Reimbursement Request No 2, Support Measure "Supporting Social Inclusion"

Lõkke 4 / 10122 Tallinn / 663 8200 / [email protected] / www.rtk.ee / Registrikood 70007340

Christoph Liechti

Embassy of Switzerland to Latvia, Lithuania

and Estonia

Ours 13.03.2026 no 11.1-5/26/617-1

[email protected]

Smilšu iela 8 Riga

LATVIA

Reimbursement Request No 2, Support

Measure "Supporting Social Inclusion"

Dear Mr Liechti,

Hereby the Paying Authority of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme submits the

Reimbursement Request No 2 of the Ministry of Culture for the Support Measure "Supporting

Social Inclusion" covering the period from 01 July 2025 to 31 December 2025.

Yours sincerely,

(signed digitally)

Karin Viikmaa

Head of the Grants Payment Department

Annex:

1. Reimbursement Request RR 2 SSIP 7F-10699.01

Helena Musthallik +372 5646 6003

[email protected]

VALIDITY CONFIRMATION SHEET SIGNED FILES

FILE NAME FILE SIZE

Reimbursement Request No 2, Support Measure Supporting Social Inclusion.pdf 363 KB

SIGNERS

NO. NAME PERSONAL CODE TIME

KARIN VIIKMAA1 47410180248 13.03.2026 12:30:47 +02:00

VALIDITY OF SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE IS VALID

ROLE / RESOLUTION

PLACE OF CONFIRMATION (CITY, STATE, ZIP, COUNTRY)

SERIAL NUMBER OF SIGNER CERTIFICATE

6a:b3:54:b2:b7:d6:f8:47:62:bd:56:54:a4:80:9c:52

ISSUER OF CERTIFICATE AUTHORITY KEY IDENTIFIER

ESTEID2018 D9 AC 70 DB 5F 7E BE 94 F8 A0 E4 BE 47 A2 D0 34 AD 9A 2A 12

HASH VALUE OF SIGNATURE 30 4F 30 0B 06 09 60 86 48 01 65 03 04 02 03 04 40 1C C4 78 30 99 9B 55 89 07 C6 80 3F C5 C6 D6 85 5E 34 37 5D 04 23 2E CD 11 93 E6 DD 5A 88 B2 D5 AC 89 F4 D9 7C C6 1B 27 82 79 A4 09 01 38 AB 91 C7 31 62 68 B8 32 99 CD 09 5A EC B3 32 02 7B A7

The print out of files listed in the section "Signed Files" are inseparable part of this Validity Confirmation Sheet.

NOTES

Presented print summary is informative to confirm existence of signed file with given hash value. The print summary itself does not have independent verification value. Declaration of signers’ signature can be verified only through digitally signed file.

Instructions

Support Measure Title

Support Measure Identification Code

Support Measure duration from to

Name of Executing Agency (EA)

Reporting period from to

Reimbursement Request No

Total Support Measure Budget (local currency) EUR

Maximum Swiss contribution (CHF) CHF

Swiss co-financing rate on total budget 85.00% 85.00%

Exchange rate used CHF/EUR 3/2/2026

Total amount requested EUR CHF

National co-financing EUR CHF

Deductions (according to Regulations 11.4/3) EUR CHF

Swiss co-financing = Reimbursement by CH EUR CHF

Maximum Swiss Contribution CHF

Cumulative amount received from Switzerland CHF

Available amount before the current reimbursement CHF

Total amount of current reimbursement request CHF

Remaining amount after the current reimbursement CHF

Name of the institution:

Address:

Name of the contact person:

Position:

Email:

Phone number:

Name: Merilin Piipuu Position:

Place, date and signature

Ministry of Culture

(i) that the Support Measure is implemented in accordance with the Support Measure Agreement and Support Measure Implementation

Agreement;

(ii) the reporting under Physical Progress, Financial Progress and Procurement Plan is true and accurate;

(iii) that the reporting under Financial Progress reflects correctly the incurred expenditures;

(iv) that recoverable VAT is not included in the Financial Progress as eligible expense;

(v) that no double-financing occurs;

(vi) that all procurements for which expenditures were incurred during the reporting period have been conducted in compliance with the

applicable law of the Partner State and EU directives on public procurement.

Olga Gnezdovski

Coordinator of the Estonian-Swiss Cooperation Programme

[email protected]

+37255528081

Secretary General

digitally signed

The Executing Agency hereby certifies

2

689,005.22

0.00

18,600,000.00

1.104 Date of exchange rate

B. Amount requested by the Paying Authority

22,671,890.11

623,825.33

0.00

810,594.40

on total expenditures

733,912.17

121,589.18

Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme

Reimbursement Request No. 2

Supporting Social Inclusion

12/31/2025

7F-10699.01Šveits.1.01

Ministry of Culture

7/1/2025

Supporting Social Inclusion

A. Basic information

6/1/2024 8/31/2028

Estonia

C. Available amount from the Swiss Contribution

110,086.84

18,600,000.00 100.00%

169,049.02

Suur-Karja 23,15076 Tallinn, Estonia

0.91%

3.35%

99.09%

623,825.33

18,430,950.98

17,807,125.65 95.74%

Executing Agency: Programme Operator

D. Certification and approval of Reimbursement Request

template v13.7.23 Reimbursement Request Page 1

Name of the institution:

Address:

Name of the contact person:

Position:

Email:

Phone number:

Name: Urmo Merila Position:

Date and signature

Paying Authority

Name of the institution:

Address:

Name of the contact person:

Position:

Email:

Phone number:

The Paying Authority hereby certifies

The bank details for reimbursement are as follows:

Beneficiary: Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Estonia

IBAN: EE891010220034796011

SWIFT: EEUHEE2X

Reference: 2550081357

Name: Karin Viikmaa Position:

Date and signature

State Shared Service Centre

Lõkke 4, 10122 Tallinn

Head of the Grants Payment Department

+37256466003

Helena Musthallik

programme expert

[email protected]

Deputy Director General

(i) that the information and financial data provided in this Reimbursement Request has been thoroughly reviewed and found to be

correct, reliable and accurate;

(ii) that claimed expenditures are incurred as part of the Support Measure in accordance with the Framework Agreement, the relevant

Support Measure Agreement and Support Measure Implementation Agreement;

(iii) that all payments declared have actually been made in the indicated (or exceptionally previous) reporting period;

(iv) the compliance with state aid rules of all activities performed in the reporting period.

digitally signed

The National Coordination Unit hereby certifies

National Coordination Unit

digitally signed

(i) to have checked the conformity of the Reimbursement Request with the financial stipulations, in particular the co-financing rate, set

out in the relevant Support Measure Agreement;

(ii) to have received sufficient information for the certification of the Reimbursement Request;

(iii) to have checked the compliance of the Reimbursement Request with the information available to the Paying Authority;

(iv) that the co-financing of the Partner State has been provided in accordance with the relevant Support Measure Agreement;

(v) that based on the information available to the Paying Authority no double-financing could be identified;

(vi) that recoverable VAT is not included in the Reimbursement Request as eligible expense.

