The European Union announces a call for Ukrainian small cities and amalgamated hromadas through its Mayors for Economic Growth initiative (M4EG). The aim of the call is to support those Ukrainian municipal authorities that want to improve their local business environment and stimulate business development. Small cities and hromadas will be developing their capacities and technical skills while working together with business sector and civil society.

M4EG is a new initiative promoted by the EU not only in Ukraine but throughout the Eastern Partnership countries (i.e. also in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova).

The Call targets those cities that already have a Local Economic Development Plan, which is consistent with the principles outlined in the Mayors for Economic Growth Concept.

The indicated total amount made available under this call for proposals for Ukraine is EUR 4.5 million. Requested grants should be between EUR 0.5-1 million, while the grant will cover 50-80% of the total eligible costs of the action. Duration of the project is 18-48 months.

Requirements for applicants:

Local authority or in consortia including non-state actors e.g. NGOs, SMEs, home owners associations

Be established in Ukraine;

Willing to be directly responsible for preparation and management of the action.

Deadline for submitting applications is on 31 May 2017.

Submission of applications must be done electronically only, using the online system PROSPECT. More info on the requirements and how to apply you can find here.

Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine: https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine/24547/improving-local-business-environment-ukrainian-small-cities-and-hromadas-can-now-apply-eu_en