Swedish Institute allocates SEK 80 million for Ukraine’s reconstruction 

The interest in SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme has been record-breaking. During the open call in spring, as many as 164 applications were submitted by Swedish actors in collaboration with their Ukrainian partners. Following an extensive review process, the Swedish Institute decided in early November to grant support to 47 of these projects. Together, they will receive just over SEK 80 million. 

A significant portion of the funding goes to projects that, in partnership with Ukrainian actors, strengthen democratic governance and public institutions. Support is also provided for initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and trade, including improving conditions for entrepreneurs and innovative small businesses. 

Building capacity for the future

The application round clearly reflects both the urgent and long-term needs in Ukraine. The projects demonstrate the breadth of engagement – and the importance of measures that deliver immediate benefits while building capacity for the future. 

“Through on-site projects and educational initiatives, we at the Swedish Institute contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and EU rapprochement. Our role in Sweden’s support for Ukraine is highly prioritised. The projects also strengthen resilience in both Ukraine and Sweden,” says Madeleine Sjöstedt, Director-General of the Swedish Institute. 

Examples of approved projects

Strengthening entrepreneurship for women-led businesses
Among the funded projects is a training programme implemented by Drivhuset and the Ukrainian organisation NGO Evolve. The programme targets 50 women-led micro and small enterprises and focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and digitalisation, aiming to develop scalable digital business ideas. 

“Through our partnership with NGO Evolve, we aim to contribute with Drivhuset’s Loopa method – a concrete and proven approach that strengthens entrepreneurs’ ability to develop ideas in uncertain times. Our shared goal is to provide women with the tools to navigate more confidently, make their own decisions, and build sustainable businesses – regardless of how the world around them changes.” says Anna-Carin Sandberg Jödahl, CEO of Drivhuset Norden. 

Enhancing capacity in Ukraine’s journalism sector
The Swedish Union of Journalists will carry out a project with The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) to rebuild and modernise the union’s regional structures. Through training, mentorship, policy development, and experience exchange with Sweden, the project aims to strengthen self-regulation, internal coordination, and representation.

“We share the same fundamental values as our Ukrainian sister organisation regarding the importance of freedom of expression and independent media. Through this project, we want to help reform and strengthen the Ukrainian journalists’ union’s 24 regional organisations, both in professional areas such as self-regulation and press ethics, as well as in trade-union organisation and member engagement,” says Victoria da Silva, project manager at the Swedish Union of Journalists. 

Youth influence and democratic participation
Haninge Municipality and the National Ukrainian Youth Association (NUMO) will implement a training programme for 40 youth leaders. The programme includes three training modules, mentorship, and a study visit to Sweden. Using EU-aligned methods and adapting to the impact of war on the youth sector, the programme strengthens young people’s opportunities to participate in democratic development and long-term reform. 

“We have worked closely with our Ukrainian partners since 2022, and this project now allows us to collaborate in a more structured and long-term way. We look forward to sharing the knowledge and experience within Ung Fritid in Haninge and the KC Network, and to contributing together to strengthening youth participation and leadership in Ukraine’s democratic development.” says Peter Knutsson, Project Leader, Haninge Municipality