing cooperation with the European Union through this ambitious new project. Our partnership demonstrates that joint efforts for democratic transformation and the development of an open society bring real results. Our initiatives have already helped hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians experience positive changes in their communities. Now, this work will continue,” said Oleksandr Sushko, Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation.
Project Objectives
The project aims to strengthen the role and capacity of civil society in Ukraine by leveraging the EU integration process to enhance democracy, the rule of law, and economic and social policy reforms. It will support the expertise of non-governmental organizations and foster inclusive stakeholder dialogue to improve public policies related to Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations. Additionally, the project will raise local communities’ awareness about participation in European programs and the implementation of European standards.
A key focus of the project is engaging civil society in EU accession negotiations, with a particular emphasis on the local and regional dimensions of European integration.
“This is the third major project within the strategic framework partnership between the European Union and the International Renaissance Foundation,” explained Dmytro Shulha, Director of the “Europe and the World” Program and Project Lead. “This time, the project is fully focused on strengthening civil society’s role in the EU accession negotiations. We believe that engaging citizens at all levels—from local to national—is essential for Ukraine’s successful and sustainable accession to the EU. Our joint work on democratic reforms, the rule of law, and social justice reaffirms that the Foundation and the EU share a common vision of Ukraine’s future as part of the larger European family.”
Key Activities
- Grant Support – At least 150 grants will be awarded through open calls to support civil society organizations.
- Capacity Building – The project will offer trainings, seminars, webinars, grantee meetings, and other networking and experience-sharing events.
- Networking Initiatives – Including a series of events such as annual high-level conferences dedicated to progress in EU accession negotiations and the regional dimension of European integration.
- Communication Efforts – Implementation of annual public opinion surveys, as well as the creation and distribution of informational materials highlighting civil society’s role in EU integration and promoting European values.
The project will run for three years, with most of the funding provided by the European Union.
Stay tuned to the Foundation’s pages for updates on new calls for proposals within the project!
