Kryvyi Rih hosted the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation, which lays the basis for the formation of the Kryvyi Rih agglomeration – a new model of coordinated cooperation between communities in the region. The agreement marks a shift from fragmented decision-making towards a systematic partnership for the joint development of the region, the preparation of investment projects, and the attraction of international support.

The document was signed by Yurii Vilkul, Acting Mayor of Kryvyi Rih; Yevhen Sitnychenko, Acting Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration; heads of communities in the district; representatives of the district council; and international partners – the Luxembourg Agency for Development and Cooperation; the Kryvyi Rih City Development Institute.

The document aims to coordinate the actions of the parties in preparing and implementing joint programmes and projects designed to promote the comprehensive development of the territories, improve the quality of life for residents, and strengthen the capacity of the communities. Particular emphasis is placed on creating conditions for the effective mobilisation of funding, including from the European Union’s structural funds.

According to Yurii Vilkul, the formation of the agglomeration will enable communities to act as a single partner in their interaction with the state, international organisations, donors, and investors. This, in turn, should enhance the region’s competitiveness and the quality of preparation for infrastructure, economic, and social projects.

Key areas of cooperation:

• Infrastructure and energy – development of water supply and drainage systems, implementation of energy-efficient solutions;
• Economic development – support for entrepreneurship, preparation of investment projects;
• Human capital – implementation of joint educational and social initiatives;
• Digitisation – establishing unified digital interaction between communities.

However, the document emphasises that each community retains its autonomy, powers, and identity. The agglomeration format is viewed as a tool for coordination and partnership, rather than a new administrative level.

Preparations for the creation of the agglomeration took a long time. Specialists from the Kryvyi Rih City Development Institute, in cooperation with international experts, studied European practices, in particular the experience of Lublin. Expert and organisational support for the project is provided by the Luxembourg Agency for Development and Cooperation, which gives communities access to modern tools for project preparation and fundraising.

The next stage in the implementation of the Memorandum will be to identify the common needs of the participating communities, establish thematic working groups, and compile a portfolio of priority projects to present to international partners.

The document remains open: other communities in the district interested in working together on the basis of partnership and mutual responsibility may join the Kryvyi Rih agglomeration.