Lõkke 4, 10122 Tallinn

State Shared Service Centre

Janika Otsing

financial specialist

[email protected]

+3726631926

template v13.7.23 Reimbursement Request Page 2

Instructions

6/1/2024 6/30/2025 7/1/2025 12/31/2025

EUR % CHF EUR CHF CHF CHF EUR CHF CHF CHF CHF CHF CHF

No Budget items Budget

100%

Co-financing

rate (CH co-

financing)

Swiss

contribution (co-

financing)

Eligible

expenditures

100%

Eligible

expenditures

100%

National co-

financing

Swiss

contribution

(co-financing)

Eligible

expenditures

100%

Eligible

expenditures

100%

National co-

financing

Swiss

contribution

(co-financing)

Eligible

expenditures

100%

% of Budget

spent

Total remaining

Budget

Eligible

Expenditures

100%

Swiss

contribution

(co-financing)

% of Swiss

Contribution

spent

Total remaining

Swiss

contribution

Reimbursements

expected to be

received from

Switzerland (current

year)

Reimbursements

expected to be

received from

Switzerland (year +1)

Reimbursements

expected to be

received from

Switzerland (year

+2)

Exchange rate CHF/EUR 1.036 1.070 1.104

1 Management Costs 1,542,928.07 85.00% 1,265,816.92 94,173.24 87,995.48 13,199.32 74,796.16 35,020.49 31,707.55 4,756.14 26,951.41 129,193.73 8.37% 1,413,734.34 119,703.03 101,747.57 8.04% 1,164,069.35 112,313.00 170,397.00 881,359.35

1.1 Personnel 692,732.00 60,048.06 30,853.01 90,901.07 13.12% 601,830.93

1.2 Meetings, seminars and visits 140,000.00 3,253.87 2,290.48 5,544.35 3.96% 134,455.65

1.3 Swiss experts and partners 543,776.11 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00% 543,776.11

1.4 Information and communication 154,000.01 30,790.79 1,877.00 32,667.79 21.21% 121,332.22

1.5 Reserve costs 12,419.95 80.52 0.00 80.52 0.65% 12,339.43

2 Programme Component 1 “Cultural and linguistic

integration” 6,816,349.13 85.00% 5,592,127.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 380,998.54 344,956.08 51,743.42 293,212.66 380,998.54 5.59% 6,435,350.59 344,956.08 293,212.66 5.24% 5,298,914.56 606,018.00 2,921,382.00 1,771,514.56

2.1 Programme Component coordinator MoC 148,389.03 . 0.00 6,234.59 6,234.59 4.20% 142,154.44

2.2 Overheads 445,929.38 0.00 24,925.27 24,925.27 5.59% 421,004.11

2.3 Activity 1: Preparation of digital transformation in the field of

integration (incl personnel costs) 1,446,121.03 0.00 38,221.51 38,221.51 2.64% 1,407,899.52

2.4 Activity 2: Inclusion of volunteers in the integration activities

(incl personnel costs) 910,648.12 0.00 43,369.04 43,369.04 4.76% 867,279.08

2.5 Activity 3: Provision of counselling services including in

language learning (incl personnel costs) 870,453.10 0.00 87,903.15 87,903.15 10.10% 782,549.95

2.6 Activity 4: Activities introducing the Estonian cultural space

(incl personnel costs) 2,023,214.40 0.00 41,920.04 41,920.04 2.07% 1,981,294.36

2.7 Activity 5: Provision of media literacy training (incl

personnel costs) 971,594.07 0.00 138,424.94 138,424.94 14.25% 833,169.13

3 Programme Component 2 "Strengthening the social-

and child protection services" 6,564,705.00 85.00% 5,385,678.58 22,798.42 21,302.84 3,195.42 18,107.42 265,650.57 240,520.03 36,078.01 204,442.02 288,448.99 4.39% 6,276,256.01 261,822.87 222,549.44 4.13% 5,163,129.14 398,871.00 2,714,388.00 2,049,870.14

3.1 Programme Component coordinator in MoSA 109,012.50 21,306.94 12,042.01 33,348.95 30.59% 75,663.55

3.2 Activity 1:curricula and professional qualification

modification (incl personnel costs) 2,622,140.19 0.00 71,020.01 71,020.01 2.71% 2,551,120.18

3.3 Activity 2: training and counselling system (incl personnel

costs) 3,404,085.63 0.00 165,209.63 165,209.63 4.85% 3,238,876.00

3.4 Overheads 429,466.68 1,491.48 17,378.92 18,870.40 4.39% 410,596.28

4 Programme Component 3 “Increasing multicultural

competence in the education sector” 6,531,885.12 85.00% 5,358,753.18 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00% 6,531,885.12 0.00 0.00 0.00% 5,358,753.18 420,121.00 1,009,709.00 3,928,923.18

4.1 Programme Component coordinator in MoER 102,600.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00% 102,600.00

4.2 Overheads* 62,765.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00% 62,765.30

4.3 Activity 1. In-service training for professionals in the

education sector (incl personnel costs) 5,572,472.72 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00% 5,572,472.72

4,3,1 Activity 1 coordinator in the Education and Youth Board 152,617.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00% 152,617.50

4.4 Activity 2. Informing, consulting and supporting parents,

including parents from different cultural and linguistic

backgrounds (incl personnel costs) 641,429.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00% 641,429.60

