On 17–19 June, the Cities Forum is taking place in Krakiv. The event is one of the most important events dedicated to developing European municipalities. Held biennially, the Forum is the European Commission’s flagship event on urban and cohesion policy. It brings together representatives of cities and governments at all levels – European, national, regional, and local – and is organised by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) in partnership with the European Urban Initiative.

At the invitation of the Polaris Programme, four nationwide local self-government associations each delegated two representatives to form the Ukrainian delegation to the Forum.

“Democratic and member-driven associations of local governments play a vital role in ensuring that hromadas have a meaningful voice in Ukraine’s recovery and European integration. By working together, associations can more effectively reflect local perspectives, contribute to national policy-making, and support the country’s strategic goals. We therefore welcome closer cooperation among associations as a step toward stronger local governance, effective recovery, and EU accession," said Magnus Liljeström, Senior Adviser at the Polaris Programme, SALAR International.

The Ukrainian delegation includes eight representatives of national local government associations:

Board members – Mykola Riznyk, Head of Opishnia hromada (All-Ukrainian Association of Hromadas); Olena Sydorenko, Head of Orzhytsia hromada (Association of Ukrainian Cities); Hryhorii Rudyuk, Head of Nova Borova hromada (All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Hromadas); and Ihor Shutak, Head of Vinnytsia Rayon Council and Head of the Secretariat of the Vinnytsia Oblast Association (Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Councils).

Secretariat representatives – Ihor Abramiuk, Development Director and Deputy Executive Director of the AUC; Yuliia Bandura, Director of the Centre for Project Development and Implementation, AUC; Taras Dobrivskyi, Executive Director of the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Hromadas; and Kateryna Shalupnia, Head of the Legal Department of the UAROR Secretariat.

During the Forum, the Ukrainian delegation is planning to meet with representatives of the European Commission, EU programmes, and European local government associations to better understand the role and functions of associations in EU integration and to explore joint approaches for advocating key local government interests at national and international levels.

The Cities4Cities initiative will present key takeaways and new opportunities for Ukrainian hromadas following the conclusion of the Forum.

Supporting local government associations and fostering international municipal cooperation are key priorities of the Polaris Programme. By strengthening associations, the Programme helps hromadas make their voices heard in dialogue with national and European partners. Partnerships with municipalities abroad open new opportunities for joint projects and peer learning. This contributes to sustainable governance in Ukraine and gradually integrates hromadas into the broader European context.