Joint Programming: State of play - EU cooperation in Ukraine is based upon the existing consensus on priorities as set out in the 2014 Association Agenda endorsed by the EU-Ukraine Association Council. The EU makes available several instruments for financial and technical cooperation. Whereas the principles of joint programming enjoy widespread support, a limited number of MS run large bilateral programmes in addition to support provided indirectly through the EU budget. However, MS do contribute significant manpower to the CSDP EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) for reforms in the civilian security sector of Ukraine.
From 2014, the EU, with the agreement of MS, chose to deliver assistance via yearly-agreed Special Measures. Special Measures have the advantage of greater flexibility to adjust to changing demands in a less stable political context. In this context, MS discussed and agreed at coordination meetings with the EEAS and DG NEAR/SGUA to apply joint programming principles, but to stop short of instigating a formal process.
The application of joint programming principles is understood by EUMS as consolidating EU activity by undertaking joint analysis and joint implementation and to do so by making use of the existing consensus, analysis and coordination structures in-country.
Political Situation
Since the 2014 Maidan Revolution, the political, security and economic situation has continued to evolve and rapid progress is needed on the government's priority reform agenda to address key socio-economic and governance issues. Volodymyr Zelensky won the 2019 presidential elections and was sworn in in May. (source: BBC country profile)
Observed Benefits/Successes
Coordination among international donors has been improving since 2014. There exists consensus on strategic reform priorities among EUMS and these are consistent with those of the G7 countries in Ukraine, providing unity of vision across the donor community and allowing a consistent message on reforms to be communicated to the government. There also exists a deep pool of continually evolving country and sector analysis from donors and civil society.
The focus on sectoral cooperation mitigates for the lack of a centralised government strategy for issues of strategic donor coordination and reform. In the absence of formal joint programming, the promotion and application of its core principles at the sector level has helped to build government ownership and increase capacity.
The EU and MS have often provided a leading role and in a number of cases have successfully encouraged relevant Ministries to take over or co-lead these donor coordination groups.
Collaborative work on the Roadmap for Engagement with Civil Society in Ukraine 2014-2017 and adoption by Head of Delegation and Heads of Missions of EU Member States.
Recommendations
Continuing the flexible and informal approach to joint programming, co-financing and joint implementation with MS agencies will be sought where it is beneficial to delivery of specific programmes.
Joint Programming: State of play - EU cooperation in Ukraine is based upon the existing consensus on priorities as set out in the 2014 Association Agenda endorsed by the EU-Ukraine Association Council. The EU makes available several instruments for financial and technical cooperation. Whereas the principles of joint programming enjoy widespread support, a limited number of MS run large bilateral programmes in addition to support provided indirectly through the EU budget. However, MS do contribute significant manpower to the CSDP EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) for reforms in the civilian security sector of Ukraine.
From 2014, the EU, with the agreement of MS, chose to deliver assistance via yearly-agreed Special Measures. Special Measures have the advantage of greater flexibility to adjust to changing demands in a less stable political context. In this context, MS discussed and agreed at coordination meetings with the EEAS and DG NEAR/SGUA to apply joint programming principles, but to stop short of instigating a formal process.
The application of joint programming principles is understood by EUMS as consolidating EU activity by undertaking joint analysis and joint implementation and to do so by making use of the existing consensus, analysis and coordination structures in-country.
Political Situation
Since the 2014 Maidan Revolution, the political, security and economic situation has continued to evolve and rapid progress is needed on the government's priority reform agenda to address key socio-economic and governance issues. Volodymyr Zelensky won the 2019 presidential elections and was sworn in in May. (source: BBC country profile)
Observed Benefits/Successes
Recommendations
Continuing the flexible and informal approach to joint programming, co-financing and joint implementation with MS agencies will be sought where it is beneficial to delivery of specific programmes.