In Ida-Viru County, Estonia, applications are once again open for regional initiatives that support the transition to a climate-neutral economy. The funding is aimed at NGOs, local governments, SMEs, and educational institutions, and comes from the European Union’s Just Transition Fund.

The call for applications is open from April 30 to September 1, 2025. Grants range from €10,001 to €150,000, with project implementation periods of up to two years. The support is intended for development activities and fixed asset investments that help local people understand and participate in the climate transition. As Tarmo Leppoja, Director of the State Shared Service Centre (RTK), puts it: "We want people in Ida-Viru County to be able to launch projects that help the region adapt to the transition and at the same time create new opportunities.”

The focus areas include social entrepreneurship, youth initiatives, volunteering, environmental awareness, and preserving the region’s post-industrial identity. The total budget for this funding round is €1.3 million. Leppoja adds: “The projects funded last year clearly showed that people have good ideas and the willingness to carry them out. Now it’s time to take the next step and support larger initiatives.”

Previous experience shows strong local interest. In 2023, over 30 small projects were funded by the Just Transition Fund, including public events, festivals, workshops, and excursions. Additionally, 23 medium and 13 large projects were supported. Regional Minister Madis Kallas emphasized: “Local initiatives are key to making the climate transition understandable and practical for people. They drive sustainable and inclusive change at the community level.”

An information session about the grant will be held online on May 12, with recordings made available afterward. Applications will be evaluated by the State Shared Service Centre in cooperation with the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. The maximum grant share is 90% for development projects and 80% for investment projects.

This support is designed to give local people a role in shaping their own environment and economic future. It helps strengthen community cohesion and ensures the changes are not perceived as imposed from the outside. As Leppoja underlines: “It’s crucial that people themselves understand the transition and are actively involved. Only then can the change in Ida-Viru County be fair and lasting.”