Local self-government authorities, social protection institutions and employment centres will now be able to apply for European Union funding to develop social programmes, support vulnerable groups and introduce new employment solutions. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has ratified the agreement on Ukraine’s participation in the “Employment and Social Innovation” (EaSI) strand of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
EaSI is a European Union instrument designed to support labour market development, social inclusion and poverty reduction. The programme finances pilot social initiatives with scaling potential, research and labour market analysis, as well as professional networking and knowledge exchange between countries.
Under the ratified agreement, Ukrainian local self-government bodies, municipal enterprises and other legal entities may participate in EaSI calls on equal terms with organisations from EU Member States. This provides direct access to EU grants without intermediaries.
For communities, this creates opportunities to secure direct EU funding and implement projects focused on youth employment, support for internally displaced persons, the development of inclusive services, the introduction of European social support practices and the establishment of international partnerships.
Participants from Ukraine may submit applications in English, take part in technical working groups as observers and benefit from equal protection of financial interests.
IDP councils can already learn more about upcoming calls on the Funding & Tenders Portal. This will help them propose relevant project ideas to local authorities or профиль departments, particularly initiatives related to employment, integration programmes and other support measures for internally displaced persons within communities.
This publication was made with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. The content of the publication is the sole responsibility of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and does not reflect the views of UNHCR.