2026 EaP Call for applications: Fellowships Without Borders 2026

This special call introduces Fellowships Without Borders – a new opportunity for civil society activists from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine whose work, learning, partnerships, or communities extend beyond national borders. 

The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship programme supports individuals who are committed to creating positive social change and want to strengthen their impact through cross-border cooperation, learning, solidarity, and civic engagement.

Since 2017, the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship programme has supported more than 250 Fellows from across the region, helping them develop their leadership skills, implement civic initiatives, and contribute to reforms and positive change in their communities. 

What does " Fellowships Without Borders" mean?

Fellowships Without Borders is for EaP civic activists whose commitment to their communities does not stop at a border. You may be living in your home country, temporarily abroad, in exile, or connected to a community that is spread across countries. What matters is your commitment to positive social change for people from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova or Ukraine. This Fellowship supports activists who want to learn from others, build solidarity across countries, and turn cross-border experience into practical civic action. Your project can take place in an Eastern Partnership country, an EU Member State, or an EU Candidate Country — but it should bring value back to an Eastern Partnership community.

What are Fellowships Without Borders?

Civil society challenges often cross borders. Communities may be dispersed across countries, activists may be living outside their country of origin, and valuable knowledge and experience can often be found beyond national boundaries.

Fellowships Without Borders supports civil society activists who want to:

• learn from civil society actors and organisations in another country;
• build partnerships and solidarity networks across borders;
• support communities from the Eastern Partnership region wherever they are located;
• bring new knowledge, skills, and approaches back to their communities;
• strengthen civic engagement, advocacy, accountability, and social change through international cooperation.

Activities may take place in Eastern Partnership countries, European Union Member States, or EU Candidate Countries.

Successful applicants can expect approximately €5,000 in financial support, expert coaching, and opportunities to join networking and alumni activities.

The Fellowship follows the activist and the community rather than a specific location, creating opportunities for learning, cooperation, and impact wherever they can be most effective.

Types of Fellowships:

As with previous calls, applicants may apply under one of two Fellowship streams:

Community Engagement Fellowships

These Fellowships support civic activists working on issues such as:

• public participation and civic engagement;
• policy dialogue and advocacy;
• evidence gathering and research;
• public accountability and monitoring;
• organisational development and capacity building;
• cooperation between civil society organisations;
• community mobilisation and awareness raising.

Civic Digital Fellowships

These Fellowships support civic tech practitioners, software developers, designers, data specialists, and innovators working on:

• digital solutions for community needs;
• transparency and accountability tools;
• open data initiatives;
• e-participation and civic engagement platforms;
• technology-based solutions that strengthen civil society and public participation.