The winners of the European Union's Eastern Neighbourhood application rounds have been announced

Estonia’s development cooperation in the European Union’s Eastern Neighbourhood is an investment in stability and democracy in countries that share our values.  

“We support Moldova, as a candidate country for the European Union, in implementing the necessary changes on their chosen path to accession. We relaunched the Armenia call for applications in 2024 in connection with the country’s change in foreign policy, and in two years, our partners’ projects have already had a visible impact in entrepreneurship, local governance and education. Supporting the Belarusian exile community is a clear political priority for us, as we support those who work for a free and democratic future, often at great personal cost,” said Margus Gering, ESTDEV’s regional head for Europe. 

“I would like to thank all our partners who, through their projects, transform Estonia’s knowledge and experience into a valuable tool for implementing sustainable changes in partner countries. This is the best form of development cooperation,” added Gering. 

Marika Kundla, the project manager for ESTDEV’s application rounds, says it is a pleasure to note that an increasing number of new organisations are submitting project proposals for development cooperation application rounds. 

“This year, a record number of applications were received in several rounds, which means that Estonian organisations have developed working relationships with counterparts in target countries and consider it necessary to share best practices in various areas. The projects funded this year will help improve business environments, promote access to quality education, strengthen society’s knowledge of cybersecurity and minimise corruption risks. There are also projects that will support the Belarusian diaspora living in exile and increase their awareness of democratic reform and recognition of disinformation,” said Kundla. 

Funded projects in Moldova 

This round aims to support Moldova’s accession to the European Union, modernise the education system, and promote the resilience of its democracy. 

The e-Governance Academy’s project "Safely with IT" aims to strengthen cyber literacy among small businesses and the general population by focusing on improving the digital skills of the next generation. The project aims to teach at least 500 people practical cyber hygiene and safe use of artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent online fraud and the spread of disinformation. The project will create curricula and prepare relevant materials, train trainers and conduct a large-scale information campaign. 

Grant amount: 71,250 euros 

The Organisation for Development, Security and Sustainment will develop and pilot simulation-based crisis management training solutions to build practical skills and decision-making capabilities. The project aims to strengthen the role of the Ștefan cel Mare Internal Security Academy of Moldova and improve Moldova’s crisis prevention and resolution. This will support the country’s resilience and, in a broader sense, the implementation of the changes necessary for EU accession. The project will be implemented in cooperation with the Estonian Internal Security Academy and the EUPM Moldova mission, building on Estonia’s experience of joining the EU. 

Grant amount: 73,621 euros 

Funded projects in Armenia 

This round aims to support Armenian development by incorporating Estonian best practices in promoting democracy, including digital development and improving the quality of education. 

The Visionest Institute’s export accelerator programme aims to accelerate economic diversification and export growth in Armenia by supporting the entry of larger manufacturing and service companies into new markets. The Visionest Institute, in cooperation with Armenia’s Ministry of Economy and Estonian partners, is conducting a practical export planning, training and mentoring programme, during which companies create export business plans using digital and AI-based tools under the guidance of international mentors. 

Grant amount: 74,940 euros 

Transparency International Estonia supports Armenian local governments in creating transparent systems by applying Estonian experience in assessing corruption risks. As the number of corruption crimes at the local level remains high, Armenia needs a practical methodology for mitigating risks. Corruption-Free Estonia and TI Armenia, in cooperation with the Armenian Anti-Corruption Commission (CPC), are developing a risk assessment model tailored to local governments. 

Grant amount: 53,986 euros 

The Estonian Refugee Council’s project aims to strengthen the green entrepreneurship ecosystem in Armenia and promote circular economy principles in entrepreneurship education through reforms of the non-formal education system in public schools. 

Grant amount: 21,074 euros 

Funded projects for Belarus 

This application round aims to support the democratic civil society in exile from Belarus. 

The Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Republic of Estonia will continue a series of events successfully begun last year. In 2026, a special focus will be on preparing for democratic reforms: developing and publicly presenting the draft law on the Civil Service Ethics and Anti-Corruption Committee and presenting and analysing the concept of the Law on the Constitutional Court. The project also provides for a study visit for independent Belarusian journalists working for a democratic Belarus. 

Grant amount: 37,936 euros 

Valgevene Uus Tee (Belarus New Way) aims to strengthen the resilience of the democratically minded Belarusian diaspora in Estonia and the Baltic States, in accordance with the foreign and security policy priorities of the Republic of Estonia and the goals of the EU to prevent destabilising activities of the Russian and Belarusian regimes in the Baltics. The project has two strategic priorities: 1) strengthening cooperation between Belarusian diaspora organisations and 2) integrating Belarusians and strengthening social security in Estonia through cultural, educational and integration events. 

Grant amount: 22,002 euros