How to confirm the community’s readiness for a partnership? And why high-quality strategic planning is not a waste of time and effort, but rather the key to unlocking the doors to Europe. These and many other topics were discussed during a meeting with community leaders organised by the U-LEAD with Europe Regional Office in the Sumy region, which is based in the Romny community.

What is the formula for partnership? Why, in international cooperation as in a family, are two parties responsible for success or failure? How best to seize opportunities? Why is it important not only to find a partner, but also to continue building an active dialogue? How can common ground be found with European municipalities? Why is it worth learning English, and why is it never too late?

 

 

How to confirm the community’s readiness for a partnership? And why high-quality strategic planning is not a waste of time and effort, but rather the key to unlocking the doors to Europe.

These and many other topics were discussed during a meeting with community leaders organised by the U-LEAD with Europe Regional Office in the Sumy region, which is based in the Romny community. In view of the security situation, the event was held in a bomb shelter. However, this in no way prevented the creation of an atmosphere of trust, open dialogue and professional discussion.

Community leaders from the Sumy, Konotop and Romny districts of the Sumy region learned about the best practices of their colleagues in international cooperation. They also shared their own experiences, as well as the challenges and prospects of establishing partnerships with international municipalities and organisations.

‘The Romny community is not afraid of challenges because we seek solutions. We understand that it is extremely important today to build dialogue with international partners and combine experience, resources and efforts for the future. We are extremely gratified that our community has become a platform for the exchange of ideas, successful practices, and specific recovery strategies,’ said Oleh Stohnii, Mayor of Romny, in his welcoming speech.

The participants discussed how communities can develop international ties amid the challenging circumstances of wartime. Hryhorii Starykov, Advisor on Recovery and Development at the U-LEAD Regional Office, emphasised the importance of clear planning and compliance with European standards when seeking international assistance:

‘Planning documents are not bureaucracy; they are a necessity. As Ukraine is becoming part of the European community, our legislation and planning document framework must comply with European standards.’

He emphasised that having strategies, recovery plans and strong analytics are key to successful partnerships. In the Sumy region, 10 communities have already signed a total of 41 international agreements, which is an example of systematic work.

A striking illustration of the importance of taking a proactive stance is the story of the Konotop community. Despite the terrible events of 2022 and the city being regularly shelled, the community has not lost its initiative. As Yurii Pavlov, Deputy Mayor, recalled, ‘In 2022, we were under blockade for 40 days. But in May, we undertook our first international trip. We realised that we had to act – this was our chance to make ourselves known.’

 

The Konotop community currently has six partnerships with European municipalities and cooperates with 19 international organisations. It continues to actively develop international relations and implement joint projects. Current initiatives include preparing for the construction of a new solid waste landfill, with the project having been developed in cooperation with U-LEAD.

Konstiantyn Volkov, Mayor of Nedryhailiv, presented his community’s successful practice of developing pre-war ‘soft international ties’ into a genuine partnership. As part of the TIPS4UA initiative, implemented by U-LEAD, the community delegation has strengthened relations with the municipality of Opsterland by completing an internship in the Dutch city. ‘When the war broke out, all our established contacts proved very helpful. Our foreign friends helped us with transport and provided technical support for the hospital this year,’ said Kostiantyn Volkov.

Yurii Bova, Mayor of Trostianets, also shared his experience. During the Russian occupation in 2022, the Trostianets community suffered extensive damage. This is why, in the initial phase of cooperation with international partners, the focus was primarily on providing essential equipment and materials. However, the community team is now focusing on long-term goals and large-scale projects that are socially and economically significant and mutually beneficial:

‘Trostianets has six partner cities in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, France, and the United States, as well as numerous examples of cooperation with international organisations. At first, we received humanitarian aid because all of our public property had been destroyed. However, we are now looking at prospects for developing the region. We have already implemented several projects with the support of our international partners. We invest in international communication, organise trips to learn about best practices, publicise events in the Sumy region and promote Ukraine. Most importantly, we build trust by being open and transparent about the assistance we receive. Our European partners are ready and willing to invest in the development of our territories and Ukraine as a whole. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity.’

As he wrapped up the meeting, Rostyslav Savchenko, head of the U-LEAD Regional Office, pointed out that, despite their differences in experience and resources, all communities share a common goal: to be part of the European community. ‘Everyone has their own unique experience. Some started cooperating before the war, while others have become active more recently. But they all have one thing in common: the desire to develop their communities and strengthen international partnerships. However, it is important to remember that Ukrainian communities also have something to offer Europeans.’

He emphasised that international support should form the foundation for sustainable development, rather than being a short-term measure. ‘The participants agreed that partnerships with international municipalities and organisations should form the basis for the recovery and growth of communities in the post-war period, rather than being a one-off source of assistance. The key factor here will be institutional capacity of local self-government, not financial resources. And U-LEAD continues to support these efforts.’

By Maryna Havrylenkova