In 2022, Ukrainian civil society became one of the pillars on which Ukrainian statehood rested, making it possible to repel the Russian invaders. Volunteers, activists, and experts continue to contribute to future victory. Despite all the obstacles caused by Russian aggression, Ukraine continues implementing the reforms necessary for European integration and plans for post-war recovery. And civil society has the potential and is ready to help to make these processes open, inclusive, strategic, and effective.

The new project, "European Renaissance of Ukraine: Civil Society Initiative for Sustainability and Recovery," aims to support these efforts. The project will be implemented with the financial support of the European Union by the International Renaissance Foundation. IRF is the Framework Partner of the EU in Ukraine, which has been developing and supporting Ukrainian civil society for 32 years.

The project aims to strengthen the contribution of Ukrainian civil society to the political dialogue regarding the integration of Ukraine into the EU, maintaining social stability during the war, and preparing for post-war recovery.

"Ukraine is steadily moving towards the EU, despite all the challenges of the war. Civil society plays a significant role in this forward movement. This new project is designed to support him during the war, preserve the results of his work over the past years, and strengthen his contribution to European integration processes. The project also aims to restore Ukraine — both preparation for the recovery process now and direct actions after Ukraine's victory.", says Tetyana Shulga, sector manager of the EU Representation in Ukraine.

The project will last two years and has two main tasks:

• empowering and providing resources to civil society organizations and community-based initiatives so that they can contribute meaningfully to smart and participatory reconstruction and post-war recovery of Ukraine
• strengthening the role, capacity, and engagement of civil society in advancing Ukraine's integration into the EU and supporting the pursuit of the necessary reforms

As part of this project, the International Renaissance Foundation will support civil society organizations that work with local communities on a wide range of issues, such as:

• local development and local democracy
• human security and public safety
• energy efficiency and climate-friendly practices
• independent media
• budget accountability and participation
• rehabilitation and re-integration of war veterans

IRF will provide the support competitively (open calls for proposals). In addition, an essential component of the project will be networking and exchange of know-how to support communities in their strategic planning, attracting and absorbing external funds for recovery and development.

With support from the EU, the IRF will also provide grants to think tanks and advocacy groups. Those groups will deliver strategic ideas and plans, implement monitoring and feedback, and promote policy and legislative changes in various areas necessary for successful progress toward membership in the EU. Those areas may include:

• justice and accountability reforms
• migration policy
• energy transition and climate sustainability
• digital transformation based on rights, 
• reforms of the customs and other public service institutions and regulators, etc., in line with the EU acquis.

To promote the inclusion of Ukrainian think tanks and activists in international partnerships, the International Renaissance Foundation will create opportunities for them to build networks. Thanks to those networks, they might advocate and debate common issues in cooperation with public organizations of other candidate countries/candidates for EU accession (Moldova, Georgia, Western Balkans) and member states.

All information about the competitions that will be announced as part of the "European Renaissance of Ukraine" project will be published on the website and social networks of the International Renaissance Foundation.

Contact for media inquiries: Oleksandra Oberenko, Communication Coordinator of the International Renaissance Foundation, oberenko@irf.ua.