The Swedish-Ukrainian Polaris Programme "Supporting Multi-level Governance in Ukraine" has announced the results of the open call under the “Grant Support for Swedish-Ukrainian Partnerships” competition. Fifteen municipalities will receive resources for joint activities with their Swedish counterparts, with a total budget of EUR 150,000. The competition is implemented by the Cities4Cities initiative within Polaris’ International Municipal Cooperation track.

“We focus our partnerships on substance and tangible results. With Polaris’ support and drawing on the expertise of Cities4Cities, Ukrainian hromadas will build long-term ties with their Swedish partners. These partnerships combine an international dimension with concrete change on the ground, strengthening communities and laying the foundation for sustainable development,” said Nathalie Bekier, Deputy Head of the Polaris Programme.

The aim of the competition was to encourage municipalities to enhance their capacity by developing partnerships with Swedish counterparts. This is not only about technical support, but about creating conditions for durable cooperation—experience sharing, learning, and joint initiatives with long-term impact on local development. The competition has helped to both strengthen existing partnerships and launch new ones.

Among the priorities highlighted in the applications, municipalities showed the greatest interest in energy efficiency and the environment, education and youth, as well as inclusiveness and accessibility. Together with their Swedish counterparts, the winners will implement initiatives to create inclusive spaces, launch digital youth hubs, support local businesses, etc. All activities share a common goal: to make life safer, more comfortable, and more modern for residents through investments in renewable energy, education, inclusion, and new economic opportunities. Swedish partners will play an active role—contributing expertise, delivering training, and fostering professional exchanges.

Competition winners:

1. Boryslav hromada – Ljusdal kommun
2. Brusyliv hromada – Mönsterås kommun
3. Vasylkiv hromada – Sundbyberg kommun
4. Ivano-Frankivsk hromada – Luleå kommun
5. Kolomyia hromada – Falun kommun
6. Konotop hromada – Jönköping kommun
7. Krolevets hromada – Berg kommun
8. Poltava hromada – Kalmar kommun
9. Slobozhanske hromada – Vännäs kommun
10. Ternopil hromada – Ronneby kommun
11. Trostianets hromada – Mora kommun
12. Khotyn hromada – Eslöv kommun
13. Chuhuiv hromada – Danderyd kommun
14. Pivdennoukrainsk hromada – Östhammar kommun
15. Yampil hromada – Vänersborg kommun

The Swedish-Ukrainian Programme Polaris: Supporting Multi-level Governance in Ukraine (2024-2028) is funded by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by SALAR International.