In the framework of its Technical Assistance Programme to Ukraine the European Union announces the launch of six projects aimed at supporting Ukrainian NGOs in election activities in the run-up to the presidential elections in Ukraine. The total funding of these projects amounts to И 472 000.

The projects will focus on issues of voter education, voter mobilisation and media monitoring.

The following projects will start between March and May 2004:

ХУTransparency of Election and Presidential Election 2004 in the Armed Forces of UkraineФ implemented by the Cherkassy Committee of SoldiersТ Mothers; ХУStrengthening Media Freedom, Transparency and the Rule of Law during the 2004 Ukrainian ElectionsФ implemented by Article 19 Ц Global Campaign for Freedom of Expression; ХУVoter Education and Mobilisation Project: Towards achievement of an equal playing field for all candidates in the Ukrainian Presidential Elections 2004Ф implemented by the Counterpart Creative Centre; ХУYouth Mobilization and Education in Ukrainian Elections 2004Ф implemented by the Centre for Political Education;. ХУPre-Election Empowerment Training Initiative for First Time VotersФ implemented by the Human Rights Foundation;. ХУEach Vote MattersФ. The objective of the project will be to promote the elections in compliance with Council of Europe and OSCE standards, with a focus on youth vote implemented by the Donetsk Youth Debate Centre.

For further information please contact Anje Schubert, Press and Information Officer, anje.schubert@cec.eu.int or Helga Pender, Task Manager for Election projects, helga.pender@cec.eu.int, Tel: (044) 462 00 10