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EU, Sweden and Germany Announce €44 million funding for Civil Society, including €6 million on gender equality

The European Union (EU), and its member States Sweden and Germany, in a “Team Europe” approach are announcing €44 million in support for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ukraine, including €6 million for gender leadership and conflict. CSOs are the foundation of Ukraine’s resilience and are essential to advancing Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the EU has provided over €150 million to CSOs supporting their critical work in humanitarian response, justice, democratic development and governance. From the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the EU rapidly increased its support for CSOs redirecting projects to address urgent needs including emergency food and shelter, evacuation assistance, medical aid, war crime documentation, veteran and IDP integration, and efforts to combat disinformation. In 2022 alone, EU funding was tripled from €20 million to €60 million, aiding civil society in Ukraine to help supporting the direct response with urgent needs.

Thanks to the support of the European Union for example, the Public Organization “And There Will Be People” managed to organize the delivery of drinking water to communities of the Nikopol region after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in 2023, where 200,000 residents found themselves on the verge of a humanitarian disaster due to the lack of drinking water.

Ukrainian CSOs have demonstrated impressive resilience and activism in supporting the country’s response to the war. Moreover, non-governmental groups such as trade unions, employers’ associations, and various social groups, empower citizens to actively engage in the political process and influence the political agenda. As Ukraine aims to join the EU, a robust and dynamic civil society is essential in meeting the criteria for EU membership, fostering democratic participation, and driving the reforms necessary for integration.

FOCUS ON WOMEN:

The EU is further increasing its support for projects tackling gender-specific challenges during wartime, adding on the €15 million in funding provided since 2022. This was announced today by EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová, at the “Women for a Stronger Ukraine” event.

Gender-based violence, already high before the war, has surged 36 per cent since 2022. According to UN Women, war-related distress has contributed to this increase of gender-based and domestic violence. Notwithstanding the immense obstacles, women are stepping into leadership roles in the administration, as humanitarian workers, civil society leaders, and entrepreneurs. In 2025, one in every two business in Ukraine is founded by a woman. New opportunities for women in sectors previously dominated by men, such as security, transportation, and demining are opening up.

“Women have been the driving force behind Ukraine’s resilience, leading efforts in communities across the country to rebuild and respond to the devastating impact of this war. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind especially in light of the current increase in domestic and sexual violence against women. This new funding will empower women from all walks of life, elevate their voices, breaking taboos and address the unique challenges they face during this brutal war. Through this €6 million funding, we are supporting a range of projects that bring together women from diverse backgrounds, regions, and sectors, ensuring they play a central role in the reconstruction and shaping the future of Ukraine,” EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová said.

TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT:

EU will launch a Call for Proposals amounting €14 million for CSOs that will open in May 2025, including €5 million with a focus on gender leadership and conflict.

Additionally, Sweden and Germany are providing additional €17 million support and the EU is fast-tracking a €13 million support package that includes direct awards to civil society projects among others on gender equality, accountability for war crimes, access to information, strengthening of democratic processes as well as social cohesion and sustainable development.

This latest package reinforces the EU’s long-term strategy of strengthening Ukrainian civil society, enhancing resilience against Russian aggression, and ensuring that humanitarian and integration efforts reach those most in need.

WHERE TO APPLY:

The main entry point is the EU portal where you can browse through funding & tenders opportunities from different EU programmes:

https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home

The EU Delegation is also working with EU Strategic Partners for Capacity Building for CSOs in Ukraine, including subgranting:

More information on funding programmes and latest calls for proposals for CSOs in Ukraine are also available on the EU4Ukraine website:

For media inquiries

delegation-ukraine-press@eeas.europa.eu

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