Events

High school students from seven public schools across Batumi, Bobokvati, Gonio, Kobuleti, and Poti gathered at Batumi State University for an immersive educational experience aimed at understanding and safeguarding the fragile Black Sea ecosystem.

Young advocates of the Black Sea engaged in insightful discussions with esteemed researchers, exploring the wonders of marine biodiversity, the pressing threats to the ecosystem, and actionable steps for conservation.

Motivated students will be offered a chance to engage in dolphin monitoring effectively becoming Black Sea researchers themselves. Over the coming months, they will participate in diverse educational and environmental activities, including Clean Beach Days and guided tours of protected areas. The culmination of this educational journey will be marked in October with a celebratory gathering in Batumi for the annual Black Sea Day, uniting Black Sea researchers, environmental activists, and youth.

This exciting educational initiative is organised by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the National Environment Agency of Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. It falls under the EU/UNDP regional project ‘European Union for Improving Environmental Monitoring in the Black Sea’ (EU4EMBLAS), a joint initiative with the governments of Georgia and Ukraine.

Between 2014 and 2019, EU4EMBLAS spearheaded regular monitoring surveys, conducted by an international team of researchers, shedding light on the environmental status of the Black Sea.

The last such research released in 2020 revealed environmental challenges, including plastic waste pollution along the Georgian coast (90.5 items per sq. km), microplastics at depths of 2,000 meters, hazardous chemical influxes, and the intrusion of invasive species. Positive biodiversity trends showcased the resilience of certain species sensitive to pollution and the return of the European oyster, previously extinct since the 1940s.

In its current phase, set to continue until the end of 2024, the EU4EMBLAS project remains committed to supporting governments, educational institutions, civil society, and communities in Georgia and Ukraine. The project offers targeted interventions to mitigate pollution and provides policymakers with recommendations to safeguard the Black Sea ecosystem.

About the European Union

For over 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation, and financial support. The relationship between the EU and Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights, and inclusive economic growth. More information about the EU’s support in Georgia can be found at https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/

About the EU4EMBLAS Project:

The ‘European Union for Improving Environmental Monitoring in the Black Sea’ (EU4EMBLAS) is the fourth phase of the joint EU/UNDP project, implemented by UNDP in partnership with the governments of Georgia and Ukraine. With its overall goal to improve the Black Sea protection, the project addresses the limitations in the availability of accurate, reliable, and comparable data on the marine environment, building national capacities of both countries to monitor the marine environment in line with the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and Water Framework Directive (WFD). Furthermore, the project assists Georgia and Ukraine in raising public awareness of the Black Sea environmental issues and facilitating engagement in conservation and protection measures. Since its inception in 2013, EU4EMBLAS has received a total EU funding of EUR 6.65 million. For more information, visit: https://emblasproject.org

Media contacts:

●        Olena Marushevska, EU4EMBLAS, bluerivers.ukraine@gmail.com  

●        Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP in Georgia, +995 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org

●        Ira Sulava, UNDP, +995 599 579105, irine.sulava@undp.org

World Vision Georgia is pleased to announce the registration for SKYE Club members under the EU-funded SKYENET project. The initiative aims to foster social entrepreneurship and promote active citizenship among youth across various regions of Georgia.

With EU support within the SKYE Net project, 10 SKYE clubs will be established in selected municipalities of Georgia, including Khobi, Zugdidi, Chkhorotsku, Baghdati, Zestafoni, Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni, Dusheti, Telavi, and Akhmeta. 250 young individuals will be selected, uniting 25 motivated youth in each club. It is essential that applications come from residents within the designated region. This program is scheduled to run from April 2024 to February 2025.

Young people need diverse support mechanisms to cultivate the individual competencies essential for engaging in social, civic, and economic life. The EU-supported Skills and Knowledge for Youth Empowerment (SKYE) Club is a holistic initiative to support youth in developing the skills, behaviours, and attitudes necessary to obtain sustainable livelihoods and participate constructively in their communities. SKYE Club is one of the successful models of World Vision implemented in Armenia and Georgia since 2015. These clubs cater to young individuals aged 16 to 29 who face unemployment and possess limited educational backgrounds yet exhibit a strong interest in acquiring new skills and making meaningful contributions to their communities. These clubs serve as platforms for weekly gatherings where youth explore essential employability and life skills, identify community challenges, and collaborate on planning and executing community service and social enterprise projects. Participants engage in two community projects annually, with each successive project increasing in complexity and depth of community impact and fostering enhanced youth leadership, project management, and business development skills.

The application form contains detailed information (in the Georgian language). If you are interested in this position, kindly click the link provided and complete the form by May 2, 2024: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZASkIWi_T0ajROV5zC9cCMxnuhyDSAgHmfUEoQjvfP8/viewform?edit_requested=true

About the project:

The SKYENET project is funded by the European Union under its EU4Youth Programme and implemented by World Vision Armenia, World Vision Georgia, MilleniuM Training and Development Institute (Moldova), and IRIS Business Incubator (Armenia). The action fosters active participation of youth in both democratic and economic life by enhancing entrepreneurial and career management skills among youth, with a focus on disadvantaged youth, as well as supporting youth-led social enterprises that address community-level problems and focus on digital and green transition in Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova. The project proposes  (i) establishing a ‘SKYE Net’ transnational platform to facilitate experience and knowledge sharing among youth in Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova, focusing on digital and green transformation. The platform will engage relevant private and public actors, educational institutions, and representative youth organisations from these three countries; secondly, (ii) supporting youth social entrepreneur start-ups, focusing on green and digital economies, and promoting information about and access to existing business support schemes. The project is scheduled for implementation from July 1^st, 2023, til June 30, 2025. 

