On 28 August 2024 in Mooste Folgikoda, Estonia took place the Final Event of the Estonian EU external border programme “Chapter complete: Celebrating endings and new beginnings”, a significant occasion that brought together stakeholders, beneficiaries and partners, dedicated to enhancing development of the Eastern border area of Estonia.
This memorable event marked the culmination of years of collaborative efforts, highlighting outstanding accomplishments through the announcement and presentation of the programme’s awards.
Awards were presented in multiple categories, each reflecting the core values of innovation, sustainable development, empowering programme area.
We invite you to explore the award categories and inspiring winners of prizes:
REGIONAL PRIZES:
Ida-Virumaa
- High Flying Project Idea: “Narva-Olgina Air Gateway” project. Prize winner Vadim Orlov
- Best empoweree for families: “FFC” and “FFS 2” projects. Prize winner NGO VitaTiim
- For connecting pieces in the puzzle: “Step by Step” project. Prize winner Narva City Government
- Developer of Ida-Viru Creative Cluster; Ida-Viru tourism: “IVCC” project. Prize winner Foundation Ida-Viru Enterprise Centre
- Empoweree of local firefighters: “LOCAL FIRE” project. Prize winner Alutaguse Municipality
- Creator of eco-friendly solutions for solid waste: “Approach2Waste” project. Prize winner Kohtla-Järve City Government
- Pearl of the North-Eastern Estonia
Western yard and Kristervalli bastion of Narva Museum – “Narva Castles 2” project. Prize winner Narva Museum
Peipsi Lake region
- First steps to inclusive society – “InSociety” project. Prize winner Mustvee Health Centre
- Promoter of local cultural, linguistic, and historical heritage in Peipsimaa – “Preserving Heritage” project. Prize winner Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation
- For essential improvement of water service for local population – “Emajoe-Pskov WMP-2” and “Emajoe Waterwork WMP” projects. Prize winner Emajõe Waterworks Ltd
- Pearl of Peipsimaa
Vasknarva harbour – “Common Peipsi 2” project. Prize winner Alutaguse Municipality
Setomaa
- Preserver of Setomaa cultural heritage: “Heritage Teaching” project. Prize winner the Union of Setomaa Rural Municipalities
- Promoter of military heritage in Setomaa: “Northern Camp” project. Prize winner Setomaa Municipality
- Pearl of the Setomaa
Obinitsa Freezing centre – “ACTIVE VILLAGE” project. Prize winner the Union of Setomaa Rural Municipalities
Small Village, Big Heart
- Efficient tool for marine spatial planners, PlanWise4Blue portal- “ADRIENNE”, “ADRIENNE+” projects. Prize winner Jonne Kotta
- Best healthy lifestyle promoter – “ICOR” project. Prize winner Orienteering Club Põlva Kobras NGO
- Promoter of environmentally friendly higher education – “Go green” project. Prize winner Tartu Health Care Collage and Estonian Aviation Academy
- Developer of South-Estonia Film Cluster – “FILM SOUTH CLUSTER” project. Prize winner Tartu Centre for Creative Industries
- Preserver of Piirissaare old-believers cultural heritage – “POB” project. Prize winner Tartu Municipality Government
- Supporter to Ukrainians in their entrepreneurial journey- “BOOST_UA_SMEs” project. Prize winner Estonian Refugee Council
- Creator of Estonian Flag Community Centre – “Estonian Flag” project. Prize winner Otepää Rural Municipality Government
- Pearl of Southern Estonia;
Rõuge Culture House “Save Smart” project. Prize winner Rõuge Municipality Government
PROGRAMME PRIZES:
Best Project Site:
- Best project site: Lodjakoda “Common Peipsi 2” project. Prize winner Tartu City Government
- Best project site: Narva River Promenade “River Promenades III” project. Prize winner Narva City Government
- Best project site: Saatse Road “SME ACCESS” project. Prize winner the Estonian Road Administration
- Best project site: Rõuge Rescue depot “ROUGERESCUE” project. Prize winner NGO Rõuge Voluntary Firefighters
Best communicator:
· Best Promoter: Ederi Ojasoo – “Heritage Hunters” project
Best Partnership:
- Best Partnership: “Common Peipsi 2” project. Prize winners Setomaa Municipality Government, Tartu City Government, Luunja Rural Municipality Government, Mustvee Rural Municipality Government, Alutaguse Municipality Government, Räpina Rural Municipality Government
Best Sustainability:
- Best sustainability: “Emajoe-Pskov WMP-2” project. Prize winner Emajõe Waterwarks Ltd
Best Solution:
- Võru Loomekoda “BestNest” project. Prize winner Võru City Government
Outstanding Event:
- Festival Narva-Jõesuu Jazz 2023. Prize winner Oleg Pissarenko, NGO Rajamuusika
Life changing stories:
- Integrating new immigrants from Ukraine and support of unemployed people: “SMART” project. Prize winner NGO Johannes Mihkelson Center
- Improving local mobility and promoting local entrepreneurship: “SME ACCESS”. Prize winner Setomaa Municipality Government
BEST PROJECT MANAGER:
Ingrid Purje, “SMART” project. This person has led successfully the project and also has set a benchmark for excellence in project management.
Ingrid Purje, “SMART” project. This person has led successfully the project and also has set a benchmark for excellence in project management.
Alvina Reihan, “NarvaWatMan” project. This person´s leadership, vision, and dedication have been truly exemplary, and we are all deeply grateful for your contributions.
Antti Roose, “ROUGERESCUE” project. This person goes beyond the metrics and milestones, what truly sets this project manager apart is his passion for the work he does.
Katrin Kõnd “Emajoe Waterwork WMP” project. Under this person’s guidance, the team has consistently achieved milestones, met demanding deadlines with generous spirit and was open-minded to new initiatives and perspectives ,
Margit Säre, “CuNaHe”, “PeipsiRing” projects. This person`s commitment to fostering collaboration and encouraging the professional growth of their team members has created a work environment where success is not just expected, but inevitable
Tiina Hallimäe, “BioAware” project. This person has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead with integrity, to innovate when faced with complex challenges, and to deliver results that exceed expectations.
Natalia Orava, “River Promenades III” project. This person balanced the intricate details of timelines, budgets, and resources while also inspiring and leading their team towards a shared vision.
Helena Musthallik, “Common Peipsi 2” project. This person has shown that leadership is not just about managing tasks, but about inspiring people, nurturing creativity, and ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the project’s success.
Silja Lehtpuu, “SME ACCESS” and “ACTIVE SME” projects. This person possesses not only technical expertise and meticulous planning ability but also demonstrates resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
We thank all project applicants and project implementers who have shared the journey with us over the years and who have played important roles in advancing the goal of the Programme. We express our gratitude to colleagues from ENI programmes from Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland.