Call for Proposals: The European Partnership Hub – Towards the Bridges of Trust Community
Since March 2021, CEMR, in cooperation with the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) and with the support of the U-LEAD with Europe Programme with its donors, has been implementing the Bridges of Trust initiative to strengthen municipal cooperation between Ukraine and the EU. What began as a project to build partnerships has now grown into a dynamic community of collaboration and exchange.
The current phase, Bridges of Trust 3.0 – “Towards the Bridges of Trust Community”, seeks to consolidate and expand these partnerships, enhance capacities, and foster sustainable, long-term cooperation.
To support this ambition, CEMR is launching a call for proposals to engage National Associations of Local and Regional Governments (LRGAs) or similar organisations from EU Member States as Implementers. Selected associations will provide expertise and deliver activities in their territories to further develop EU–Ukraine municipal cooperation.
Objectives of this phase
The goal is to accelerate the recovery of Ukrainian municipalities and support their integration into the European Union by:
- Increasing the involvement of local and regional government associations and their members in international municipal cooperation.
- Supporting capacity-building efforts.
- Promoting and expanding the Bridges of Trust Community.
Tasks and activities for participating associations
- Organise Online Solidarity Forums.
- Identify and engage new partner municipalities.
- Support the Internship Programme TIPS4UA.
- Actively participate in Bridges of Trust events.
- Contribute to the development of the Bridges of Trust Community.
All tasks and deliverables are to be completed by 31 May 2026 (with possible extension).
The total fee for delivery of these services shall be up to 14 000 EUR.
Eligibility criteria
- Be a Local and Regional Associations or similar organisation;
- Be established in a Member State of the EU (Norway included);
- Be a legal entity, or an association representing LRGAs and for non-profit making;
How to participate
Interested associations are invited to submit their expression of interest by providing the following information:
- Organisation overview: Provide a brief description of your organisation.
- Relations with Local and Regional Governments: Describe your current relationships and engagement with local and regional authorities.
- Motivation: Explain your interest in supporting international municipal cooperation between Ukraine and Europe.
- Experience in International Cooperation: Highlight relevant projects or initiatives that demonstrate your capacity for fostering international collaboration.
Please submit your expression of interest to CEMR’s application email: application@ccre-cemr.org
Deadline: 6 October
Evaluation
The selection of interested associations will be carried out by CEMR, in cooperation with the Association of Ukrainian Cities and the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, based on the eligibility criteria outlined above. A total of 15 associations or similar organisations will be selected. Priority will be given to associations from the nine EU countries already involved in Phase 2*, while applications from other eligible countries will also be considered.
The evaluation will take into account:
- Geographical balance across participating countries
- The potential to develop sustainable international municipal cooperation with Ukraine
We expect the selected associations or similar organisations to begin their activities in early November 2025. Applicants will be informed of the selection results by 31 October 2025.
*Czechia, France, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
For more information, contact:
Project Officer – International Partnerships (U-Lead)