This article has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of World Vision Georgia and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.  

This year Georgia celebrates its first Europe Day as a country candidate to join the European Union. Thousands of people are expected to come together to celebrate peace, diversity and the values uniting the EU and Georgia. Like last year, the celebration will be held at the Expo Georgia exhibition centre in Tbilisi, offering a chance to visitors to travel virtually to countries of the EU and to learn more about the EU’s three decades-long support to Georgia.

Europe Day is usually celebrated on May 9, yet this year all public events will be held in Tbilisi on Saturday, 11 May to allow as many people as possible to attend. Six different spaces will be organised in five pavilions and courtyards of Expo Georgia, where visitors of all ages and backgrounds will experience what the European Union is all about.

For the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, Europe Day is much more than just a holiday: “It is a proof of the enormous success of the European project that began in 1950 with Robert Schuman’s Declaration and brought peace, democracy and prosperity to all EU Member States. It is a day when we reflect on our common past and look forward to the future we want to build together. This year the celebration in Tbilisi will underline that the doors to EU membership for Georgia – an EU candidate country – have finally been opened wide. Now it is up to the Georgians to walk through that doors by swiftly implementing necessary reforms.”

One of the most important spaces will be “Team Europe” in Pavilion 4 and 5, where the embassies of the EU Member States will introduce the visitors to the culture and history of their countries. Together with the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the European Investment Bank, they will offer fun and educational activities, give out souvenirs, and organise cultural performances and concerts.

Pavilion 11 will host the projects the EU funds in Georgia presenting their activities. In this space, project representatives will propose fun games and activities around important topics such as economic development, environment, culture, youth, digital transformation and democracy, among others.

At the agro-market “Unique Georgian Taste” in the courtyard, visitors will be able to sample products and dishes offered by farmers from different regions of Georgia and get to know how the EU supports them as Georgia prepares to integrate the EU.

Europe Day celebrations has much to offer our very young visitors. In addition to the many activities offered to children, a puppet show “Luna and the Planet of Fireflies” will be held in a specially opened marquee.

For the first time, Pavilion 3 will host entrepreneurs who have benefited from EU support to start up or expand their businesses. In this space, visitors will be able to purchase the unique items those entrepreneurs produce.

Pavilion 6 will host panel talks with celebrities moderated by well-known journalist David Gorgiladze, on a variety of topics including on values, culture and environment related initiatives as well as opportunities for businesses and youth. The talks aim to promote a better understanding of the EU’s role in public and community engagement as part of the EU-Georgia partnership.

About Europe Day:

Europe Day is celebrated around the world each year on 9 May to commemorate the 1950 Declaration of Robert Schuman, then-French Foreign Minister. Schuman set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable by asking them to share their coal and steel reserves. The concept was the beginning of what is today known as the European Union. Since then, the EU has been developing, working, uniting and ensuring peace and prosperity for up to 447 million people across 27 countries of the world.

About EU-Georgia relations:

For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation and financial support. Georgia was granted EU candidate status in December 2023, on the understanding that the relevant 9 steps set out in the Commission recommendation of 8 November 2023 are taken. The relationship between the EU and Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and inclusive economic growth.

The EU is Georgia’s largest foreign donor. Per capita, Georgia receives one of the highest levels of assistance of all of the EU’s partners. The EU currently provide around EUR 85 million of grant funds annually. In 2014, the EU and Georgia signed an Association Agreement, followed by the introduction of a preferential trade regime, the Deep & Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). The EU is now Georgia’s largest trading partner, focused on the introduction of high standards and quality, while respecting and promoting Georgian heritage, traditions, and culture.

The EU and Georgia work together for a cleaner environment and sustainable lifestyles. Collaboration between Georgians and EU citizens help connect people digitally and physically, improve skills, and enrich lives. The opportunity to freely travel to Schengen area countries under a visa-free agreement has brought benefits to more than a million Georgian citizens, since coming into effect on 28 March 2017.

European Union, United Nations, and Austria join efforts with the Georgian Government to improve air quality in Georgia.

 The European Union brings together international and local partners to improve air quality and safeguard public health across Georgia. With EUR 4 million in EU funding, the three-year initiative builds on cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the Environment Agency Austria (UBA).

The 2023 IQAir Index ranks Georgia 62nd out of 134 countries in terms of air pollution, with an average national pollution level considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups.’ This indicates that the annual average of fine particles in Georgia’s air, PM2.5, exceeds the World Health Organization’s air quality guideline by at least three times.

The ambitious goals set for completion by the end of 2027 include strengthening Georgia’s air quality surveillance network and enhancing national capacities in monitoring, modelling, and predicting air quality, along with its impact on public health. Furthermore, the project will assist Georgia in establishing a national reference laboratory and implementing efficient strategies to regulate industrial emissions and mitigate pollution in alignment with global best practices.

