The UCORD project continues to report on the participation of the Ukrainian delegation in the events of the European Week of Cities and Regions 2025 (EURegionsWeek) – a major event that brought together representatives of regions and municipalities from across the EU to showcase the successes and challenges in implementing the EU cohesion policy, and to demonstrate the importance of the local and regional levels for good European governance.

On 14 October, as part of EURegionsWeek, a session entitled ‘The Future through Cohesion: How Reforms are Shaping Regional Policy and Strengthening Partnerships’ took place. The session addressed the issue of implementing reforms to align local and regional development with EU standards, despite the ongoing war. The speakers discussed how reforms to strategic planning, investment management, local self-government and the use of digital tools such as the DREAM geographic information system strengthen Ukraine’s cohesion, resilience and integration with the EU.

Speakers at the event included: Oleksii Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine; Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions; Wolfgang Nozar, Head of Unit, DG ENEST D3 Secretariat; Claudia Luciani, Director of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, President of the Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Councils, as well as representatives of EURADA, UCORD and other European partner organisations shared their experiences of multi-level governance and leadership in the context of key reforms for Ukraine’s integration into the EU.

In particular, Oleksii Riabykin noted that regional policy is currently being reconsidered, and the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine is updating the Concept of Local Self-Government Reform and preparing legislative initiatives for a clear delineation of powers, effective public investment, and further decentralisation. The Deputy Minister added that close partnerships are being developed between Ukrainian communities and EU regions so that each community can experience the real benefits of European cohesion policy.

On behalf of the European Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő stressed that the EU cohesion policy is a long-term stabilising investment that supports communities, people, infrastructure, and the social sphere, preventing regions and cities in Europe from becoming disconnected. She noted that in light of the global uncertainty and difficulties that the EU and Ukraine are experiencing, it is important today to find a balance between short-term challenges and strategic investments, since development requires diverse solutions and a sustainable approach. In her opinion, the EU’s experience in the development of decentralised competitiveness, supporting local leadership and community participation in policymaking could serve as a guide for Ukraine in its own ‘marathon’ of reforms.

In turn, Wolfgang Nozar acknowledged Ukraine’s progress in implementing reforms and emphasised that EU cohesion policy is a vital tool for enhancing resilience. He added that Ukraine’s priorities include creating roadmaps, reforming public investment management, and resuming the activities of the State Regional Development Fund.

In this context of reforms and next steps, Claudia Luciani pointed out that the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe works with both national governments and local authorities, especially on protecting and strengthening local self-government. She assured that the Congress would continue to support Ukrainian partners in developing legislative initiatives and reforms.

Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko confirmed that local self-government is actively involved in policymaking and that regional development strategies must reflect the conditions of war and European integration. These strategies should build on the approaches implemented since 2014, but in the context of today’s realities. She emphasised that local self-government is a vital component in the process of Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction.

In her closing remarks, Maryna Bryl, the UCORD Project Manager, highlighted the importance of maintaining balance in strengthening decentralisation, consolidating democratic values and enhancing competitiveness at all levels. She noted that actively using transparency and democracy tools helps overcome common challenges that Ukraine and the EU face, and stressed the important role of regional development agencies. These agencies are key participants in multi-level partnerships and regional platforms for dialogue between the public and private sectors.

Therefore, the session provided an opportunity for dialogue between Ukraine and European institutions, confirming a shared vision for developing cohesive, sustainable, and capable regions. It showed that the reforms being implemented in Ukraine are paving the way for closer integration with the EU and forging effective partnerships at local and regional levels.

The event was attended by representatives of six Ukrainian regional development agencies (UCORD project pilots), the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and regional administrations. The event was organised with the support of the Swiss-Ukrainian UCORD project (Ukrainian Cohesion and Regional Development), which is implemented by NIRAS Sweden AB with the support of Switzerland.