Key factors for successful and sustainable partnerships between Ukrainian and EU local governments
Ukrainian municipalities have a long tradition of international cooperation, especially with their counterparts in European Union (EU) member states. Today, this cooperation is more relevant than ever. Municipalities seek to improve local services, modernise administration, attract investment, and promote tourism and culture by learning from and working with EU partners.
At the same time, establishing meaningful partnerships is not straightforward. Many municipalities, particularly those with limited international experience and resources, face challenges in sustaining long-term cooperation. To respond to this need, the Bridges of Trust initiative was launched to support exchange, promote best practices, and help local governments in Ukraine and the EU build effective partnerships.
Mapping cooperation
Ukraine’s decentralisation reform, launched in 2014, created 1,469 consolidated territorial communities, strengthening local governance and budgets. This has enabled municipalities to take greater responsibility for international engagement. Reports by the European Commission and the European Parliament have recognised Ukraine’s decentralisation as a success story, while also stressing the need to safeguard its achievements through constitutional reform.
Success factors in municipal cooperation
Drawing on decades of European experience with twinning and decentralised cooperation, several factors emerge as critical to success:
- Careful partner selection, ensuring shared interests and commitment.
- Clear partnership strategies with defined objectives.
- Sustainable planning and dedicated support structures (e.g. steering committees).
- Joint financing and access to external funding.
- Active involvement of schools, youth, and citizens to broaden visibility.
- Political leadership and motivated staff, supported by international departments.
- A strong European dimension to reinforce unity and common identity.
Challenges facing Ukrainian municipalities
Despite progress, obstacles remain. Studies of cooperation with Polish and other EU municipalities highlight recurring issues:
- Partnerships that exist only on paper, with little or no joint activity.
- Limited staff capacity, foreign language barriers, and a lack of experience in managing international projects.
- Insufficient awareness among citizens of the benefits of cooperation.
- Irregular contacts and a lack of strategic alignment between partners.
- Funding shortages for travel, exchanges, and project implementation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created both challenges and opportunities. While some partnerships stalled due to travel restrictions, others adapted by embracing online platforms. Virtual exchanges, such as U-LEAD’s study visits and the Bridges of Trust online forums, demonstrated how digital tools can sustain and even intensify cooperation.
Looking ahead
Above all, motivation and leadership remain the decisive factors. As Ukrainian officials note, training and case studies are valuable, but without committed local leaders and engaged staff, partnerships cannot thrive. Conversely, municipalities with strong motivation but little experience can quickly grow if supported with targeted training, funding, and practical guidance.
International municipal cooperation is not simply an instrument of solidarity: it is a strategic investment in Ukraine’s recovery, resilience, and European future. By learning from each other, municipalities in Ukraine and the EU can build sustainable partnerships that deliver tangible results for their communities and strengthen the foundations of a common European identity.
For more information, contact:
Project Officer – International Partnerships (U-Lead)