The project will be carried out in cooperation with the National Environment Agency (NEA), the National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC), and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, fostering dialogue, sharing expertise, and implementing practical measures.

The project participants and stakeholders convened on 19 April for an inception workshop to kickstart discussions on the implementation of this vital initiative. 

“By joining forces with our European and UN partners, Georgia will implement effective solutions that will lead to tangible improvements in air quality across the country,” said Nino Tandilashvili, First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.

“The European Union supports Georgia in achieving its national environmental objectives and responding to environmental challenges, including the critical issue of air pollution. Our new initiative brings together governmental agencies and international partners to bolster Georgia’s air monitoring network and implement tools to improve air quality and protect people’s health. This will be important on Georgia’s journey to the EU,” said Nicholas Cendrowicz, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia. 

“This partnership marks a significant step towards addressing the pressing issue of air pollution in Georgia. We aim to ensure cleaner air for all and safeguard the health and well-being of Georgian citizens,” noted Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia.

“Our new initiative provides Georgia with technical expertise and focused support to enhance air quality. By bringing together international partners and local stakeholders across public, private, and civic sectors, we aim to create a comprehensive system addressing environmental, economic, social, and health aspects of air quality in Georgia,” said Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Georgia. 

About the European Union:

For over 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation, and financial support. The relationship between the EU and Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights, and inclusive economic growth. More information about the EU’s support in Georgia can be found at the EU4Georgia website.

About the ‘Air Quality for Better Citizen Health’ Project:

The EU-funded EUR 4 million project ‘Air Quality for Better Citizen’s Health’ aims to improve air quality in Georgia and safeguard people’s health. The initiative is implemented by UNDP, WHO, UNECE, and UBA, in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, the National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC), and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. More information about the project is available on the UNDP website.

Media Contacts:

• Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org
• Ira Sulava, UNDP, +995 599 579105, irine.sulava@undp.org
• Tamar Mikadze, European Union Delegation to Georgia, +995 32 2364364, tamriko.mikadze@eeas.europa.eu

The Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) on behalf of the European Commission’s EU4Energy Programme – “Promoting the Clean Energy Transition in the Eastern Partnership Countries” and the Elizbar Eristavi Energy Training Center (ENTC) of the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC) are welcoming energy sector experts from Eastern Partnership countries to the two-day High-Level Conference on Sustainable Heating and Energy Efficiency in the Eastern Partnership.

This event facilitates capacity building, knowledge sharing, and dialogue on sustainable heating practices, including policy development, modernisation efforts, renewable energy integration, and efforts to address climate change. Participants are given the opportunity to learn from European experts on strategies to enhance environmental sustainability in the heating sector and the pace of energy efficiency initiatives in their countries.

“Decarbonising the heating and cooling sector is central to achieving the EU’s energy and climate targets. Although there is a diverse landscape of heating practices, approaches and systems across countries, making heating and cooling sustainable, increasing the use of renewable energy sources and boosting the energy efficiency of buildings is a common interest and shared goal that unites us all,” states Nicholas Cendrowicz, Head of Cooperations at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.

“In addressing the decarbonisation challenge, energy regulators are dedicated to empowering consumers to actively participate in the energy transition. These green transition policies are designed to not only reduce consumers’ carbon footprint but also enhance energy efficiency and accelerate the transformation of energy markets. EU4Energy is therefore an important instrument in the Eastern Partnership region, aiming to assist the countries to achieve these objectives by delivering EU experience,” says Mara Berzina, Secretary General of the Council of European Energy Regulators.

With a diverse line-up of speakers and sessions, the conference addresses topics such as renewable energy integration, energy efficiency measures, and clean energy transitions through energy communities and features case studies from European countries on sustainable heating and energy efficiency initiatives. Hereby, the status quo of the Eastern Partnership countries with regard to heating and energy efficiency will be discussed.

The EU4Energy initiative is funded by the European Union with a total budget of €8.5 million and is jointly implemented by the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Energy Community Secretariat (EnCS). The programme highlights the importance of collaboration and cooperation between the EU, implementing partners and beneficiary institutions in carrying out reforms and bringing concrete benefits to citizens.

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For the detailed conference programme, please refer to:

Media Contacts:

 Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER)Energy Community Secretariat (EnCS)International Energy Agency (IEA)ENTC Alba Glass Erëza VelaMs Julie PuechKetevan BerikashviliTel.+32 471 29 79 13+43 (0)1 535 2222-215+33 6 87 10 00 96 +995 5 32 16 216   eEmail:alba.glass@ceer.euereza.vela@energy-community.orgJulie.puech@iea.orgk.berikashvili@entc.geWebsite:ceer.euhttps://www.energy-community.org/www.iea.orgwww.entc.geTwitter:twitter.com/CEERenergytwitter.com/ener_communitytwitter.com/iea LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/council-of-european-energy-regulatorshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-communitylinkedin.com/company/international-energy-agencyLinkedin.com/entcFacebook:facebook.com/CEERenergyhttps://www.facebook.com/Ener.Communityfacebook.com/internationalenergyagency/Facebook.com/entc

With the EU and German support, a groundbreaking event took place in Ochkhamuri, Kobuleti, to mark the beginning of the Ajara Rural Water and Wastewater Treatment Programme. The event signified the commencement of construction works for the Programme in Kobuleti.  The programme aims to create modern water supply and wastewater systems in 39 Ajara villages and semi-urban areas.

