Call for Expressions of Interest for Development of Policy Paper

The Eastern Partnership: Achievements, Lessons Learned and the Future of EU Support Beyond 2027 

1. Background

Since its launch in 2009, the Eastern Partnership (EaP) has served as the European Union’s main framework for engagement with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Over the past 15 years, the EaP has supported democratic governance, institutional reform, economic integration, connectivity, resilience and closer societal links with the European Union (EU). 

Beyond government-to-government cooperation, the Eastern Partnership has created important opportunities for citizens and civil society organisations to contribute to reform processes, defend democratic standards, promote European values and strengthen societal resilience. Civil society actors across the region have also become key partners for the EU, particularly in contexts affected by democratic backsliding, shrinking civic space, disinformation, political instability and external pressure. 

However, the environment in which the Eastern Partnership operates has fundamentally changed. The six Eastern Partnership countries are increasingly following different political trajectories. This changing reality requires a more differentiated and flexible approach while preserving the core objectives of the Partnership: supporting democracy, resilience, stability and closer links between societies. 

As discussions on the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) continue, the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) seeks to commission a policy paper assessing the achievements, lessons learned and future of the Eastern Partnership. The paper should provide evidence-based analysis demonstrating why continued EU engagement remains strategically important and why meaningful civil society participation must remain central to the future of EU support in the region beyond 2027. 

2. Objective

The paper should: 

• demonstrate the concrete impact of the Eastern Partnership through examples drawn from all six EaP countries, ensuring that each country is represented while identifying lessons for the future design of EU support beyond 2027; 

• highlight the role of civil society as a key partner in advancing democratic reforms; 

• assess the complementary role of the Eastern Partnership in relation to the EU enlargement process or bilateral cooperation; 

• provide practical recommendations to EU institutions and Member States on future support for the Eastern Partnership under the next MFF. 

3. Methodology

The paper should draw on relevant documents, evaluations, academic literature, datasets where appropriate, and interviews with experts, with special consideration given to the civil society organisations in the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum. 

4. Deliverables

The consultant will deliver: 

• a policy paper of approximately 20–25 pages (excluding references); 

• a one-page executive summary; 

• a concise set of policy recommendations; 

• visual elements (charts, infographics or maps), where relevant. 

5. Timeline

• Draft paper submitted to the EaP CSF Secretariat by 15 November 2026. 

• Up to two rounds of comments and revisions. 

• Final paper submitted by 15 December 2026. 

6. Selection Process

Expressions of interest should be submitted in English to advocacy@eap-csf.eu by 11 September 2026 (23:59 CEST). 

Applications should include: 

• a CV (maximum four pages); 

• a short motivation letter outlining relevant expertise; 

• a two-page concept note. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview by the end of September 2026. 

Selection will be based on the applicant’s expertise, the quality of the concept note and demonstrated experience in EU policy analysis and the Eastern Partnership region. 

7. Budget and Contract

The selected consultant will be engaged on a deliverables-based contract. The total fee is 2,500 EURO (including VAT).