The Swedish-Ukrainian Polaris Programme, "Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine," invites hromadas to join as partners in the "Citizen Engagement at the Local Level" initiative.
One of the programme’s key areas of work is supporting local self-government in ensuring effective communication, information-sharing, and citizen participation in decision-making.
In 2025, Polaris will provide expert support to 10 hromadas in developing and implementing new or improving existing participation mechanisms. This will include addressing the interests of vulnerable groups, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and compliance with the Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding People’s Power at the Local Self-Government Level." Additionally, selected hromadas will receive up to €600 to conduct information campaigns on local democracy mechanisms.
Areas of support:
- Expert analysis of documents and regulations governing citizen participation and their practical application.
- Recommendations for improving existing and introducing new forms of participation.
- Financial support of up to €600 for an information campaign aimed at raising awareness of local democracy mechanisms and educating residents on using civic participation tools.
The expert support will be implemented in two waves, with five partner hromadas in each. The collaboration will begin no later than May 2025 for the first wave and September 2025 for the second wave. The support implementation period will last 6 to 8 months.
Selection criteria:
- Hromadas with a population of up to 100,000, interested in introducing or improving resident participation mechanisms.
- Commitment of local self-government bodies to appoint responsible specialists to collaborate with programme experts and establish an official working group involving all relevant stakeholders.
- Strong motivation to cooperate and a commitment to implementing effective local democracy mechanisms in practice.
A Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed with selected hromadas. The draft memorandum is available here.
Application process
Local self-government representatives (head, deputy head, executive secretary, or chief of staff) can apply via this link.
Application deadline: 21 March 2025
The selection of hromadas will take place in two stages: first, based on the information provided in the submitted applications, and second, through an online interview with representatives of the pre-selected hromadas.
Final selection results will be announced at the end of April 2025.
For any questions, please contact us via email:
The information session on hromada support in "Citizen Engagement at the Local Level" will take place on the Zoom platform on 10 March from 15:00 to 16:00. Register here.
