The project aims to support Ukraine’s EU integration through international advocacy and strengthening democratic resilience at the local level. It combines 8 advocacy visits to EU countries, the UK and Norway; production of 4 policy briefs and 6 economic digests; international and national forums; 2 public campaigns and rallies; 5 video podcasts, 5 video stories, and 5 opinion columns; 6 regional news digests. The project supports capacity building through 4 open dialogue meetings, 50 consultations for civil society and vulnerable groups, 5 training events for heritage defenders, 10 youth educational events, 10 speaking clubs, and a youth internship program. Five mini-grants will support grassroots EU integration initiatives. ANTS also plans advocacy visits for local mayors and diaspora mobilisation. Activities address EU accession chapters, sanctions, Russia’s war crimes, and community engagement. Implemented by NGO ANTS with support from informal partner ICUV, the action bridges local voices and European institutions, fosters fact-based policy dialogue, and promotes inclusion. It targets Ukrainian and EU policymakers, civil society, youth, veterans, media, diaspora, and vulnerable groups. The project contributes to countering disinformation and hybrid threats, while building coalitions and informed support for Ukraine’s European future.

The project aims to strengthen Ukraine’s path to EU membership by expanding international support and building democratic resilience through strategic advocacy, inclusive participation, and empowered local leadership. It builds bridges between Ukrainian civil society, vulnerable groups, and European actors to advance shared values and reforms.

Specific objectives:
Enhance global awareness and international engagement to eliminate political barriers and secure broader support for Ukraine’s European integration through targeted advocacy missions, strategic messaging, and participation in key international forums.

Strengthen the capacity of civil society and vulnerable groups (including veterans, former POWs, women, and youth) to participate meaningfully in EU-related reforms, advocacy, and democratic processes, through consultations, trainings, and local initiatives.

Empower local decision-makers and communities to contribute to Ukraine’s post-war recovery and EU alignment by providing them with knowledge, tools, and opportunities for international exchange and cooperation.

International support and visibility for Ukraine’s EU integration increased:
– 4 quarterly analytical briefs on EU accession, sanctions, security, and war crimes prepared and presented (Kyiv & Brussels);
– 8 advocacy visits to the EU and allied countries conducted;
– 2 international forums held (Brussels and Kyiv);
– 6 economic digests on Russia’s economy produced and disseminated;
– 4 op-eds in Ukrainian media and 4 articles in international outlets published;
– At least 20 expert comments and 5 diplomatic breakfasts delivered.

Capacity of civil society, youth, and vulnerable groups improved
– 50 tailored consultations provided to CSOs and local authorities;
– 4 regional dialogue events conducted (Lutsk, Sumy, Poltava, Odesa);
– 10 youth educational & networking events and 10 speaking clubs implemented;
– Structured internship programme launched and completed;
– 10 online network meetings, 5 training sessions, and 2 regional advocacy events held for cultural/natural heritage stakeholders.

Local leadership and grassroots engagement in EU integration strengthened
– 2 advocacy campaigns co-developed and delivered in regions;
– 5 grassroots initiatives supported via mini-grants (up to €3,000 each);
– 1 advocacy visit of 5 local leaders to EU counterparts conducted;
– 6 regional news digests prepared and distributed to 5,000+ recipients;
– 5 video podcasts, 5 video stories, and 5 author’s columns on EU integration produced and shared, reaching 50,000+ people.