5 Programme Component 4 “Strengthening civil society

through social innovation.” 1,216,022.79 85.00% 997,624.10 95,872.08 89,582.87 13,437.43 76,145.44 128,924.80 116,728.51 17,509.27 99,219.24 224,796.88 18.49% 991,225.91 206,311.38 175,364.68 17.58% 822,259.42 99,340.00 372,973.00 349,946.42

5.1 Programme Component Coordinator in MoI 44,103.97 2,448.54 4,897.09 7,345.63 16.66% 36,758.34

5.2 Overheads* 79,552.89 6,271.98 8,434.31 14,706.29 18.49% 64,846.60

5.3 Building civil society competence, raising public awareness

and disseminating information on social innovation (incl

personnel costs) 1,092,365.93 87,151.56 115,593.40 202,744.96 18.56% 889,620.97

TOTAL 22,671,890.11 85.00% 18,600,000.00 212,843.74 198,881.19 29,832.17 169,049.02 810,594.40 733,912.17 110,086.84 623,825.33 1,023,438.14 4.51% 21,648,451.97 932,793.36 792,874.35 4.26% 17,807,125.65 1,636,663.00 7,188,849.00 8,981,613.65

Supporting Social Inclusion / Reimbursement Request No. 2

Financial Progress

BUDGET CUMULATIVE DATA REPORTING PERIOD 1: REPORTING PERIOD 2:

CHFEUR

PLANNING

Financial Progress Page 3

The main expenditures are expected in 2026 and 2027, once the procurement contracts are signed, their implementation is ongoing, and payments can be made. This will also be the period when universities start issuing certificates for participants who have completed the training. However, these costs will be declared to the Swiss side with a time lag, as only expenditures that have been verified and

paid out by the NCU can be declared.

No advance payments were foreseen.

Information on modifications of the Support Measure approved during the reporting period

According to Regulation Article 4.12

Information on non-eligible expenditures during the reporting period

Please indicate the amount of non-eligible expenditures during the reporting period. Why are the expenditures non-eligible (for example due to irregularities or because it was agreed during the approval process of the SM that the costs are non-eligible)? Who will finance the non-eligible expenditures?

At the meeting held on 11 November 2025, the Steering Committee agreed on a new target for indicator OPI 2.12 and on revised wording for the sources and means of verification for indicators OCIN 1.1 and OCIM (b) 1.1 (for further information, please refer to the protocol).

There are no deductions related to financial corrections.

Information on advance payments

According to Art. 8.3. of the Regulations the Partner State may in exceptional cases agree with Switzerland on advance payments. If these are foreseen in the Support Measure Agreement, describe how the advance payment will be used in the upcoming reimbursement period and provide proof for the execution of the advance payment by the Partner State.

Information on deductions related to financial corrections (Art 11.4/3 Regulations)

In case of a financial correction already paid by Switzerland and deducted in this Reimbusement Request, please indicate the budget item, reporting period in question and provide explanation on the deduction made / refer to irregularity report.

No non-eligible expenditures were indicated during the reporting period.

Information regarding deviations from financial planning

If there is a significant difference between the expenditures planned for this reporting period and the actual expenditures paid by the Paying Authority, justify the deviations. Also explain if the financial planning in this reimbursement request significantly differs from the financial planning in the previous reimbursement requests.If there is a cost overrun per budget item, describe how the additional costs will

be covered.

Financial Progress Page 4

No

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

N/A

No

2.1

2.3

2.4

Programme Component 1 “Cultural and linguistic integration”

Short description of activities undertaken in the reporting period

Programme Component coordination (MoC):

During the reporting period, the focus was on implementing the activities agreed in the detailed Action Plan for 2025. By the end of the autumn, the

detailed Action Plan for 2026 was elaborated.

The Component 1 team actively participated in regular meetings, including online workshops with the Bern University of Applied Sciences, as well as

meetings of the Support Measure Steering Committee and Task Force. These meetings enable the exchange of information and experience and ensure

coordinated action.

Activity 1: Preparation of digital transformation in the field of integration:

In the first half of 2025, the primary focus was on preparing the first procurement procedure. The objective of the procurement is to analyze existing

systems and environments in order to gain an overview of how current services and solutions support integration into Estonian society, as well as to

identify necessary changes for improving this support. The implementation period of the work is six months from the signing of the contract, which began

in autumn 2025, therefore the results will be avalible in Spring 2026. Q4 of 2025 saw the commencement of the activities under the analysis of digital

environments, which entailed regular collaboration with the service provider and different stakeholders involved with the platforms that are being

analysed. In parallel, a “Digital Solutions for Integration” working group was established in 2025, bringing together experts in migration and integration

from across Estonia. The working group held two meetings in the second half of 2025 to gather diverse input for the potential development of digital tools.

To ensure that proposed solutions reflect actual user needs, the ideas generated were validated through online questionnaires and focus group

interviews conducted in English and Russian with the target audience. Feedback from participants of the working group as well as the focus groups was

highly positive, particularly regarding the inclusive approach taken by the Integration Foundation. All the steps were well documented, and two detailed

reports of the working group’s meetings were produced to ensure transparency and provide a reference for future work. The working group’s contributions

will play a key role in achieving output OPI 1.15 (creation of digital tools) during 2026 and onwards. Furthermore, the nature of the working group’s

activities directly contributed to OCIM(a) 1.1 goals, hence achieving the 20% fulfillment goal for the year. Additionally, in autumn 2025, a Business Analyst

was recruited to support the Project Manager in achieving the objectives of Activity 1 for 2026 and beyond. This need arose as the concepts for digital

development became clearer during the processes outlined above, highlighting the necessity for additional expertise focused on the IT and technical

aspects of future developments.

Activity 2: Inclusion of volunteers in the integration activities:

Activities continued to create an organizational model for volunteer involvement. In-house discussions were held on volunteer involvement topics. The

discussion addressed the significance of volunteer involvement for society, organizations, and participants, as well as the benefits that such contributions

provide to volunteers. In addition, engagement events for volunteers already contributing were held at the foundation to gather input on the expectations

and needs of volunteers. Additional meetings were held and agreed with organizations that have involved volunteers. In addition, a tender for basic

training for the volunteer e-course was prepared, which was announced at the end of the third quarter. Cooperation with the research partner for the

“Study of Volunteer Involvement Practices in the Integration Field” continued. The study was completed in November.

