OSCE Secretariat Extra-budgetary Support Programme for Ukraine

The SPU facilitates the implementation of projects which benefit government institutions, the media, and civil society. These activities are carried out in close co-operation and consultation with the Government of Ukraine. 

From mid-2025, the SPU focuses on strengthening social and institutional resilience to mitigate the consequences of the war across four priority areas: 

• Resilience of the people is strengthened against the impact of the war to enable their active engagement in shaping the country’s future priorities;
• Rule of law institutions that comply with international standards, are held accountable by civil society and independent media;
• Secure environment  from the consequences of war to support a sustainable future;
• Society free from gender-based violence, with women and men engaged in peace and security, and advancing equality of women and men.

This means:

• bolstering the resilience of the Ukrainian people to mitigate the impact of the war and enable their active participation in shaping the country’s future. This involves addressing risks such as trafficking in human beings, domestic violence, forced displacement of children, and child sexual exploitation. The Programme supports the development of national policies and structures to address war-related psychological trauma, with a particular focus on children and youth, while facilitating the recovery and reintegration of individuals affected by the war, including veterans and their families. It also promotes social cohesion and meaningful public engagement, including youth engagement in democratic decision-making processes.
• strengthening rule-of-law institutions that operate in compliance with international standards and are accountable to civil society and independent media. Efforts under this objective focus on countering corruption, money laundering, and serious crime that undermine the rule of law. Additionally, the Programme seeks to enhance the transparency, accountability, and inclusivity of Ukraine’s highest judicial bodies and to strengthen institutionalized oversight of democratic institutions through active engagement with civil society organizations and independent media reporting.
• ensuring a secure environment free from the consequences of the war, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. This includes creating conditions for the removal of mines and unexploded ordnance, protecting both the population and the environment from chemical hazards, and developing and implementing a comprehensive post-war environmental recovery strategy.
• addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting equality of men and women. While a stand-alone priority, this area is also integrated across all strategic objectives. This includes prevention and protection measures to combat GBV, ensuring justice through equal rights and non-discrimination, and strengthening the participation of women in the security sector. 

Impact and Significance

By combining immediate security support with long-term institution-building, the Programme aims to contribute to both recovery and future stability.
It leverages the OSCE’s comprehensive security integrating political, economic, environmental, and human dimensions. 
It strengthens local capacity by supporting local actors (government, civil society) to lead change and embed reforms.