The Swedish government has decided to prioritize aid to countries in Sweden’s immediate neighbourhood in the coming years. This refers to countries in Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and Caucasus. The Swedish Governments concludes that it “…intends to maintain a clear focus on democracy, human rights and reform for future EU membership for countries in the neighbourhood that are pursuing it, and to contribute to improved conditions for their EU integration” (Government Offices of Sweden, 2023).
Support to EU assession has been the overall aim of Swedish development co-operation to this region for a long time. When Sida describes its work in European countries, this is almost always done in relation to EU rapprochement. This is especially the case when it comes to Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo. Having had this priority for a long time, and in so many countries, more knowledge about Swedish reform cooperation is needed.
Therefore, the EBA is now inviting researchers and evaluators to submit proposals for an evaluation of the relevance of Swedish reform cooperation for EU accession. The aim is to assess the relevance of Swedish assistance in helping partner countries to meet the requirements and frameworks set by the EU to be accepted as members.
The call may be found on this link: 324043-2024 – Competition – TED (europa.eu). Via this link you may register to receive further information and apply for tendering.