Ukraine reconstruction Archives

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:

TARAN Stanislav

Project Officer – International Partnerships (U-Lead)

TARAN Stanislav In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, Impact community Society, International cooperation, Press, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications, Ukraine reconstruction

Funding opportunities for Ukraine

EU and Member State programmes supporting municipalities in Ukraine’s recovery and cooperation with European partners

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In the face of Russia’s invasion and its devastating social and economic consequences, European Union and Member State funding programmes have become lifelines for Ukrainian municipalities. These mechanisms provide not only financial support but also technical expertise and institutional backing, helping local authorities address urgent needs, rebuild services, and strengthen community resilience.

This guide was developed by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), in cooperation with the U-LEAD with Europe Programme and CEMR’s National Associations, under the Bridges of Trust initiative. It brings together key funding opportunities available to both Ukrainian and European municipalities, offering a practical starting point for collaboration and joint recovery projects.

The initiatives highlighted stem from training sessions organised with Ukrainian and European partners. These covered project design and development, EU funding instruments, and the implications of Ukraine’s EU accession process. By leveraging existing EU programmes, municipalities can reinforce partnerships, promote local growth, and deliver tangible benefits for their citizens.

Recognising Ukraine’s strategic path towards EU membership, the European Commission has committed to extending funding mechanisms to Ukrainian municipalities, ensuring they can access resources alongside their European peers. In addition, the Ukraine Facility Programme (2024–2027) is being developed as a central financing instrument for recovery and development.

To support applicants, the guide provides practical resources:

CEMR’s Guide on 2021–2027 EU Funding, explaining how to use the Funding and Tender Portal and submit strong project proposals.
The PLATFORMA Handbook for local leaders and civil servants, offering step-by-step guidance on preparing applications, managing partnerships, and implementing EU-funded projects.

As a living document, this guide will continue to be updated with new funding streams and opportunities. It seeks not only to provide access to financial resources but also to strengthen trust and cooperation between Ukrainian and European municipalities, laying the foundations for a shared European future.

Read the study here

For more information, contact:

TARAN Stanislav

Project Officer – International Partnerships (U-Lead)

TARAN Stanislav In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, Governance, Governance, Local democracy, Local democracy, Press, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications, Ukraine reconstruction

Local support to Ukraine

European local and regional governments denounce Russia’s aggression and pledge solidarity with Ukrainian communities

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European local and regional governments have expressed their strongest condemnation of Russia’s repeated attacks and violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They reject any attempt to dismantle a free and democratic state in Europe, stressing that these acts threaten peace and democracy across the continent.

Solidarity with Ukrainian Communities
Mayors, councils, and regional leaders stand firmly with their peers in Ukraine, municipalities, hromadas, districts, and their associations, who remain on the frontline providing essential services to citizens under the constant threat of bombings and destruction of infrastructure.

Commitment to Support
Local and regional governments across Europe, representing 60 national associations in 40 countries, commit to offering Ukrainian communities the materials, expertise, and assistance needed to face the ongoing crisis. They also prepare to respond to the humanitarian consequences, including the likely arrival of refugees, in close coordination with national governments.

City Diplomacy for Peace
Rooted in a tradition of local democracy and city diplomacy since 1951, European municipalities reaffirm their belief in peace and cooperation. They call on Russia to cease its aggression, withdraw from Ukraine, including Donbas and Crimea, and respect international law.

Looking Ahead
Despite the violence, local leaders remain convinced that diplomacy between cities can once again be a powerful force for unity, peace, and rebuilding across Europe.

Read the declaration here

For more information, contact:

TARAN Stanislav

Project Officer – International Partnerships (U-Lead)