StrengthEU – Strengthening the EU Accession Process in the Eastern Neighborhood
The StrengthEU program, funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and implemented by the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), supports Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia in advancing their European integration and strengthening democratic governance.
PURPOSE AND APPROACH
StrengthEU fosters a comprehensive, inclusive framework for progress toward EU accession by engaging distinct yet interconnected target groups and reporting results against clearly defined objectives. The program combines grantmaking, capacity-building, and strategic dialogue to increase resilience against hybrid tactics and build support for democratic reforms.
KEY COMPONENTS:
1.Civil society and independent media:
GMF provides grants, capacity-building, and networking opportunities for civil society organizations, activists, independent media, and professional associations. These initiatives strengthen democratic governance, promote European values, counter malign influence, and enhance cross-border collaboration. Training programs build strategic communication and advocacy skills, while sub-grants support public awareness campaigns that amplify pro-European and democratic messages.
2. Policymakers and institutional actors:
StrengthEU convenes leading domestic and foreign officials, legislators, European institutions, and transatlantic partners. These strategic forums connect decision-makers with civil society and international partners to exchange best practices, address geopolitical challenges, and generate evidence-based recommendations on EU accession reforms. High-level policy forums and expert consultations further reinforce democratic governance and regional stability.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
The program welcomes participation from civil society organizations, independent media, policy experts, informal groups, civic activists, opinion leaders and institutional actors across Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia, reflecting GMF’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable progress toward EU membership.
Open Call for Applications
Expand AllCountering FIMI Grants (up to €25,000 per grant)
Support for independent media outlets and local media outlets to produce and disseminate quality media content and investigative journalism. Activities may include, but are not limited to:
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Investigative journalism projects exposing corruption, disinformation campaigns, or governance issues.
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Production of fact-based multimedia content (print, radio, TV, podcasts, online video, digital platforms).
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Development of multilingual media content reaching minority groups and vulnerable communities.
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Media literacy initiatives that strengthen critical thinking skills among audiences and help them identify propaganda and foreign information manipulation.
1.Eligibility:
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Applicants must be registered organizations (CSOs, think tanks, or independent media outlets) based in Moldova, Georgia, or Armenia.
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Most activities must be conducted within these countries.
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Regional partnerships are encouraged, particularly for cross-border cooperation grants.
2. Project Duration:
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Projects must be implemented within a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months.
3.Submission:
All proposals should be submitted through our grant platform, Fluxx. Please register on the platform first, as a Black Sea Trust applicant, then complete and submit your application by October 26, 2025.
For any questions related to registration or the application process, feel free to contact us via email at [email protected].
Cross-Border Cooperation Grants (up to €40,000 per grant)
Support for CSO and think tank networking, coalition building, and regional cooperation.
Activities may include knowledge transfers, peer-to-peer exchanges, joint initiatives, and shared advocacy efforts. Proposals should demonstrate how cross-border collaboration contributes to greater regional resilience and democratic development.
1.Eligibility:
-
Applicants must be registered organizations (CSOs, think tanks, or independent media outlets) based in Moldova, Georgia, or Armenia.
-
Most activities must be conducted within these countries.
-
Regional partnerships are encouraged, particularly for cross-border cooperation grants.
2. Project Duration:
-
Projects must be implemented within a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months.
3.Submission:
All proposals should be submitted through our grant platform, Fluxx. Please register on the platform first, as a Black Sea Trust applicant, then complete and submit your application by October 26, 2025.
For any questions related to registration or the application process, feel free to contact us via email at [email protected].
Capacity-Building Grants (up to €30,000 per grant)
Support for the sustainability and long-term resilience of civic actors.
Activities may include organizational development, strategic communication, community engagement, advocacy training, and initiatives fostering social cohesion. Proposals should outline how capacity-building will enhance trust in civic activism, promote European democratic values, and support engagement in the EU integration process.
1.Eligibility:
-
Applicants must be registered organizations (CSOs, think tanks, or independent media outlets) based in Moldova, Georgia, or Armenia.
-
Most activities must be conducted within these countries.
-
Regional partnerships are encouraged, particularly for cross-border cooperation grants.
2. Project Duration:
-
Projects must be implemented within a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months.
3.Submission:
All proposals should be submitted through our grant platform, Fluxx. Please register on the platform first, as a Black Sea Trust applicant, then complete and submit your application by October 26, 2025.
For any questions related to registration or the application process, feel free to contact us via email at [email protected].