Program Overview

“Qualification Enhancement Program for Employees of Local Self-Government Bodies (QEM_2025)” is a targeted program under the broader state grant initiative “Funding Opportunities for Qualification Enhancement Abroad (QE_2025–2026)”. Through this framework, employees of local self-government bodies in Georgia are eligible to receive funding to participate in the qualification improvement program (Fundamental Issues in EU Education) of the European Public Law Organization (EPLO) for the purpose of professional development.

Legal and Institutional Basis

The program is grounded in two key agreements:

• - A Memorandum of Understanding signed on October 31, 2023 between the LEPL – International Education Center and the European Public Law Organization (EPLO) for the implementation of joint educational programs;
• - An Agreement signed in 2020 between the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, and EPLO regarding the establishment of a regional representation of EPLO in the South Caucasus.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• - Expand access to international qualification enhancement programs for employees of local self-government bodies;
• - Prepare highly qualified and competent professionals to support Georgia’s economic and social development;
• - Facilitate the application of newly acquired knowledge in municipalities across the country;
• - Support more effective public service delivery through the professional advancement of municipal staff.

Eligibility Criteria

The competition is open to:

• - Citizens of Georgia (including holders of a neutral identity card and/or neutral travel document)

Applicants are required to:

• - Be employed in a local self-government body of Georgia at the time of application;
• - Demonstrate readiness and motivation to apply their knowledge for the benefit of their municipality.

Program Duration and Location

• - The program is held in Greece, at the European Public Law Organization (EPLO).
• - The short-term qualification enhancement program lasts for two weeks.

The grant recipient is obliged to:

• - Upon completion of the program, submit a document confirming participation in the relevant qualification enhancement program;
• - Return to Georgia no later than one month after the completion of the program and continue working for at least 12 months at the recommending state organization where they were employed at the time of receiving the grant.