Preparations were made for the involvement of volunteers in the Integration Conference. 10 people contributed as volunteers at the conference. A

cooperation meeting was held with experts in the field of volunteers of the Swiss-Lithuanian Cooperation Programme. INSA and Praxis completed a study

“Volunteer Involvement Practices in the Integration Field”, which was presented both at the Integration Conference on 12.11 and at a separate seminar

introducing the study on 13.11, to which cooperation partners and volunteers were invited. In addition to the longer presentation of the study, discussions

were also held in round tables, where feedback was given on the volunteer involvement practices of different systems and their applicability in Estonian

conditions was assessed. A partner for the public procurement “Creation of a basic module for an e-course training aimed at volunteers” was selected,

with whom a contract was signed and cooperation began to create the e-course. In cooperation with partner Mondo, volunteer seminar was held on 5

December on the occasion of Volunteer Day, during which 14 people were trained on the topic “Encounters between cultures”.

In December, cooperation began with a partner who, in cooperation with the volunteer project manager and field managers, will help to flesh out the

volunteer application model (including writing instructions, etc.).

Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme

Supporting Social Inclusion / Reimbursement Request No. 2

Operational Progress

Short description of activities undertaken in the reporting period

Estimated cumulative physical progress (%)

Personnel:

The programme coordinator at the Ministry of Culture manages and coordinates the support measure, carrying out necessary administrative activities,

drafting regular reports, ensuring smooth communication between parties, monitoring the overall implementation and timeline, and planning and

coordinating programme-related events and meetings. The coordinator is also supported by other employees of the ministry, such as the Head of Foreign

Financing and the Communication Advisor.

The NCU controls expenditures paid from the support measure.

Meetings, seminars and visits:

During the reporting period, the Steering Committee met once, on 11 November 2025. One meeting of the Task Force was held, and a number of written

procedures were carried out.

In addition, several other meetings took place between the relevant parties in connection with the programme in order to support smooth communication

and effective implementation.

Swiss experts and partners:

Content-related cooperation with Swiss partner, Bern University of Applied Sciences, took place during the first part of 2025. The second part of 2025

was dedicated to joint planning and development of the action plan for 2026. In 2026, the following activities are planned: conceptual exchanges (written

and online), online workshops on specific topics, a joint study trip for Components 1 and 4, co-teaching at Tallinn University, and the involvement of

Swiss experts in conferences held in Estonia.

An expert from the Bern University of Applied Sciences participated in the Media Literacy Conference in Rakvere on 23 October 2025.

Reserve costs:

No reserve costs were used during the reporting period.

Management Costs

Information and communication:

Within the reporting period, the Ministry of Culture participated in the Opinion Festival, an annual public debate event held since 2013, and was

responsible for organising the cultural diversity area of the festival. Among other topics, a discussion related to activities implemented by the National

Library under Component 1 of the programme was held, focusing on critical thinking, media consumption, and trust in information among people with

different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Before and after the event, articles providing an overview of the discussions were published on the website

of the Ministry of Culture. Social media posts about the event were issued.

Social media post about the Steering Committee meeting was done.

In communication activities the coordinator is supported by the Communication Adviser of the ministry.

Operational Progress Page 5

2.5

2.6

2.7

N/A

No

3.1

3.2

Estimated cumulative physical progress (%)

Activity 3: Provision of counselling services including in language learning:

During the second half of 2025, independent language learning counselling and peer counselling services were piloted and actively tested. Individual

counselling sessions began in September 2025, resulting in 58 individual sessions conducted by the end of the year. In addition, one group counselling

session was organised in December, with 35 participants. In total, 93 counselling sessions were delivered in 2025, of which 74 participants were migrants

and forcibly displaced persons.

Alongside service delivery, the counselling framework was developed and refined based on real-world customer feedback. Two counsellors, together with

the project manager, worked closely with the wider counselling team at the Integration Foundation to co-develop the services. Counselling sessions were

recorded (with consent) for analysis, and counsellors met regularly in working groups to share experiences and improve service quality.

User needs research was initiated in cooperation with an external partner in October 2025 but was not fully completed within the year and will continue

into early 2026. Counselling services became available to the target group via the self-service portal (people can sign up for counselling session and

attend in person or via Zoom call), and early participant feedback has been positive.

In December 2025, one counsellor training session on coaching-based counselling methods was conducted, with 17 counsellors participating. Additional

study materials and professional literature were acquired to support counsellor skill development.

Communication activities included producing Swiss–Estonian cooperation stickers for study materials and updating visual and audio content related to

the counselling service information phone line, which became effective from 1 January 2026.

Activity 4: Activities introducing the Estonian cultural space:

The public procurement for the provision of activities introducing the Estonian cultural space, announced in the second quarter, failed as no tenders were

received. A new call for tenders was launched in the third quarter, in September 2025. The new tender for the provision of activities introducing the

Estonian cultural space was successful. In total four contracts were signed with 2 different partners, and the first groups started already in December

2025.

In the third quarter, the outdoor cinema of the film programme introducing the Estonian cultural and customs space took place in Ida-Viru County, with a

total of 9 sessions. In the 4th quarter, the film program’s indoor cinema sessions took place in Ida-Viru County, with a total of 8 sessions. The sessions

were organized by Ida-Viru Enterprise Center. The sessions took place in Jõhvi Apollo cinema and Narva Estonian Gymnasium. A total of 367

participants attended the sessions.

A partner (MoveMyTalent OÜ) was found for organizing cultural sensitivity seminars for representatives of organisations providing services to people with

different linguistic and cultural backgrounds living in Estonia (including museums, libraries, theatres, folk culture societies, hobby schools, etc.). In

November 2025, two cultural sensitivity seminars took place, the aim of which was to raise the awareness of organisations providing services to people

from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds about adaptation and integration topics and cultural diversity. There are also opportunities to introduce

Estonia's cultural and customs space during their activities. There was one contact seminar (in Tallinn) and one webinar. A total of 44 people participated

in the seminars.