Tornike Rizhvadze, chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, inaugurated the event and delivered a welcome speech. The event united high-level officials from the Ajara Government, representatives from the EU Delegation to Georgia, the German Development Cooperation, members of the Ajara Water Alliance and local community representatives.

Official representatives broke ground in Ochkhamuri, symbolising the start of the works. Additionally, the Director of Ajara Water Alliance delivered a presentation outlining the forthcoming construction activities. As part of the programme, plans are in place to construct seven water reservoirs, three water intakes, and five wastewater treatment plants for selected territories in Kobuleti. 

“Water is the ultimate natural resource which is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Thus, the cooperation between the EU-Government of Ajara-KfW, various operators and other affected parties is key for sustainable water management in areas facing shortages,” stated Andrea Baggioli, Programme Officer for Infrastructure, Energy and Water, IR Coordination at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.

“This project is another successful example for Team Europe. Through the support, not only basic living conditions can be improved but it also provides new opportunities for tourism and jobs,” stated Lidija Christmann, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Tbilisi. 

“This groundbreaking ceremony represents a significant step towards securing a reliable water and wastewater infrastructure. The programme will provide clean, uninterrupted water service and proper wastewater discharge to the population of Ajara, addressing challenges that have persisted for years,” said the Director of Ajara Water Alliance – Teimuraz Bedinadze. 

In collaboration with the EU, the German Development Cooperation via the KfW Development Bank, and the Government of Ajara, this programme aims to improve access to clean and sustainable drinking water and adequately discharged wastewater services, ultimately achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The undertaken measures elevate hygiene standards and enhance the overall quality of everyday life in the communities.

Key programme Outcomes:

• Continues water Supply: Following project implementation, municipalities will have 24/7 access to water, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply for residents;
• Efficient Wastewater Management: The project will introduce a systematic approach to wastewater management, addressing environmental concerns and contributing to sustainable community development;
• Improved Quality of Life: Enhanced hygiene standards and consistent water services will significantly contribute to an improved quality of life for residents in the villages;
• Tourism Development: The program’s positive impact on local infrastructure and services is anticipated to stimulate tourism, as it is one of the main economic directions of the region;
• Community Empowerment: Local community members will actively participate in installing and maintaining the systems. Moreover, the programme creates new job opportunities for residents;
• Educational activities: Alongside infrastructural development, educational activities are carried out as a part of the programme to promote responsible water use and conservation, as well as empowering communities to manage their wastewater systems and septic tanks properly;

About the programme

The Ajara Rural Water Supply and Wastewater Programme is organised in the framework of the Georgian cooperation with Germany and the European Union with co-financing by KfW Development Bank (EUR 43 million) and the European Union (6.95 million) and a local contribution of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara (EUR 54.6 million). Further financing from German Development Cooperation via the KFW Development Bank of EUR 10.3 million is under preparation and will be available in spring 2024.

The measures implemented will improve the level of hygiene and everyday life quality in the villages and stimulate tourism development.   The Programme is implemented by the Ajara Water Alliance (AWA), a joint stock company (JSC) established by all Ajara municipalities and the government of Ajara. 

Construction works are planned for the following areas: 

Municipality of Khulo: Semi-urban area of khulo, Dioknisi, Duadzeebi, Okruashvilebi, Dzirkvadzeebi, Gurdzauli, Dekanashvilebi, Zeda Dekanashvilebi, Tkhiladziri, Kveda Vaslovani, Ganakhleba, Dzmagula;

Municipality of Shuakhevi: Semi-urban area of Shuakhevi, Tbeti, Gogadzeebi, Kviakhidzeebi, Janivri, Brili, Zemo Khevi, Baratauli, Varjanauli, Gomarduli, Chala, Tskarota, Skhepi, Skhepela, Goreketi, Ternali, Tsankalauri; 

Municipality of Keda: Semi-urban area of Keda, Tibeta, Arsenauli, Milisi, Uchkhiti, Kosopeli, Vaio, Akutsa; 

Municipality of Khelvachauri: Erge, Jocho, Kirnati, Kobaleti; 

Municipality of Kobuleti: Kveda Kvirike, Mukhaestate settlement, Chakvistavi, Tsestskhlauri, Jikhanjuri, Ochkhamuri;

Contact info: Elene Nogaideli, 
Email: elene.nogaideli@macsonline.de
Tel: 558164141

Within the EU-financed project Empowering Civil Society to Promote Inclusive and Post-COVID Recovery CENN announces a grant competition for civil society organisations (CSOs), representatives of the private sector with a social mission and social service providers to improve the quality of social services, accessibility and lives of vulnerable groups.

The specific objective of grant competition is to implement gender-sensitive initiatives relevant to municipal needs and aims to increase access to quality social services, strengthen rights holders, improve the lives of vulnerable groups and use digital solutions for rights protection.

The following entities can participate in the grant competition:

• Registered CSOs;
• Registered private companies with a social mission;
• Registered organisations that are oriented toward providing social services;
• Also, a consortium of abovementioned organisations.

