Estdev Estdev

ESTDEV in the Eastern Partnership and the Balkan States

ESTDEV’s program implementation in Eastern Partnership countries and the Balkans is based on the objectives of the Estonian Foreign Policy Strategy 2030, the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Program 2022–2025, and country strategies. In 2021, projects with Estonian participation were implemented in Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and North Macedonia. In addition to the state of Estonia, the largest donors were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, the European Commission and the United Nations Project Services Organization (UNOPS).

It has long been an important part of Estonia’s foreign policy to support the European Union’s Eastern Partners. Estonia has encouraged the Eastern Partners’ right to make their own foreign policy choices, defended the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the partners and promoted their integration into the European Union. Estonia’s primary interest in the European Union’s eastern neighbourhood is to promote a secure and economically successful region based on the rule of law and its gradual integration into the EU. Estonia is ready to continue to contribute to the achievement of the Eastern Partners’ development goals with its know-how and financial resources.

Priorities for the ESTDEV Eastern Partnership Operational Program

Priorities by country

  • Ukraine – supporting good governance, including the fight against corruption and the development of secure e-solutions, strengthening independent media, and promoting small businesses.
  • Georgia – supporting good governance and the development of democracy.
  • Armenia – supporting good governance and the development of democracy.
  • Moldova – supporting good governance and the development of democracy.
  • North Macedonia – boosting digital development.
  • Kyrgyzstan – boosting digital development.
  • Belarus – support for independent media in exile in Belarus and empowering the fight against misinformation; project activities do not support the current administration in Belarus.

Eastern Partnership project portfolio

As of September 1, 2022, ESTDEV’s project portfolio in the Eastern Partnership countries and the Balkans has 55 projects, totaling 8.6 million euros. Of these, 47 projects are implemented by Estonian implementation partners, and 8 projects are managed by ESTDEV.

Contacts

Marika Kundla, Project Specialist
[email protected]