The EU’s flagship initiative for local development, Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG), implemented by the UNDP, has been supporting communities, villages, towns and cities across the Eastern Partnership since 2017. By promoting innovative approaches to inclusive economic growth, M4EG is helping beneficiaries become more attractive for both residents and investors. In 2025 alone, M4EG unlocked approximately EUR 1 million (USD 1.2 million) to support and empower local governments to lead their own journey of economic transformation. 

A call for expressions of interest was published on 26 May, announcing the upcoming selection of 10 cities for a year-long Mission-Oriented Economy Journey. Each winner will be awarded approximately EUR 17,500 (USD 20,000) and may unlock up to approximately EUR 105,500 (USD 120,000) to help design and implement interconnected interventions through mission-oriented portfolios with an emphasis on economic resilience and the green transition. This additional EU financing and hands-on support through M4EG will foster innovation, collaboration, and improve the investment climate to drive sustainable local economic growth and development.

These efforts reflect a collective ambition to empower local authorities to tackle complex challenges across the Eastern Partnership and build adaptable, future-proof communities aligned with national priorities and EU values.

The selected cities are listed below:

Armenia: Aparan, Goris, Noyemberyan

Moldova: Leova commune, Copceac commune, Sireți commune

Ukraine: Khmelnytskyi, Bucha, Zhytomyr, Slavutych