Ukraine – 4 flagship projects supporting civil society

Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression, Ukrainian civil society organizations have played a central role in strengthening the country’s resilience. Working in close proximity to local communities, they help maintain essential services, protect the most vulnerable groups, defend fundamental rights, and preserve social and democratic cohesion in a context of prolonged crisis.

AFD supports these actors through partnerships with French and Ukrainian civil society organizations, notably via the Initiatives OSC mechanism and projects that include an implementation component tailored to the Ukrainian context. These interventions address urgent needs while embedding action within a longer-term perspective of sustainable reconstruction and European convergence.

The projects supported focus on key priorities such as the energy resilience of essential services, child protection and mental health, the defence of human rights and equality, and the preservation of a free and independent information space. By strengthening the capacities of local organisations and fostering cooperation with regional and international networks, AFD helps consolidate a dynamic civil society as a key driver of Ukraine’s economic, social and environmental recovery.