IMPACT-Zhytomyr

Democracy and Rule of Law

Ukraine

8VS1-VM-UA-SLGINT24

Timeframe 01.10.2024-30.03.2025 Lõppenud

Target group Ukraina kohalikud omavalitsused

Budget 353 862 EUR

Funders

ESTDEV

Partners

Civitta AS

Strengthening Local Governance for EU Integration: Building Sustainable Capacities in Zhytomyr Region

In recent years, Ukraine's regions and communities have faced massive challenges such as infrastructure destruction, environmental disasters, economic decline and increased migration. A strategic vision and the implementation of quality projects are essential to address these challenges. While the long-term goal of communities should be to achieve self-sufficiency and finance their own projects, international support is indispensable in the current context of full-scale conflict and reconstruction efforts.

According to a survey by the DREAM Project Office, 92% of communities are considering the inclusion of international funding in their rehabilitation and modernisation projects. The European integration process is opening up new opportunities, but communities need additional resources to take advantage of these opportunities and to work effectively with international partners. The main obstacles are a lack of experience and direct contact with partners, and a low number of quality projects. Support is also needed in terms of project documentation, applications and staff training.

Project objectives

The main objective of the project is to strengthen the capacity of local authorities in the Zhytomyr region by providing them with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to successfully set up, manage and implement cooperation projects within the framework of the European Union. The aim of the project is to contribute to building local development capacity, including:

Understanding and implementing EU standards and practices;
Improving local project writing and funding application;
Supporting sustainable community-based initiatives.

The project includes the development and implementation of an interactive learning programme for local government representatives, with an emphasis on practical skills development and networking with international partners. It aims to create a strong and sustainable framework that will support the overall development of the region and contribute to Ukraine's EU integration process.

Actions and results

Outcome 1: The learning programme concept and methodology are finalised, the team of experts selected, the participants selected.
Outcome 2: An inaugural diplomatic conference based on best practices from Estonia has been organised in Zhytomyr with at least 200 participants, including representatives of communities, media and the public sector.
Outcome 3: A two-day hackathon with partners has been organised in Zhytomyr with at least 200 participants, including representatives from communities and the public sector.
Outcome 4: Organised and delivered an online training programme consisting of an opening seminar, 8 learning sessions and 2 mentoring sessions. At least 150 participants (leaders of municipalities in Zhytomyr oblast) have participated in the programme.

Contacts

Margus Gering

Regional Head of Europe

[email protected]