The Eastern Partnership (EaP) Civil Society Fellowship is a signature initiative designed to identify and support a new generation of civil society leaders from the EaP region. The program empowers these leaders to pursue innovative, forward-thinking projects that address the needs of their communities and contribute to public debate and policy-making.
Fellows are selected to implement projects of their own design over a period of six to twelve months. The fellowship provides funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them develop their leadership skills and increase their impact. The program is aimed at activists and leaders who have a deep understanding of the social development needs of their communities and are driven to create positive change.
Financial Benefits
The fellowship provides financial support to enable the implementation of the proposed projects.
- **Stipend:** Fellows receive a stipend of up to €5,000 to cover project-related expenses and support their work.
- **Mentorship and Training:**Â The program includes access to tailored training sessions and mentorship opportunities to enhance leadership and project management skills.
- **Networking:**Â Fellows become part of a dynamic network of over 160 alumni from the six EaP countries, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across the region.
Eligibility Criteria
The call is open to dedicated civil society activists and leaders from the EaP region.
- **Citizenship:**Â Applicants must be citizens of one of the Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, or Ukraine).
- **Location:**Â The fellowship is open to eligible citizens regardless of their current place of residence.
- **Age:**Â Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- **Experience:**Â Candidates should have a proven track record of community engagement and a clear vision for a project that can bring about positive change.
- **Language:** A working level of English is required for the application and participation in the program’s networking and training events.
Focus Areas
Fellows are expected to propose and implement projects that align with their professional expertise and community needs. While the themes are broad, projects should be innovative and aimed at creating a tangible impact. Examples of past fellowship activities include:
- Developing digital solutions to enhance civic engagement.
- Conducting research and advocacy campaigns on policy issues.
- Creating educational content and media projects.
- Organizing community-based initiatives and awareness campaigns.
Application Process
**Application Deadline:**Â The deadline for the 2026 cohort is 30 December.
To apply, candidates must complete an online application form, which includes submitting a detailed project proposal, a budget, and a CV.
Application Link:
The official call for applications for the 2026 fellowship will be published on the EU’s Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility website. Interested candidates should monitor the page for the official announcement.