The amount of the grant is 5,000 to 13,000 Euros.

The deadline for submitting proposals in the grant competition is: April 30, 2024, 18:00.

To get detailed information about the grant competition, consultation and information meetings will be held in the target municipalities:

• Dmanisi Municipality, April 1, 11:00, conference hall of Dmanisi Municipality City Hall. Address: Dmanisi, St. Nino Street No. 41;
• Bolnisi Municipality, April 10, 11:00, conference hall of Bolnisi Municipality City Hall. Address: Bolnisi, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani Street No. 106;
• Tsalka Municipality, April 11, 12:00, conference hall of Tsalka Municipality City Hall. Address: Tsalka, Aristotle Street No. 22;
• Gardabani Municipality, April 12, 11:00, conference hall of Gardabani Municipality City Hall. Address: Gardabani, D. Agmashenebeli Street No. 127;
• Akhaltsikhe municipality, April 2, 12:00, conference hall of Akhaltsikhe Municipality City Hall. Address: Akhaltsikhe, M. Kostava Street No. 18;
• Ninotsminda Municipality, April 15, 12:00, conference hall of Ninotsminda Municipality City Hall. Address: Ninotsminda, Pushkin Street №43

See the detailed guidelines and relevant documentation for the grant competition below.

See the full document of the grants competition here. 

Additional documents: Grants application form, Budget form. 

The Civil Society Foundation announces a grant competition aimed at supporting Georgia’s European Integration under the “United Georgia for Europe” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), the Civil Society Foundation (CSF), the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC) and the House of Free Journalists (IJH).

The main goal of the EU-funded project is to promote civil society participation and democratic oversight throughout the country in Georgia’s European integration process, as well as strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations to support the European integration process.  

Civil society organisations, initiative groups, community organisations and community groups are given the opportunity to participate in the competition.

The purpose of the competition

The main objective of the grant competition is to support such initiatives and projects that will contribute to the process of European integration of Georgia, broad public involvement in it, as well as increasing interest and awareness of the European Union throughout the country – in the regions, villages and communities of Georgia.

Within the competition framework, particular preference will be given to innovative ideas, initiatives and events that will also cover hard-to-reach settlements and small population groups.

The purpose of the competition is to support projects that include, among others, the following activities:

a. Communication and information campaigns, media initiatives to promote awareness;

b. Evidence-based advocacy (including central and local government monitoring);

c. Civil and community initiatives, including youth participation.

The activity must correspond to the project’s main goal: promoting the process of European integration of Georgia and mobilising public support in this direction.

Applications submission procedure and requirements:

• Registered, active civil society organisations, public organisations, and initiative groups from Tbilisi and the Regions of Georgia can participate in the competition. Project proposals from unregistered groups will be considered only on the condition of their further registration and bank account opening).
• The project must be drawn up according to the grant application form (the form can be found at the following web address: https://apply.csf.ge/);  When filling out the application in item No. 2 (general information about the project), it is necessary to note the EU Integration Program;
• In the application should be clearly visible the project’s goals, and action plan;
• The budget should be realistic, well-founded and relevant to the proposed activities;
• The amount requested for the implementation of the project presented within the framework of the competition should not exceed 15,000 EUR, and the minimum amount should not be less than 10,000 Euros;
• In addition to the information provided in the application form, biographies of the project director, members of the project implementation group and experts participating in the project must be attached to the project;
• Along with the application must be submitted general information about projects implemented in 2022-2023 (if available), with general project budgets;
• Duration of the project: the maximum duration of the project should not exceed 10 months;
• It is not allowed to submit two or more applications by one applicant within the framework of the competition.
• Submission deadline: 23 April 2024, 18:00 

The applicant is responsible for applying in a timely and complete manner. Only complete applications will be considered.

Consultations for those wishing to participate in the competition will be held online (Zoom) on April 5 and 15 at 11:00, during the application submission period. Those wishing to receive a consultation can register using the form provided.

Selection procedure: projects submitted to the competition will be assessed by an expert commission of the European Integration Program of the Civil Society Foundation. Selection criteria will be determined in advance to ensure that the grant competition is fair and transparent.

For more information, you can contact us:

Tel.: 599 539910; Email: iraklitsertsvadze@gmail.com. The Civil Society Foundation thanks you for your interest in the competition and wishes you success!

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The project is supported by the European Union and implemented by a consortium led by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), which includes the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC), the Civil Society Foundation (CSF) and the House of Free Journalists (IJH). The project aims to promote Georgia’s further integration with the European Union through extensive public participation and cooperation, the strengthening of democracy and freedom of expression, the empowerment of civil society, youth, media, and business, as well as legal support for local activists; the initiation of high-quality research and public dialogue; and the raising of awareness of Georgian society and the international community.   

This document has been produced with the assistance of the European Union and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung within the project “United for Georgia’s European Way” framework. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Civil Society Foundation and do not necessary reflect the views of the European Union and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. 

EU-funded Georgian Energy Sector Reform Project (GESRP) announces a call for journalists, producers and media professionals working in the Georgian press to apply for the 3-day Media Mentorship programme on Energy Efficiency (EE) and Renewable Energy (RE), offering an opportunity to further enhance their skills and capacities for evidence-based, non-partisan reporting on Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Climate Change and related topics.  