In the fourth quarter, a procurement was prepared and announced to organize study visits for people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds

across Estonia by 2026. They will be introduced to the cultural and customs space of Estonia. The study visits start in Ida-Viru County and Northern

Estonia. The evaluation of the tender resulted in the award of 2 contracts.

Activity 5: Provision of media literacy training:

During the period 1 July – 31 December 2025, the project made significant progress in developing and piloting media-literacy services. The Digital Skills

Guidebook was finalised in Estonian and Russian, a multilingual MeediaRadar website was created, and an online educational game on conspiracy

theories was developed with expert input. A network of 40 media professionals was established, and 6 events for multilingual communities were

organised in different formats, reaching 143 participants. Libraries and community centres were engaged through three regional meetings (Tallinn,

Haapsalu, Kuressaare) and media education conference in Rakvere, helping strengthen their capacity to work with diverse audiences. Communication

activities included ERR media coverage, targeted social-media outreach and updates to partners through newsletters and direct contact. Overall, the

second half of 2025 marked the transition from preparation to active delivery, with clear early results in materials, outreach, and user engagement.

Programme Component 2 "Strengthening the social-and child protection services"

Short description of activities undertaken in the reporting period

Programme Component coordination (MoSA):

In 2025, the component started its activcites at full strength. During the reporting period, activities were implemented according to the agreed action plan.

The Component 2 team actively participated in regular meetings, including online workshops with the Bern University of Applied Sciences, PO and NCU

as well as meetings of the Support Measure Steering Committee and Task Force. These meetings enable the exchange of information and experience

and ensure coordinated action.

For future updates to curricula, MoSA plans to involve universities and vocational schools as partners during the next phase of the activities, starting in

the 1st half of 2026.

Activity 1: curricula and professional qualification modification:

There were two major pieces of work undertaken during the reporting period that form the basis for future activities:

- creating the competence profile framework for social sector

- preparing the procurement of qualification principles

A social sector competence profile framework solution was achieved, representing a key milestone in the overall process. The creation of the

framework is an essential prerequisite for ensuring that social sector occupational competence profiles are developed on a unified basis, follow common

agreements, and that the development of new profiles in the future becomes faster and more streamlined. Therefore, the creation of the framework

constitutes indispensable preparatory work. The competence profiles of social sector professions will be the basis for curricula development activities.

Social sector competence framework was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Research and the Estonian Qualifications

Authority. The action was led by the Estonian Social Work Association (ESWA) based on the terms of reference of the Ministry of Social Affairs. It will be

published and presented in January 2026.

The terms of reference and technical description of the procurement of qualification principles were prepared in Nov 2025. The objective of the action is

to streamline and update the qualification principles for professions in the social sector and, based on these, to develop profession-specific proposals for

amending qualification requirements, as well as to define the need for and level of requirements for professions where such requirements have not

previously been established. The activities themselves are planned in 2026.

Operational Progress Page 6

3.3

N/A

No

4.1

4.3

4.4

N/A

Activity 2. Informing, consulting and supporting parents, including parents from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds:

In November 2025 a focus group interview was conducted to map the experiences and expectations of parents whose mother tongue is Estonian and

whose children study together with peers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Based on the results of the focus groups, an analytical report

entitled “Supporting Social Inclusion in a Multicultural Classroom” was prepared, highlighting practical observations and ideas on how to strengthen social

inclusion in the school environment. During the reporting period, four training programs were implemented, consisting of a total of 12 seminars. Each

training program consisted of three face-to-face sessions with parents. The programs were targeted at parents living in multicultural and multilingual

environments and focused on developing parenting competences, supporting children’s development, and strengthening cooperation between schools

and families. In addition to face-to-face trainings, an additional format of trainings was developed to reach an even wider group of parents with new

knowledge and practical skills – video lectures. Within the framework of the Swiss–Estonian Cooperation Programme, eight inspiring and practical video

lectures were produced to support parents in guiding their child’s development in a multilingual and multicultural environment. The aim of the video

lectures is to provide essential information in a flexible and accessible way, taking into account parents’ diverse life situations and schedules. This format

also makes it possible to reach parents who are unable or unwilling to participate in in-person trainings and to offer them support at a time that suits them

best. Video lectures allow parents to learn at their own pace and support the application of acquired knowledge in everyday life, thereby increasing the

overall impact and sustainability of the activities. The video lectures address important topics ranging from children’s emotional well-being to the role of

parents in supporting children through changes, such as adapting to a new environment or coping with traumatic experiences. One new video is

published each month. Within Activity 2, a communication agency, PR Partner, has been engaged to support the implementation of activities aimed at

parents. With the support of the agency, a communication strategy titled “Õpime koos” (“Let´s Learn Together”) and a detailed communication plan for the

period from October 2025 to January 2027 have been developed. The purpose of engaging a communication partner is to enhance the visibility of the

programme, increase awareness among target groups, and support an increase in participation rates.

In the context of developing support and counselling systems for social sector workers, two podcasts were produced by ESWA: “Self-Care for

Helpers – Who Helps the Helper?” and “Social Work as an Invisible Pillar Holding Society Together.” ESWA also initiated the development of the “Tips

Corner” (“Nipinurk) section on its website, aimed at providing practical tools and self-development resources for professionals in the sector. “Master

Workshops” were organised to disseminate best practices in the field, including: “How to Create a Wellbeing Plan?”, “Out-of-the-Box Opportunities in

Local Social Work”, “Masterful Caring”, “Self-Healing through the Energy Flow of Nature”, and “Supervision, Coaching and Psychodrama in Work with

Clients with Mental Disorders, their Families and the Professionals Working with them.”

ESWA also carried out a study trip to Finland that focused on the support system of specialists.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, a video-based tool for social workers was developed in the minuraha.ee environment to support target

groups experiencing financial difficulties in improving their financial literacy.

ESWA piloted a digital professional qualification examination for care workers (levels 3 and 4) with 27 participants, who achieved an average score of

83 out of 96. Previously, the qualification examination was based on self-analysis; however, concerns arose regarding its reliability due to suspected use

of artificial intelligence-based solutions in the preparation of submissions.

In order to engage educational institutions for updating their curricula, conditions for involving higher education institutions and vocational schools as

project partners were prepared. To this end, a research-based analysis of curriculum development needs was conducted, and a survey was carried out

among educational institutions in the field, to which nine institutions responded. In addition, a cooperation meeting was held with 11 educational

institutions that provide curricula in the sector. The schools will be involved to the activities in the 1st / 2nd quarter of 2026.

