SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme

The programme is aimed at actors in Sweden and their partners in Ukraine. Projects that are granted support are expected to contribute to strengthened capacity within organisations, as well as increased competence, including broadened networks and new knowledge for individuals.   

The programme is implemented within the framework of the government’s Strategy for Sweden’s reconstruction and reform cooperation with Ukraine 2023–2027. 

Focus of the call 

Applicants are invited to design their projects within one of the three following overarching focus areas offered by this call: Innovation Ecosystems; Transparency, accountability and anti-corruption; Gender equality

 1. Innovation Ecosystems

Help Ukraine build a thriving innovation ecosystem – support entrepreneurship, digital transformation, inclusive economic growth and sustainable progress. Projects can involve actors who are enablers of innovation ecosystems from public and private sectors, academia, and civil society.

Possible areas for cooperation include but are not limited to: 

• Policy development for strengthened institutional capacity for innovation,  
• Digital public innovation, services and GovTech. 
• Exchange of knowledge and experience in digitalisation, digital innovations and technologies. 
• Innovation procurement and financing models. 
• University incubators, science parks, accelerators, and start-up hubs. 
• Social innovation and inclusive entrepreneurship. 
• Public Sector Innovation in line with OECD OPSI principles (national, regional, municipality level) 
• Increased opportunities for women’s participation in innovation and entrepreneurship. 

 2. Transparency, accountability and anti-corruption

Promote open governance, anti-corruption initiatives, and citizen participation for a fair and transparent society.

Possible areas for cooperation include but are not limited to: 

• Anti-corruption initiatives in private sector 
• Strengthening investigative journalism 
• Improving judicial transparency 
• Digital tools for open governance 

 3. Gender equality

Build inclusive societies where women, men, and marginalized groups have equal opportunities.

Possible areas for cooperation include but are not limited to: 

• Leadership networks and capacity-building 
• Policy development for gender mainstreaming 
• Initiatives against gender-based violence 
• Inclusion of women and LGBTQ+ persons in decision-making 

Types of grants 

There are two different types of grants that can be applied for in this call:

Project preparation

A smaller grant for initiating cooperation and establishing a common direction towards addressing a challenge or potential in Ukraine.  

Examples of activities include needs assessments; building relationships and exchanging experiences, mapping and investigating opportunities for further exchange and collaboration, initiate activities that result in further cooperation, study visits, feasibility studies, preparing new funding applications.  

Size of the grant: SEK 100 000 – 200 000
Project duration: (6–12 months) 

Cooperation projects

Larger grants for activating existing partnerships to strengthen capacity for actors in Ukraine who can drive change and contribute to the country’s reconstruction and reforms for EU integration.  

Examples of activities include capacity building of organisations, training programmes and competence development for key personnel, staff mobility, research and study visits.  

Size of the grant: SEK 1 000 000 – 2 000 000 
Project duration: (12-24 months) 

Who Can Apply? 

• The main applicant organisation must be a legal entity based in Sweden 
• At least one legal entity in Ukraine must be part of the formal partnership 
• Partnerships may include up to two partners from selected EU countries if they add value 
• A partnership may consist of a maximum of 6 partners altogether (including the Swedish main applicant) 
• For project preparation grants, the Swedish main applicant does not need to have a Ukrainian partner – if the project idea is to find partners and establish a partnership 

Eligible partners include: 

• Higher education institutions and research institutes 
• Business companies* (including sole proprietorships in Ukraine) 
• Non-governmental organisations** and foundations, including cultural and creative industry organisations 
• Municipalities, regions, county administrative boards, and government agencies 
• International and intergovernmental organisations (as partners through offices in Sweden or Ukraine) 

* Business companies may only participate as main applicants or partners on a non-profit basis.
** Political parties and their youth affiliates cannot be main applicants but may participate as project partners when relevant to democratic development. 

Which countries are included in the programme?  

Priority country: Ukraine
Applicant country: Sweden
Additional countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland 

• At least one partner organisation from Sweden and Ukraine should be part of the formal partnership for each application. 
• Additionally, up to two organisations from additional programme countries may be included as supporting partners if they clearly contribute to the feasibility of the project and benefit the target groups in Ukraine.  

The purpose of including partners from additional countries is primarily to benefit from their experiences regarding reform, transition, and EU integration processes, as well as their geographical location. Examples of tasks: providing relevant expertise, facilitating and hosting activities. 

Additional external expertise from the programme countries (as well as from other EU countries) may be included in the project. Examples of tasks include: to lead and/or contribute with expertise during specific activities in the project. 

Support for Ukraine’s EU Integration 

Projects funded under this programme are expected to contribute to Ukraine’s EU accession and integration process. The projects can support Ukraine’s integration process in various ways – some by promoting fundamental democratic principles and EU values, others by directly contributing to the ongoing negotiation process for EU membership.