A key goal of the EU-funded Mentorship programme is to empower participants to produce compelling and topical media content about initiatives related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate change issues in Georgia, as well as the country’s progress in this direction and legislative changes. By the end of the Mentorship programme, each participant is expected to have developed and produced actual media products such as articles, videos, reportages, infographics, podcasts, and multimedia presentations, among others – or a very clear and detailed blueprint/concept for such media product to be produced, finalized and disseminated within a month after the Mentorship programme. 

The media products created through the mentorship programme will undergo evaluation by the evaluation committee, and three outstanding entries will be selected to receive paid prizes as recognition for their excellence.

After completing the mentorship programme, the participants will have the opportunity to join a thematic Media tour. During this tour, they will learn about the energy-efficient practices introduced by the private sector and the impact of the reforms/changes on their activities.

The two-day programme will take place from April 19 to 21, 2024, in Tsinandali Estate, A Radisson Collection Hotel, Kakheti, Georgia. It will be conducted in Georgian and English, and a simultaneous translation will be provided. Enrollment in the mentoring programme is free, and the project will cover transportation and hotel accommodation expenses.

During the interactive sessions, participants will explore a comprehensive range of topics, including effective dissemination and comprehensive coverage of topics concerning energy efficiency and renewable energies, the art of storytelling with a focus on visual techniques, and the importance of legislative changes at the local level and international obligations. Additionally, they’ll gain insights into identifying pivotal energy efficiency and renewable energy issues, mastering the craft of pitching these to editors. To understand the nuances of how to connect energy efficiency and renewable energy issues with economic sustainability and the progress made by the country, to maintain the highest standards in the coverage of environmental, climate change and energy efficiency issues, as well as to distinguish the positive aspects of energy efficiency, renewable energies from the widespread misinformation.

The selected participants are expected to choose the topics of their interest to design and produce individual media products on the following subject areas: 

1. The main aspects of the association agreement are the direction of energy efficiency and renewable energies, progress achieved, and future commitments.
2. Energy policy and integrated energy and climate plan. What are the main directions of the policy, and what measures are determined by the integrated energy and climate plan in terms of energy efficiency. 
3. What do the updated directives on energy efficiency and energy performance of buildings entail?
4. Does the reform provide for the creation of new professions in the market? How will staff be trained and certified?
5. How is the Green Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan being developed?

During the programme, each thematic group will conduct Q&A sessions with thematic experts. Media experts will facilitate this expertise to ensure fruitful interactions align with journalistic needs. After the group sessions, participants will work individually on their reports with the assigned mentor, who will be the field expert. During this phase, they’ll have the opportunity to engage one-on-one with thematic experts to address specific questions or concerns related to their chosen topics.

Who Can Apply?

Journalists, producers, and media professionals from Georgia who are keen on improving their expertise in environmental, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate change reporting. Ensuring the publication or broadcast of the content created during the Mentorship programme is a prerequisite.

To apply for this unique opportunity, please submit the completed application: https://forms.gle/ZUAmWA4Mwg8LWnrY6 

The deadline for submission is April 8, 2024 

Download publication commitment form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DBXf8cw3LYX6GaDOcuV7Ty8sQJ9FDcB0/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108346968900068809309&rtpof=true&sd=true 

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us at marie.kikvadze@gopa-intec.de  

 About the European Union:

For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation and financial support. The relationship between the EU and Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgia https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/

About the project:

The Georgian Energy Sector Reform Project (GESRP) is an EU-funded technical support project for the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, managed by KfW development bank and implemented by German independent energy consulting company GOPA Intec. GESRP provides legal, technical, and advisory support to the Government to further develop more aligned legislation, regulations, and policies in line with the directions of the Energy Community, along with strengthened 

capacity building across the energy sector, in particular, in implementing more excellent Energy Efficiency, with a focus on buildings, laying the foundations for increased Renewable Energy and promoting a more open and competitive power market, facilitating more significant future trading to strengthen the country’s energy security.  

For further inquiries, please contact:
Marie Kikvadze, GESRP Communications Expert
Tel: 577 95 90 20; E-mail:  marie.kikvadze@gopa-intec.de  

‘Youth for public interest’ started in 2015, when Meri Namgaladze, its future chairwoman, was herself a university student. Inspired by her coursework in civil activism, she, together with some fellow students, was involved in a social project, implemented with success. This experience motivated Meri to formalise the group and establish an NGO. “Our initial projects were focused on addressing the educational gap that we had identified, including training in project writing, volunteering, participation in budgeting processes and organising visits to public offices,” Meri says. Since 2015, ‘Youth for public interest’ has involved in its activities some 300 young people, having built a business network which includes youth, local private companies and public entities – such as the Adjara Employment Agency, the Youth Agency, the Regional Employment Centre and the Batumi City Hall.

In 2023, the NGO received EU financial support through the Education Development and Employment Centre (EDEC), working in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The grant allowed them to introduce a specific training module which was tailored to the needs of the target group of 30 young people who wished to find a job or set up a business.

“Our target age was between 16 and 29. We went around several educational institutions – including Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, College Black Sea, Batumi State Maritime Academy, and the Batumi Navigation Teaching University – to maximise students’ engagement. We had a strong promotion in social media and several spots on Batumi radio,” says Meri. “And our efforts paid off: we received 160 applications from young people, it was quite a challenge to select just 30.”