The needs related to designing a workforce inclusion programme (for people from different language and cultural backgrounds) for the social sector

were identified, and preparations are underway to proceed with a procurement foreseen in the 2026 work plan.

Regarding public awareness campaign highlighting new possibilities and positive changes in social care- and child protection studies and work

environment, initial brainstorming and preparations were made, and it was decided that the campaign will not be carried out on such a large scale as it

was originally planned. The exact decision how to go on with public awareness campaing activites will be decided in the first half of 2026. Preparation will

be in the second half of 2026, and real activities begin in 2027.

There were 2 study trips in 2025 - in spring to Switzerland to learn about Swiss social sector (curricula development, overall social sector system,

support for workforce etc) and in autumn to Ireland (focus was on child protection system, supporting child protection specialist and learning possibilities

of child protection specialists).

Activity 2: training and counselling system:

Since Social Insurance Board (SIB) is a national provider of further training in social field, an internal mapping of training activities at the SIB was

conducted, and a nationwide continuing education study is planned for 2026–2027. A prototype of feedback and evaluation system for trainings was

developed and tested to improve the quality of sectoral training by creating a systematic approach to training provision. Pre- and post-training

questionnaires assess the acquisition of skills, and follow-up surveys conducted six months later among specialists and employers provide input on the

application of skills in the work environment.

Training programmes were launched by ESWA, including “Ethics and Self-Care and Culturally Sensitive Communication” and “Smart Use of AI in

Social Welfare” (altogether 149 participants). SIB also developed training programmes, the e-course “Introduction to Adult Education” (actual training

begins in 2026) and delivered the face-to-face training “Conducting Difficult Conversations” (48 participants) for professionals working in the field of child

protection. Altogether there were 4 new training programmes developed and 197 participants in the trainings of whom 85 work with adults and 112

work with children.

Short description of activities undertaken in the reporting period

Programme Component coordination (MoER):

During the reporting period, activities were implemented according to the agreed action plan. Partnership agreements with universities were concluded.

The Component 3 team actively participated in regular meetings, including online workshops with the Bern University of Applied Sciences, as well as

meetings of the Support Measure Steering Committee and Task Force. These meetings enable the exchange of information and experience and ensure

coordinated action.

Estimated cumulative physical progress (%)

Programme Component 3 “Increasing multicultural competence in the education sector”

Activity 1. In-service training for professionals in the education sector:

In 2025, three in-service training programs were completed. In the second half of 2025, 54 professionals in the education sector acquired knowledge and

skills necessary for working in multicultural environments. Altogether, 64 participants registered for the trainings, of whom 54 completed the programs,

resulting in a completion rate of approximately 84%. Based on the immediate feedback from two trainings available at the time of reporting, 94% of

participants have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to work in multicultural environments and are ready to apply them when working with

individuals from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This indicates the achievement of OCIM Indicator 2.1 at the level of knowledge acquisition

and readiness.

Although six months have not yet passed since the completion of the trainings at the time of submitting the report and it is therefore not possible to

assess long-term impact, the high level of satisfaction, completion rate, and participants’ readiness to apply the acquired knowledge indicate that the

achievement of the intended impact is likely.

Estimated cumulative physical progress (%)

Programme Component 4 “Strengthening civil society through social innovation.”

Operational Progress Page 7

No

5.1

5.3

N/AEstimated cumulative physical progress (%)

Programme Component coordination (MoI):

During the reporting period, the majority of activities were implemented in line with the agreed action plan for 2025. By the end of the year the detailed

Action Plan for 2026 was elaborated.

The Component 4 team actively participated in regular meetings, including online workshops with the Bern University of Applied Sciences, as well as

meetings of the Support Measure Steering Committee and Task Force. These meetings enable the exchange of information and experience and ensure

coordinated action.

The project manager introduced the project activities and the state of social innovation in Estonia at virtual and physical international events. To support

the emergence and development of networks supporting social innovation, an action plan with objectives, content, and format was updated continuously.

In the direction of policymaking, the ecosystem actors were being continuedly mapped; an action plan and a contact database were updated.

All team members participated in several thematic trainings and events in Estonia and internationally, including the European Social Fund + Social

Innovation Community of Practice study tour in Sweden, the Social Innovation Forum 2025 in Brussels, Belgium, and activities within the SERIGO rural

social innovation network. These engagements supported the exchange of experiences and knowledge, the identification of speakers for events and

activities, the establishment of connections with international experts, and steps toward ensuring the sustainability of activities.

In addition, to support short- and long-term sustainability, the project manager contributed to the development of the Ministry of the Interior’s science,

development, and innovation strategy for the 2030 government area, the preparation of the next ESF+ programming period, participated in the Ministry of

the Interior’s science, development, and innovation working group, the ESF+ social innovation mid-stage competence centres working group, and

received the invitation to join the Global Government Council for Social Innovation.

Short description of activities undertaken in the reporting period

Building civil society competence, raising public awareness and disseminating information on social innovation:

The second half of 2025 focused on continuation of preparations for various procurements for the activities. Procurement for creating and delivering

social hackathons and incubation programmes was delivered with the result of 16 organisations registering for the procurement and 7 tenders submitted

to both by the deadline. Thorough evaluation was being carried out; the procurement ranking and winner were being confirmed. The contract will be

signed in the beginning of 2026.

Procurement documents package for providing coaching for organisations in various areas of social innovation and for social enterprises was being

composed according to the mapping in the first half of the year. Additional market research was carried out to receive more information for the documents

and open the procurement in the very beginning of 2026. Procurement documents package of creating and delivering a tailor-made training programme

for consultants and advisers was being composed according to the mapping in the first half of the year. Procurement is going to be opened at the very

beginning of 2026.

The procurement documents for the broadcast series were prepared. The broadcast series are planned to be filmed, recorded, and produced in 2026 and

2027.

To promote awareness of social innovation, a podcast concept was created; two episodes were released, highlighting different aspects of social

innovation. To actively involve the audience, a naming competition was held, resulting in the podcast being called 'Mõjulood' (Stories of Impact).

