The local and regional dimension should become one of the key priorities of Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2027), which will be held in Tallinn. It should be based on specific projects, partnerships between Ukrainian and European communities, and strengthening the capacity of local self-government.

Vitalii Bezgin, Minister for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons, raised this topic during consultations with Estonian partners in Brussels on preparations for the Conference.

‘The local and regional dimension is a key priority, as policies are implemented at the level of local self-government. Recovery is also organised at this level. And even when it comes to EU accession, we are referring not only to government decisions but also to practical implementation at the level of local self-government,’ the Minister emphasised.

Vitalii Bezgin stated that it is important to move from a general assessment of recovery needs to the preparation of projects ready to attract investment. He remarked that support from Estonia and other EU Member States could assist communities in this work.

One more priority is to make sure that recovery boosts local self-government and regional development.

‘Decentralisation and cohesion policy have to be among the priorities. This is part of our philosophy in Ukraine, as well as the foundation of our resilience in the face of full-scale war,’ said Vitalii Bezgin.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of partnerships that deliver practical results. This is not just about signing agreements, but about the joint implementation of projects by Ukrainian and European partners. Meanwhile, energy resilience remains an urgent priority for Ukrainian communities.

For the local and regional dimension of URC 2027, Vitalii Bezgin outlined three practical approaches: to identify a realistic number of priority projects and communities to support in project preparation and attracting investment; to develop partnerships between Ukrainian and European municipalities and regions with clear objectives and responsibilities; strengthen the capacity of local self-government and local and regional authorities in Ukraine.

‘We do not need one more general list of recovery needs. What we need is a shared understanding of priorities, clearly defined contributions from partners, and initiatives that can be implemented after the Conference,’ the Minister remarked.

The Minister claimed that preparations for URC 2027 should be based on the ongoing systematic cooperation established since the previous conferences. The shared aim is to address the current needs of Ukrainian communities, strengthen their future capacity, and bring Ukraine closer to the European Union.