Professional self-determination, social media marketing and creating a business plan were the three topics of the courses, carefully selected on the basis of market demand.

“There is a significant shortfall in motivation and analytical skills among youth,” says the chairwoman of the NGO. “In the very beginning, we tried to identify the career goals and aspirations of our participants: whether it was to start their own business or to seek employment within a company. Based on their goals, we tailored our approach.”

Two streams – each of 15 young people – were structured around eight modules, delivered one per day. A practical component of the training involved developing marketing strategies for 10 local companies. Participants, organised into small groups, crafted detailed sales and marketing strategies, including comprehensive budgets.

Tamara Danelia is the founder of the Meza Group, a local Georgian eyewear brand. In framework of the training, a group of young people worked on a marketing strategy for her company. “The fresh, innovative ideas brought by the young people were genuinely eye-opening! The new marketing strategy allowed us to refine our approach to visibility and increase our sales. The involvement of young people was not only an asset for us; it was an example of how youth empowerment can lead to tangible improvements in our business practices,” Tamara insists.

The final activity of the NGO was to organise a Youth Forum in Batumi – a space for around 100 young people to engage directly with the public sector, including representatives from the Batumi City Hall and employment agencies and private companies. The forum facilitated discussions on existing EU projects for youth, opened networking opportunities with potential employers, and presented the marketing strategies developed by the participants in the course of the trainings.

Just two months after its completion, the initiative is already bearing fruit. One participant has started a job in a private company; two have started their own businesses. Ana Khalvashi, 18, is a student who has been hired by marketing company Digital Port, working now as a social media manager. “The training helped me to set goals for myself and to find a job. The knowledge I gained perfectly matched my current job profile, leading to a successful employment,” says the young woman.

Nestan Zoidze, 26, used to work at a supermarket chain. Her family runs a guesthouse and a small restaurant in Chanchkhalo village, two hours’ drive from Batumi. “Before the training, I considered the development of our family business as an unattainable goal”, she confessed. “Participation in the NGO’s activities gave me a good understanding of what is needed in marketing for a guesthouse and restaurant. This experience made me quit my well-paid job in order to dedicate myself full-time to our family business. This decision has profoundly changed my life.”

A long-lasting impact of the ‘Youth for public interest’ initiative lies also in the creation of the Batumi Business Network which bridges young people with around 200 representatives of local businesses. It is sustained via a Facebook group and physical meetings, the first of which was co-funded by the companies.  The network gives room to companies to share information about job vacancies specifically interested in hiring students.

“We recognise the significance of forging connections between the private sector and civil society, particularly with the youth, and see it as vital. Therefore, we plan to pursue new funding to strengthen and expand this network,” concludes the head of the NGO, Meri Namgaladze.

Author: Volha Prokharava

EU and UNDP Help Revitalize Perevi Village through Rural Entrepreneurship.

The village of Perevi, nestled in Georgia’s Shida Kartli region along the Administrative Boundary Line  with the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia. Historically, Perevi thrived on agriculture, particularly animal husbandry and beekeeping. However, its fortunes took a downturn following the armed conflict in 2008.

As movement restrictions were imposed, Perevi residents lost access to vital summer pastures. Their livelihoods were disrupted leaving the community with limited prospects. Many Perevians left their village seeking opportunities in the cities or abroad. Despite these challenges, 150 families still live in Perevi, grappling with social and economic hurdles.

The European Union and UNDP, through the EU4Dialogue project, assist Perevi residents in revitalizing their village. Targeted grants and other types of support, implemented in partnership with the civil society organization ‘Regional Development Support Centre’, reached out to over 100 people, offering resources they need to kickstart rural entrepreneurship.

Perevi is just one of the conflict-affected villages where the EU and UNDP work hand-in-hand with civil society organizations, municipalities, and local communities bolstering economic and social resilience and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and income generation.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, this support benefited up to 1,500 internally displaced and conflict-affected women across Georgia.

A New Path to Prosperity

42-year-old Tsitsino Sisvadze, a dedicated nurse at Perevi Public School, pioneers alternative agriculture practices by transforming her hobby into a sustainable enterprise. With the grant support from the EU4Dialogue project, Tsitsino purchased wooden logs, mushroom mycelium, and a drip irrigation system to set up a mushroom farm in her backyard. As snow is melting and spring is approaching, she eagerly anticipates her first harvest. 

“In Georgia, women still face barriers to economic activities. I wish to address every woman who wants to start a business. Nothing can stand in your way. There’s no “I am a woman, I can’t do it”. We shall take risks and do our best. I believe that hard work bears fruit sooner or later”, says Tsitsino.

One Loaf at a Time

Nana Kapanadze, a 46-year-old village doctor, has recently taken on a new role as a baker. For her, bread baking isn’t just a pastime; it’s a response to a critical need within her community. In Perevi, access to freshly baked bread is a rare luxury, as distribution companies only deliver bread from the administrative centre once a week. The alternative? Taking matters into one’s own hands and baking bread at home.

With essential support from the EU4Dialogue’s grant programme, Nana invested in professional equipment and established a small bakery, which quickly gained popularity among Perevi residents. As the delicious smell of freshly baked bread permeates the village, Nana’s bakery brings hope for a better future.

