International IDEA launches GROW-EU: Strengthening Regional Policy for Ukraine’s EU Path

As Ukraine advances toward European Union membership, the alignment of national legislation and administrative capacity with EU standards is critical. While significant focus is often placed on justice and rule of law, progress under Chapter 22 of the EU acquis (Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments) remains a vital yet under-resourced area.

The GROW-EU project aims to bridge this gap by equipping Ukrainian public officials and civil society leaders with the specialized knowledge and practical tools needed to implement effective regional policy and manage future EU structural funds.

GROW-EU is a comprehensive training programme designed for a multidisciplinary cohort of 20 decision-makers from national and regional levels. The project bridges Swedish expertise with the Ukrainian context through a phased approach:

• Online Induction: Participants will deepen their understanding of the EU legal framework, Cohesion Policy, and gender-responsive governance.
• Study Visit to Sweden: A core component of the programme, the cohort will travel to Sweden to engage with counterparts in the Swedish Parliament, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), and municipalities. This visit will provide first-hand insights into Swedish models of multilevel governance and participatory planning.
• Policy Co-creation: Under the mentorship of EU and Ukrainian experts, participants will work in thematic groups to co-author practical policy papers, offering actionable recommendations for the Ukrainian government.

This initiative represents a synergy between international experience and national ownership. The formal partnership between International IDEA and the UPI represents a strategic combination of international expertise and national ownership. International IDEA brings access to Swedish best practices and EU networks, while UPI ensures the programme is tailored to Ukraine’s legislative reality and reform needs.

Impact and Sustainability The project will culminate in a high-level roundtable in Kyiv to present the developed policy papers to key national stakeholders. Furthermore, participants will join a newly established alumni network, fostering long-term peer cooperation and integration into the broader SI Alumni Network in Ukraine.

An open call for applications will be announced shortly. Follow our official channels for updates.

The Swedish Institute The Swedish Institute (SI) is a public agency that promotes interest and trust in Sweden around the world. The SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme supports projects that contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction, reform efforts, and EU integration through effective partnerships with Swedish organizations.