EU and IER Launch €1.5M Civil Society Project for Ukraine

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With EU support IER launches a new €1.5 million project for Ukrainian civil society

24.04.2026 Press and information team of the Delegation to UKRAINE The Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting (IER), with the support of the European Union, presented a new three-year project: "Resilience and Engagement for Ukraine: Strengthening Civil Society for Ukraine's Recovery and Path to the EU" (REU). The project aims to strengthen the resilience, inclusiveness, and analytical capacity of Ukrainian civil society amid the ongoing war and Ukraine's parallel progress toward EU membership.

This project is part of the EU’s EUR 200 million+ commitment from the European Union to CSOs in Ukraine since 2022. It reflects our shared belief that civil society is not just a beneficiary of support, but a partner in building a resilient Ukraine under difficult conditions of war and – at the same time - a country that is free, fair, and aligned with EU values and standards.", said Asier Santillán Luzuriaga, Head of the European Integration, Governance and Rule of Law, Civil Society Section, EU Delegation to Ukraine during the presentation.

The REU project aims to support Ukraine's vulnerable populations and communities living and working under the conditions of a prolonged war. Within the framework of the project, grant support and training for local CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) are planned to strengthen their capacity. Furthermore, the project provides support for NGOs, media, and researchers to enhance their engagement in Ukraine’s EU accession process. The project’s geography spans both the national and regional levels, including a specific focus on frontline and rural communities. The total budget of the project is €1.5 million.

"A key priority of the REU project will be the involvement of Ukrainian civil society in analyzing and promoting the changes necessary for Ukraine's successful integration into the European community. Supporting partnerships between expert platforms, media, universities, and advocacy organizations will strengthen the foundation for reforms, while this collaboration will ensure the transparency and inclusiveness of Ukraine’s EU accession process", said Oksana Kuziakiv, Executive Director of the IER and Project Manager.

The project includes four grant programs. The first call, with a grant amount of €18,000, will be announced on April 24. According to Tetiana Blyzniuk, Deputy Project Manager at IER, this first call aims to support partnerships that create joint analytical and communication products to monitor and promote reforms necessary for European integration.

"REU will also help strengthen the analytical capacity of civil society organizations in regions across Ukraine. We strive to support those who are directly implementing changes on the ground," noted *Oksana Kuziakiv*.

Three additional grant calls will be announced later, targeting projects for children, youth, and veterans, specifically in areas such as non-formal education, psychosocial support, skill development, and social integration.

Important Grant Deadlines for 2026:

Learn more about the project: http://www.ier.com.ua/ua/UkraineandEU/REU

Media Contact: Olena Shkarpova, shkarpova@ier.kyiv.ua