With EU support, Ukrainian CSOs launch new project to monitor public investment projects

Supported by the European Union, a new initiative – the ‘Public Investment Watchdog’ – was launched in Ukraine this week. 

The project aims to establish a comprehensive framework that combines civic monitoring with advanced digital solutions to track the management and allocation of funds for public infrastructure and recovery. It also contributes to increasing the capacities of hromadas and civil society in the implementation of public investment management (PIM) reform.

The official launch of the project took place on 3 March at the European Union Delegation premises in Kyiv. The event brought together key stakeholders dedicated to Ukraine’s accountable public investment process, including representatives from the European Union, the Ukrainian government, and the three civil society organisations implementing the project: the Centre for Economic Strategy (CES), the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting, and Technology of Progress. 

The core pillars of the project are digitalisation and capacity building. The three partner civil society organisations will integrate the Big Recovery Portal with the DREAM ecosystem, providing a verified digital tool for local CSOs to oversee projects in their own communities.

A key component of the project will be a diagnostic assessment of administrative gaps and needs at the local level in the implementation of the PIM reform. Based on these findings, the project team will provide targeted training to local authorities to help them prepare and implement public investment projects more effectively.

Deputy Director of CES and Project Manager Maria Repko said the project mission was to ensure that every public investment aligns with Ukraine’s recovery goals and EU integration commitments. 

“By bridging the gap between civic oversight and government action, we are not just monitoring spending, we are building a lasting culture of transparency. Integrating our digital tools with the state’s DREAM system ensures that accountability is embedded into the entire lifecycle of a project. Ultimately, this project empowers both authorities and citizens to work together toward an efficient, professional, and trusted investment process,” said Maria Repko.

A sub-grant programme will also be launched to support grassroots monitoring of selected public investment projects. Regional civil society organisations are encouraged to apply to the call, which will be announced soon.

Find out more

Press release