Strengthening Partnerships for Ukraine’s Recovery: CEMR’s Actions on Solidarity, Municipal Cooperation, and EU Integration
24th February 2025, marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people as they continue to defend their freedom and democracy. For CEMR, it reaffirms a long-standing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration, through tangible, grassroots cooperation between local governments.
In recent months, this commitment has translated into new concrete actions, from public declarations of solidarity to community building and launching innovative digital tools that strengthen municipal partnerships. Across Europe, local and regional governments are not just expressing support but actively contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction and future within the EU.
A Declaration of Solidarity and Action
Three years after the invasion, CEMR issued a declaration reaffirming its unwavering support for Ukraine. The statement highlighted the indispensable role of local leaders in sustaining communities under siege — from ensuring basic services to preserving democratic governance.
Yet these leaders are not just bearing the weight of war; they are targets. The abduction, imprisonment, and murder of Ukrainian mayors are stark reminders of the risks they face. CEMR, standing alongside the Association of Ukrainian Cities, called for the immediate release of detained local leaders and condemned the Russian attacks on local democracy.
More information: https://ccre-cemr.org/press/declaration-on-three-years-of-war-in-ukraine
Strengthening Networks: Joining the Coalition of Sustainable Municipalities
This year, CEMR reinforced its commitment by joining the Coalition of Sustainable Municipalities, an initiative launched by Ukraine, Germany, and international partners at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2024. During the conference in Berlin, CEMR’s Secretary-General announced the launch of the Matchmaking Platform—an innovative digital tool designed to help municipalities across Europe connect and collaborate with their Ukrainian counterparts.
On 12th February, as part of the Coalition, CEMR participated in an Open Exchange on Best Practices for Ukraine’s Recovery, organised by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and U-LEAD. Among other key topics, the event showcased insights into the fully operational Matchmaking Platform, which is already facilitating municipal partnerships. CEMR remains a dedicated partner, upholding the core principles of the Coalition.
Empowering Local Leaders: The Matchmaking Platform
One of CEMR’s most impactful recent initiatives in strengthening international municipal cooperation is the Matchmaking Platform, officially launched during the CEMR Leaders’ Summit in December. This innovative tool is transforming how municipalities establish partnerships.
Building on CEMR’s seven decades of town twinning expertise, the platform enables local governments to connect and collaborate on projects in a few clicks. In just two months, it has attracted hundreds of verified users across Europe, fostering direct engagement between municipalities. Ukrainian local leaders have shown strong interest in harnessing its potential, with over 400 participants attending two dedicated info sessions organised by U-LEAD on 29th January and 12th February, where CEMR provided a comprehensive overview of the platform and addressed participants’ questions.
To further extend its reach, a broader communication campaign will enhance visibility, while future developments will introduce new functionalities—potentially including funding opportunities, capacity-building programmes, and partnerships with key stakeholders of the Bridges of Trust Community.
More information: https://partnerships.ccre-cemr.org/
Expanding the Bridges of Trust Community
Since 2021, CEMR has been actively implementing the Bridges of Trust project in collaboration with national associations and U-LEAD to strengthen municipal partnerships between the EU and Ukraine. Following two successful phases, the initiative reached a major milestone with the launch of the Bridges of Trust Community, announced at the CEMR Leaders’ Summit last December.
This growing community serves as a central hub for municipalities looking to establish and sustain partnerships at a crucial moment in Ukraine’s transformation. The third phase of the project will further enhance the community’s benefits, advocacy efforts, and stakeholder engagement—expanding from bilateral cooperation to a more structured and comprehensive framework.
New possible cooperations have been explored through the participation of potential members of the Bridges of Trust Community such as the German Marshall Fund (GMF) and many more, to explore their involvement in Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration efforts.
For those interested in learning more, the revamped Bridges of Trust page on CEMR’s website offers key resources, funding opportunities, and success stories that highlight impactful municipal partnerships.
The Matchmaking Platform is fully integrated into the community, providing a dynamic tool to not only establish new partnerships but also sustain and expand them over time. CEMR invites all interested stakeholders to join the Bridges of Trust Community, which is set to become a key hub for municipal collaboration across Europe.
More information: https://ccre-cemr.org/bridges-of-trust
Looking Ahead: A united effort for recovery
With Ukraine’s path to EU integration in focus, local and regional governments must play a key role in shaping decentralisation, governance, and resilience. As we prepare for the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome, CEMR is actively contributing to the Working Group for the Local and Regional Component and the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. Our commitment remains steadfast in amplifying local voices and strengthening municipal partnerships to support Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration.
Through community building supporting international municipal partnerships, advocacy for EU integration, decentralised cooperation, and innovative digital tools, CEMR reaffirms its dedication to supporting Ukraine. We remain open to further engagement and collaboration, ensuring a beneficiary-centred approach prioritising European municipalities.
For more information, contact:
Project Officer – International Partnerships (U-Lead)