“If my bakery keeps growing, I will be able to hire more people, creating jobs for my fellow villagers. My wish is to teach others how to bake great bread. The grant support I received is an inspiration for other women. They call me ‘smart’ and want to follow my example”,  shares Nana.

Timeless Success

Meet Lida Enukidze, 70, whose inspiring story proves that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. 

Lida represents an unyielding spirit of women who defy societal norms and surpass expectations. Her sewing journey began in her youth when she mastered the craft at a vocational school. After years of working in a sewing workshop, Lida joined forces with fellow villager, Mzia Beridze,  to establish a sewing business. Over the past decade, they’ve catered to both individual and commercial clients.

Thanks to the EU and UNDP support, Lida’s sewing salon received a boost with new equipment, including a multipurpose sewing machine, electric scissors, and professional iron. This investment enabled a modest village enterprise to undertake larger orders, such as crafting essential bed linen for regional hospitals.

“Rural women encounter many challenges that encourage us to find solutions and grow. What we need is inspiration and positive examples. We must take care of ourselves because no one else will,” shares Lida. 

“This project showed me that I can be an inspiration for other women in my village.”

Taking Flight

Khatuna Bregvadze is a 45-year-old librarian turned entrepreneur. Her story serves as an example of women’s resilience in the face of economic and social hurdles.

Like many Perevi residents, Khatuna has to supplement her professional work with agricultural activities to make a living. For the past eight years, poultry farming has been her lifeline, enabling her to make ends meet.

Through the EU4Dialogue’s grant programme, Khatuna seized the opportunity to expand her small hatchery by acquiring two incubators for hatching eggs and an electricity generator to regulate the energy supply. With this support, she now supplies fresh poultry to the village, while also boosting egg sales.

“Poultry farming is more than just a job and income. It’s my way of showing that positive change is possible, even in our small and poor village.”

Background Information:

EU4Dialogue: Support to Conflict Transformation in the South Caucasus and the Republic of Moldova is a joint initiative of the EU and UNDP under the broader EU4Dialogue programme. The project partners with local civil society organizations and grassroots groups to improve socio-economic conditions for people, build livelihoods, drive progress toward gender equality, promote youth engagement and support the peaceful transformation of conflict.

Disclaimer: 

This story was produced with the financial support of the European Union and UNDP under the EU4Dialogue project. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union and UNDP.

GOPA Intec, in collaboration with CENN, under the EU-funded project “Technical Assistance Project In Support Of the Georgian Energy Sector Reform Programme (GESRP),” initiates an energy efficiency campaign and extends an invitation to visual artists to join. The campaign is supported by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.

The campaign’s objective is to enhance public awareness through visual art regarding the crucial role of energy efficiency and renewable energies in mitigating and preventing the adverse impacts of climate change. Since the energy sector accounts for the most significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions, prioritising energy efficiency and advancing renewable energy sources becomes imperative for climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. By integrating suitable energy-efficient technologies and methods, we can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, curb inefficient energy consumption, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

To enable artists to join the campaign, they must successfully navigate the initial competition phase. To take part in this competition, participants must develop concepts for their proposed artworks centred on the following themes:

• Importance of saving energy;
• Importance of energy-efficient technologies;
• Energy efficiency in buildings;
• Renewable and clean energy;
• Energy efficient transport.

Artists aged 18 and above are eligible to participate in the initial competition. Those interested in joining can submit their works in the following categories:

1. Painting
2. Sculpture
3. Video/video installation
4. Infographics/illustration

In order to participate in the campaign, artists must submit concept notes within the designated category embodying their envisioned work. Alongside their ideas, artists must provide a photograph or portfolio showcasing at least three works executed in a similar technique.

Participants must complete the registration form and upload the concept document by April 14, 2024.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/qbp7ZBpmY58V3hPZ9

Selection Process: An independent panel of judges will evaluate concepts based on creativity, relevance to the topic, and potential impact of the submitted work. A total of three artists from each category will be chosen for the final stage. Each selected artist will receive a grant of 2,000 GEL (taxes included) to develop their final pieces. The chosen candidates will be allotted one month to complete their work. Payment will be disbursed upon project completion, contingent upon formal acceptance and delivery.

Workflow: Artists participating in all categories will have a thematic mentor who will provide expert assistance in the creation process. Experts will be involved in two directions: 1) thematic expertise in energy efficiency and 2) curatorial expertise.

Exhibition: The selected artworks will be showcased at an event dedicated to the campaign, further amplifying awareness of the central themes addressed in the works. The exhibition is scheduled for June 2024, coinciding with the EU Sustainable Energy Week.

 About the European Union:

For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation and financial support. The relationship between the EU and Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgia https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/

About the project:

Started in 2021, the Georgian Energy Sector Reform Project (GESRP) is supporting the Government of Georgia in strengthening its capacities within the Energy Sector, particularly in the areas of Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Renewable Energy, and the Power Market, in line with Georgia’s obligations as a Contracting Party to the Energy Community.  

For additional information, please contact:

Ana Petriashvili, Communications Expert, CENN

Tel: 599 522 127, E-mail: ana.petriashvili@cenn.org