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EU enlargement and eastern partnership3

TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, EU enlargement and eastern partnership, International cooperation, Press, Projects and Programmes, Ukraine reconstruction

European Partnership Hub: EU-Ukraine ‘one-stop-shop’

Last week, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted in Plenary the ‘Enlargement package 2025 – Ukraine, Moldova & Georgia’

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has adopted an amendment explicitly recognising the European Partnership Hub (EPH) as the “one-stop-shop” for cooperation between local and regional governments in Ukraine and the EU. The Hub was launched at the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference, following the Joint Statement of the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.

Hosted by CEMR, which already drives EU–Ukraine municipal partnerships through Bridges of Trust, the Matchmaking Platform, and SUN4Ukraine, the Hub coordinates and connects initiatives within the Bridges of Trust Community. It facilitates exchanges, provides information, and organises joint meetings to align efforts, build synergies, and support municipalities with the skills needed for recovery, cooperation, and EU accession.

Six other amendments reinforcing the role of local and regional governements in the EU enlargement

The final text of the CoR also includes six amendments tabled by CoR members Māris Zusts and Gints Kaminskis and suggested by the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG), in close cooperation with PLATFORMA.

The amendments aim to reinforce a central political message: EU enlargement will only succeed if it is rooted in local and regional levels, resilient to hybrid threats, and democratically endorsed by citizens. In this opinion, decentralisation, multilevel governance, gender equality, and combating foreign information manipulation are framed as essential components of sustainable enlargement.

Cooperation with local governments 

The adopted amendments further stress the need for public support through cooperation with local governments, especially in Ukraine’s post-war context, advocating for awareness campaigns and media engagement to foster acceptance of candidate countries. Democratic resilience and integrity are further prioritised, particularly through strengthened anti-corruption measures at all government levels. Transparency in public procurement is highlighted, especially regarding reconstruction efforts.

Concerning Moldova, the amendments commend reform progress but express concerns over foreign interference (FIMI) during the 2025 elections, advocating for resilience measures and support for independent media.

The amendments also support local governments in Georgia amidst democratic backsliding, emphasising ongoing cooperation to maintain dialogue and democratic governance as the country navigates its EU accession path.

Looking ahead

These amendments place local and regional governments at the heart of EU enlargement, recognising that lasting impact, resilient democracies, and strong communities depend on their active role. 

The next step is for the European Parliament, Council, and Commission to take these recommendations into account for their respective work on enlargement.
CEMR together with PLATFORMA and their partners will continue to advocate, coordinate initiatives, and foster exchanges, to strenghten the role of local and regional governments.  

The European Partnership Hub is supported by the European Union and its member states through U-LEAD with Europe.

For more information, contact:

TONHAUSER Boris
In EU budget, EU budget, EU enlargement and eastern partnership, Local democracy, Local democracy, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications

Global Europe 2028–2034

Global Europe - position paper

Local and regional governments at the heart of “Global Europe 2028–2034”: our Policy position

Read full position paper

As the European Union prepares its next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, the Global Europe instrument will define the EU’s external action for the years ahead — encompassing development cooperation, humanitarian aid, enlargement support and Global Gateway. Discover PLATFORMA detailed policy position outlining how this strategic instrument should be shaped to foster sustainable global partnerships and advance inclusive governance.

At a time marked by intersecting global crises — from climate breakdown and shrinking development funds to geopolitical instability — the role of local and regional governments (LRGs) is more critical than ever. PLATFORMA’s paper is thus anchored in the belief that effective global action starts from the ground up.

Local and regional governments as co-decision-makers, implementers and partners

PLATFORMA’s position starts from a stark reality: despite their proximity to citizens and deep knowledge of local contexts, LRGs remain under-recognised in EU external action frameworks. The coalition calls for the Global Europe instrument to move beyond symbolic references to “local authorities” and embed mechanisms that genuinely empower LRGs as co-decision-makers, implementers and partners in EU external policies.

Key recommendations

The Policy Paper makes 9 key recommendations to EU decision makers:

  1. Strengthen multilevel governance in Global Europe and place local and regional governments in the driving seat of territorial development
  2. Pair flexibility and simplification with ambitious official development assistance targets, and enhance accountability and transparency mechanisms
  3. Unlock Global Gateway’s potential through the involvement of local and regional governments
  4. Foster EU delegations’ engagement with local and regional governments
  5. Recognise and empower local and regional governments as unique and effective development partners in fragile contexts
  6. Advance the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals to achieve decarbonised societies and climate justice
  7. Involve citizens through Global Citizenship Education as a key component of decentralised development cooperation
  8. Foster inclusive and participatory local governance: empower youth, women, and disadvantaged and underrepresented groups
  9. Strengthen local governance through the EU Eastern neighbourhood and enlargement strategy

Through these recommendations, PLATFORMA aims to improve the current proposal for the Global Europe instrument, so that it fully recognises, acknowledges, and supports the contribution of local and regional governments to EU external action, notably through decentralised cooperation as a development aid modality.

PLATFORMA also calls on the European Commission to issue an updated Communication on the structured involvement of local and regional governments and their associations in the new (geo)strategic approach to EU external action.

Read the full Policy position

For more information, contact:

TSKHELISHVILI Bella
In EU enlargement and eastern partnership, EU enlargement and Eastern Partnership, Impact community Society, Local democracy, Local democracy, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications, Twinning

Local role in the EU enlargement 

EU Enlargement - News

Decentralisation and strong local governance are key for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia’s EU accession path 

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The decision of the European Council to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova and to recognise Georgia’s perspective once further reforms are met marks a historic step in the enlargement of the European Union. Beyond the geopolitical dimension, the process will require profound reforms at the local level, particularly in decentralisation, public administration, and democratic governance. 

The European Commission’s opinions emphasise decentralisation as a cornerstone of EU membership criteria. Strengthening local autonomy, building institutional capacity, and fostering multilevel governance are essential for sustainable reforms in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. Empowering municipalities and regions will not only improve service delivery but also ensure that EU values and standards are implemented where citizens feel them most directly: at the local level. 

Decentralised cooperation plays a decisive role in this transformation. Peer exchanges, partnerships, mentorship programmes, and twinning initiatives provide practical support for reforms while reinforcing democratic practices. These mechanisms are particularly vital in contexts of crisis and recovery, such as the post-pandemic and post-war reconstruction efforts. 

Granting candidate status also strengthens local governments’ ability to modernise, adopt new technologies, and access tools that improve governance and resilience. This process will accelerate reforms in public administration, boost citizen participation, and ensure a closer alignment with the EU’s Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals. 

The path toward EU membership for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia must include a strong local dimension. By prioritising decentralisation and local autonomy, the accession process can deliver long-term sustainable development, stronger democracies, and better services for citizens. Supporting municipalities and regions is therefore not just complementary, but essential for a successful enlargement process. 

Read the declaration here 

For more information, contact: 

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