The project started in March 2019 and ends in November 2021. Total budget is US$ 22,858,000 donated by the European Union.
EU funding will promote social cohesion and reconciliation through the restoration and reconstruction of historic urban landscapes.The program will also fund the urban revitalisation of portions of the old city of Basra, another highly significant historical city of Iraq. The priority areas for support are youth livelihoods in historic urban areas, as well as the rehabilitation of (primarily but not strictly) cultural heritage assets, resources, skills and knowledge.
In both old cities, urban reconstruction projects will be implemented jointly with job creation and skills development, responding to a severe lack of work opportunities, especially among young people, internally displaced persons and returnees. Some 1,500 young people will be provided with training by recognised training providers, combined with on-the-job training for semi-skilled and unskilled youth labourers. Cultural events will also be organised around restored sites to strengthen social cohesion and reinforce cultural identities around urban heritage.