Recording and releasing episodes is going to continue through 2026 and 2027. To better engage with the audience on social media, a series of short

videos were developed alongside the podcast. The series features three types of content: thematic introductions, podcast excerpts, and videos

showcasing participants in activities. These videos are mainly shared on Facebook and Instagram, with a total of seven short videos released in 2025.

Workshops on best practices from the Nordic countries on the inclusion of new immigrants using social innovation and social entrepreneurship methods

are going to be delivered in 2026 instead of 2025. Much of the pre-preparations were made by creating connections, gathering contacts and information

about the best-case practises from international events and study visits.

First study visit in Estonia was held on 28-29 of October delivered in South of Estonia. 22 participants and 2 organisers from Estonian public, business

and private sectors were brought together to learn about social innovation and get to know more about Estonian social initiatives, also creating and

strengthening the connections within the area of social innovation. All the feedback from the participants and the experiences of the first study visits are

going to being used as the input for the delivery of two similar study visits organised in 2026.

Regarding the handbook on social innovation initial analysis of the existing materials was finished and the action plan for composing and disseminating of

the manual was prepared. Before composing the handbook, an expert will be involved in assessing the concept and if needed, the concept will be

supplemented accordingly. Initial testing of the best practices prototype was carried out, enabling progression to the next testing phase with additional

examples in line with the concept and the further development of the database to gather input from a wider range of sectors.

Information on social innovation was regularly disseminated in various ways using Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, the website and the social innovation

newsletter, and in addition, social innovation related information was shared on employee’s personal profiles. The social innovation subpage on the

NFCS website was further developed, including by creating and adding a frequently asked questions section. The Wikipedia page on social innovation

was made. An initial communication plan was updated, as well as mapping target groups, objectives, key messages, channels and formats, success

metrics, posting instructions, languages, style and tone, and content format.

Operational Progress Page 8

To be filled in by Switzerland (see SAP characteristics) To be filled in by Switzerland (see SAP characteristics)

No Programme Component Name Swiss Contribution

CHF Specific Objective Thematic Area

(in-country)

Geographic Focus Name Programme Component Operator Type of entity Sector 1 Sector 2 (SDC only) Sector 3 (SDC only)

PSP/PA maximum 40 characters in CHF according to Art. 2.2

Regulations

according to Art. 2.4

Regulations

Start End use title, not code use title, not code use title, not code

1 Management Costs 1,265,816.92 Migration / Public Safety Migration & Integration national coverage Ministry of Culture National administration 01/06/24 31/08/28 Democratic participation

Public sector policy

and administrative

management Not targeted Not targeted Not targeted Principal Not targeted Not targeted Not targeted Significant Not targeted

2 Programme Component 1 “Cultural and linguistic integration” 5,592,127.22 Migration / Public Safety Migration & Integration national coverage Ministry of Culture National administration 01/06/24 31/08/28 Democratic participation

Public sector policy

and administrative

management Not targeted Not targeted Not targeted Principal Not targeted Not targeted Not targeted Significant Not targeted

3 Programme Component 2 "Strengthening the social-and child protection services"5,385,678.58 Migration / Publ Safety Migration & Integration national coverage Ministry of Social Affairs National administration 01/06/24 31/08/28 Democratic participation

Public sector policy

and administrative

management Not targeted Not targeted Not targeted Principal Not targeted Not targeted Not targeted Significant Not targeted

4 Programme Component 3 “Increasing multicultural competence in the education sector”5,358,753.18 Migration / Publ c Safety Migration & Integration national coverage Ministry of Education and Research National administration 01/06/24 31/08/28 Education Not targeted Not targeted Not targeted Principal Not targeted Not targeted Not targeted Significant Not targeted

5 Programme Component 4 “Strengthening civil society through social innovation.”997,624.10 Migratio / Public Safety Migration & Integration national coverage Ministry of Interior National administration 01/06/24 31/08/28 Democratic participation

Public sector policy

and administrative

management Not targeted Not targeted Not targeted Principal Not targeted Not targeted Not targeted Significant Not targeted

Programme Characteristics

Planned duration

To be filled in by Programme Operator

PM

Governanc

e

PM

Disabilities

PM

Digitalisatio

n

PM Support

RIO

biodiversity

PM Support

RIO CC

Adaptations

PM Support

RIO CC

mitigation

PM Support

RIO CC

desertificati

on

PM Support

Social

Inlcusion

PM Gender

Programme Component or Project Ref.

No Contract Name

If applicable, planned

deadline for

submitting

documentation to

Swiss "non

objection"

Launch of

tender

planned

Tender notice

will be

submitted to

Swiss side

before

publication

English

translation of

tender

documents will

be made

available to

bidders

Actual

launch of

tender

(publication

of tender

notice)

Contract

signature

planned

Actual

contract

signature

Contract

completion

planned

Actual

contract

completion

Contractor Comments

quarter / year quarter /

year yes/no yes/no date

quarter /

year date

quarter /

year date EUR CHF EUR CHF name EUR CHF

status/ appeals/ cancelling or repetion of tender (incl. reason)/ numbers of

bidders and rejected bids/risks/ irregularities related to the tender/

difficulties with the the Contractor/ suspension of works etc.

Programme Component 1 “Cultural

and linguistic integration”

Development and implementation of digital

tools IV/2026 IV/2026 yes no I/2027 IV/2027 300,000 289,553

Programme Component 1 “Cultural

and linguistic integration”

Development and implementation of digital

tools I/2027 II/2027 yes no II/2027 I/2028 300,000 289,553

Programme Component 1 “Cultural

and linguistic integration”

Development and piloting a volunteer

programme I (E-learning course for

volunteers - base module) IV/2025 IV/2025 yes no 29/09/2025 IV/2025-I/2026 12/15/2025 III/2026 80,000 77,214 63,085 60,888 AS BCS Koolitus

Three bids were submitted. Two of them were rejected as they did not comply

with the conditions set out in the procurement documents. A comprehensive

report describing the procurement process, including the assessment, was

submitted to the SCO on 21 January 2026.

Programme Component 1 “Cultural

and linguistic integration”

Development and piloting a volunteer

programme II (E-learning course for

volunteers - complementary module) III/2026 I/2027 yes no I/2027 IV/2027 75,000 72,388

Programme Component 1 “Cultural

and linguistic integration”

Implementation of activities introducing

Estonian culture and customs space III/2025 III/2025 yes no 23.09.2025 IV/2025 I/2027 524,000 505,752

The procurement was divided into four lots. One bid was submitted for Lots 1, 3,

and 4, and two bids were submitted for Lot 2. All bids complied with the

conditions set out in the procurement documents. A comprehensive report

describing the procurement process, including the assessment, was submitted to

the SCO on 21 January 2026. As a result of the evaluation process, the contracts

were awarded as described in the rows below.

18.11.2025 II/2027 157,200 151,726 153,990 148,627 Targa Eesti Instituut OÜ

Lot 1 of procurement Implementation of activities introducing Estonian culture

and customs space

18.11.2025 II/2027 235,800 227,588 219,450 211,808

ImmiSchool-

Uusimmigrantide

Koolituskeskus OÜ

Lot 2 of procurement Implementation of activities introducing Estonian culture

and customs space

18.11.2025 II/2027 78,600 75,863 74,988 72,376 Targa Eesti Instituut OÜ

Lot 3 of procurement Implementation of activities introducing Estonian culture

and customs space

18.11.2025 II/2027 52,400 50,575 50,992 49,216 Targa Eesti Instituut OÜ

Lot 4 of procurement Implementation of activities introducing Estonian culture

and customs space

Programme Component 1 “Cultural

and linguistic integration”

Development and providing activities to

introduce Estonian cultural space and

increase social connections II-III2026 III/2026 yes no IV/2026 I-II/2028 575,000 554,976

Supporting Social Inclusion / Reimbursement Request No. 2

Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme

Procurement Plan

Actual costs based on

signed contractsInitially estimated costs Expenditures incurred based

on signed contracts

To be filled in by Programme Operator

Programme Component 2

"Strengthening the social-and child

protection services"

Advertising new possibilities and positive

changes in social care- and child protection

studies and work environment III/2026 III/2026 yes no I/2027 I/2028 135,000 130,299

Regarding public awareness campaign highlighting new possibilities and positive

changes in social care- and child protection studies and work environment (OPI

2.4-2.7), initial brainstorming and preparations were made in 2025 and it was

decided that the campaign will not be carried out on such a large scale as it was

originally planned, thus the cost will be below than the international procurement

rate limit (to 135 000 EUR). We are planning to use remaining funds for the

qualification principles procurement which is more priority in terms of this

component activites. The exact decision how to go on with public awareness

campaing activites will be decided in the first half of 2026. Preparation will be in

the second half of 2026, and real activities begin in 2027.

Programme Component 2

"Strengthening the social-and child

protection services"

Streamlining and Updating the Principles of

Qualifications for Social Sector Professions.

Establishing a Framework to Ensure High-

Quality Services. I/2026 II/2027 248,000 239,364

This procurement aims to develop a unified qualification principles framework for

Estonia’s social sector to replace fragmented and inconsistent requirements to

offet quality services. It will define cross-sectoral criteria for qualification needs

and levels, produce occupation-specific qualification proposals for 15 social

sector roles, and provide clear recommendations for implementation, including

legislative changes, coordination with the education system, and responsibility

allocation.

Programme Component 2

"Strengthening the social-and child

protection services"

Workplace onboarding program for people

from diverse linguistic and cultural

backgrounds entering employment in care

sector II/2026 I/2028 248,000 239,364

This procurement aims to create an integrated, workplace-based onboarding

program for care workers to address Estonia’s structural workforce shortage and

fragmented integration support. Language barriers and the lack of a coordinated

system currently limit access to care work and career progression, especially for

people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.The procured program

will combine vocational training, workplace mentorship, a language-supportive

work environment, and targeted job-specific language training into a single, user-

centered pathway that supports recruitment, skills development, and long-term

retention in the care sector.

Programme Component 3 “Increasing

multicultural competence in the

education sector” No procurements of this amount are planned

Programme Component 4

“Strengthening civil society through

social innovation” No procurements of this amount are planned

Referenz-Nummer / Reference Number REF-1006-66300

Projektnummer / Support Measure Identification Code 7F-10699.01

Kreditorennummer / Creditor Number 1000643543

Name des Kreditors / Creditor's name Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Estonia

Strasse / Street Suur-Ameerika 1

PLZ, Ort / Zip code and place 10122 Tallinn

Währung / Currency: CHF

Betrag / Reimbursement requested from Switzerland 623,825.33

Aufteilung nach Programmkomponente / Breakdown by programme

component

Management Costs 26,951.41

Programme Component 1 “Cultural and linguistic integration” 293,212.66

Programme Component 2 "Strengthening the social-and child

protection services" 204,442.02

Programme Component 3 “Increasing multicultural competence in

the education sector” 0.00

Programme Component 4 “Strengthening civil society through social

innovation.” 99,219.24

Kontoinhaber / bank account holder (if different from creditor name) Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Estonia

IBAN-Nr.: EE891010220034796011

SWIFT: EEUHEE2X

Reference: 2550081357

Bankbezeichnung / Name and address of the bank SEB, Tornimäe 2, 15010 Tallinn, Estonia

Buchungsinformationen / Booking information

Zahladresse / Account details

Deckblatt Rechnung E-Billing / Coversheet Invoice E-Billing

Lõkke 4 / 10122 Tallinn / 663 8200 / [email protected] / www.rtk.ee / Registrikood 70007340

Christoph Liechti

Embassy of Switzerland to Latvia, Lithuania

and Estonia

Ours 13.03.2026 no 11.1-5/26/617-1

[email protected]

Smilšu iela 8 Riga

LATVIA

Reimbursement Request No 2, Support

Measure "Supporting Social Inclusion"

Dear Mr Liechti,

Hereby the Paying Authority of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme submits the

Reimbursement Request No 2 of the Ministry of Culture for the Support Measure "Supporting

Social Inclusion" covering the period from 01 July 2025 to 31 December 2025.

Yours sincerely,

(signed digitally)

Karin Viikmaa

Head of the Grants Payment Department

Annex:

1. Reimbursement Request RR 2 SSIP 7F-10699.01

Helena Musthallik +372 5646 6003

[email protected]