The European Commission has launched a call for proposals and grants for Armenian, Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Georgian, Moldovan and Ukrainian municipalities under the EU initiative Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG).

The initiative supports municipalities in designing Local Economic Development Plans (LEDPs) aiming to stimulate economic activity and support local businesses, which further addresses shortcomings in local services and has an impact on job creation and inclusion of women in the job market.

During the first phase of the initiative, completed by October 2020, over 400 municipalities across the region had committed to the initiative’s objectives, and over 230 LEDPs had been designed in line with the M4EG guidelines. Sixteen pilot projects are being implemented in the region.

The second phase of M4EG aims at supporting the implementation of LEDPs developed under phase I. Moreover, phase II has a new focus on the preparation of investment projects, both public and private, and supports the implementation of additional pilot projects building on the existing LEDPs – 15 large municipal projects, as well as 50+ smaller-scale projects, to tackle particular issues requiring targeted support, including innovation and gender. Geographical balance among countries and within countries, between capital cities and regions, will be ensured.

The overall indicative amount made available under this call for proposals is €10 million (€5 million to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia and Moldova, €4 million to Ukraine, and €1 million to the implementation of actions based on Local Economic Developments Plans).

In the first instance, concept notes must be submitted for evaluation by 6 April (16:00 Brussels time). Thereafter, lead applicants who have been pre-selected will be invited to submit a full application.

An online information session for applicants will be organised on 4 March 2021 at 13:00 (Brussels time).

The Mayors for Economic Growth initiative supports cities in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to facilitate growth and job creation by improving the local business environment, stimulating entrepreneurship and attracting investment for sustainable economic development.

Find out more

Call details and application form

Mayors for Economic Growth success stories:

Georgia: Active Mayors for Economic Growth

Belarus: How business changes life in Hlybokaje, with EU support

EU helps young Armenian woman take her first steps in business