The project CEI Support to Regional Exchange on Climate Risk Adaptation in Moldova and Ukraine supports Moldova and Ukraine as they enter a decisive phase in their development and European integration, while facing intensifying climate challenges and, in Ukraine’s case, the ongoing impacts of war. Municipalities across both countries are increasingly confronted with flooding, droughts, erosion, and coastal risks that threaten infrastructure, ecosystems, and local livelihoods. These pressures are especially severe in small and medium-sized municipalities, where limited institutional capacity, financial resources, and technical expertise make it difficult to design and implement effective adaptation measures aligned with European standards.
In response, this initiative is fully aligned with Moldova’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2020–2030 and Ukraine’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, both of which prioritize strengthening local resilience and advancing EU integration pathways.
This initiative supports cities like Cimișlia, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, and Odesa in building climate resilience today, while preparing for a stronger, EU-aligned future.
The project aims to strengthen local capacity in Moldova and Ukraine to assess climate risks, design effective adaptation strategies, and develop project concepts capable of attracting EU and international funding. It translates EU methodologies such as those piloted under the CLIMAAX programme, into practical tools that help municipalities identify vulnerabilities and prioritize solutions. Through mentoring and peer learning led by Development Policy Foundation and ANCI Lazio, the project bridges local needs with European expertise, while embedding climate adaptation into the broader EU accession pathway to support long-term resilience and stability.
The project supports municipalities throughout the full cycle of climate project development, from risk identification to fundraising and implementation, through a structured 12-month process combining data-driven climate risk mapping, participatory strategy development, and continuous mentoring. It places strong emphasis on project incubation, enabling municipalities to transform identified priorities into concrete, bankable climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
A central element is the “Bankability Lab,” where municipalities receive targeted support to refine and present investment-ready project concepts aligned with EU and international funding standards. This process strengthens their ability to access financing from key instruments such as the Green Climate Fund, ENI CBC, and Horizon Europe.
Special attention is given to practical, measurable outcomes. Municipal administrations are equipped with the technical knowledge and tools needed to conduct risk assessments, design targeted adaptation measures, and prepare high-quality, EU-aligned project proposals. Continuous mentoring ensures that these capacities are sustained beyond workshops and translated into real project pipelines.
As a direct result, each municipality, including Cimișlia, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, and Odesa will develop at least one project concept addressing its most urgent climate challenges, from flooding and erosion to urban and coastal resilience. These concepts will be structured to meet donor requirements, significantly enhancing access to external funding.
The project will also produce a policy brief capturing key lessons and recommendations, contributing to knowledge sharing across the wider CEI region. Visibility and dissemination activities, along with structured follow-up support, will ensure that results are scaled, refined, and translated into long-term, fundable climate solutions.
The project reinforces the mandate of the Central European Initiative by creating direct linkages between municipalities in Moldova, Ukraine, and EU Member States, fostering peer learning and regional collaboration.
The project contributes directly to the European integration processes of Moldova and Ukraine by equipping local authorities with the skills, tools, and methodologies needed to meet EU standards in climate adaptation and sustainable development.
This is not just about climate adaptation, it is about empowering local governments to turn climate risks into funded, actionable solutions. By strengthening fundraising capacity, fostering regional cooperation, and aligning with EU standards, the project ensures long-term resilience, sustainability, and a stronger pathway toward European integration.
