Forum of Slovenian–Ukrainian Cooperation in Lviv

Forum of Slovenian–Ukrainian Cooperation in Lviv

Ljubljana, 20 May 2025 – From 28 to 30 May 2025, the Centre for European Perspective and the City of Lviv are hosting the ‘Forum of Slovenian-Ukrainian Cooperation: Strengthening Partnerships for Recovery and Reconstruction’, organised by the Centre for European Perspective (CEP) in cooperation with U-LEAD with Europe, implemented by GIZ, and supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. The event is part of the broader programme “Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine”, the cornerstone of Slovenia’s development cooperation with Ukraine in 2025–2026.

The Forum will bring together Slovenian and Ukrainian municipalities, government representatives from Slovenia and Ukraine, EU officials, mayors of Slovenian and Ukrainian municipalities, representatives of Dnipropetrovsk and Lviv regional administrations, to exchange good practices in local and regional recovery and reconstruction, explore future cooperation, and discuss Slovenia’s targeted support for Ukraine’s EU accession process. Special focus will be placed on the role of international municipal partnerships (IMPs) in Ukraine’s post-war recovery, reconstruction and development. Thematic panels will take place, focusing on several key topics, such as waste management and housing policy.

The CEP Programme ‘Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine’ builds on mutual solidarity between the Slovenian and Ukrainian communities, aiming to foster long-term partnerships for the rebuilding of Ukraine. The Forum in Lviv will reaffirm Slovenia’s role as a committed partner in Ukraine’s recovery and European future.

Enter Change participants on a visit to the Slovenian Embassy in BiH

Enter Change participants on a visit to the Slovenian Embassy in BiH

On Wednesday, 14 May 2025, as part of the Enter Change project—led by the Centre for European Perspective (CEP) with the support of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and the Embassy of the United States of America in Slovenia—project participants visited the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Through an open dialogue, the participants learned about the functioning of the Slovenian Embassy in Sarajevo, diplomatic processes, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the relations between Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The young participants highlighted the importance of direct dialogue with diplomats, which provided valuable insight into the workings of institutions that shape international relations and contribute to regional stability.
 
A sincere thank you to H.E. Ambassador Damjan Sedar and his team for their exceptional hospitality, time, and willingness to engage with the participants’ many questions. The Enter Change project continues with activities that promote inclusive leadershipinterethnic dialogue, and regional cooperation.
 

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Workshops in Skopje: Advancing Nursing and Midwifery Education in North Macedonia

Workshops in Skopje: Advancing Nursing and Midwifery Education in North Macedonia

The second set of workshops within the project “Advancing nursing and midwifery education and establishing the system for the recognition of professional qualifications in the Republic of North Macedonia (2024–2025)” will take place from 27 to 28 May in Skopje. The workshops will bring together representatives from six faculties, healthcare professionals, and international experts to discuss the proposed national curriculum for nursing and midwifery, regulatory reforms, and the future of integrated primary healthcare.

Joining the workshops will be Slovenian experts from the Nurses and Midwives Association of Slovenia (Zbornica – Zveza) and the Angela Boškin Faculty of Health Care, who will share insights into curriculum development, the establishment of regulatory bodies, and the role of nurses in family medicine clinics.

The project is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia [through the International Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Programme] and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of North Macedonia, with technical support from WHO Office North Macedonia.

PLATFORM LAUNCH: Slovenia Connects – Rebuild Ukraine

PLATFORM LAUNCH: Slovenia Connects – Rebuild Ukraine

We are launching new communication channels for our programme Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine: Slovenia Connects – Rebuild Ukraine!

In 2025, we launched an expanded programme Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine, a programme that significantly contributes to the processes of recovery, reconstruction and development in Ukraine by providing Slovenian know-how and exchange of good practices. The programme builds on CEP’s longstanding work in local reconstruction and development in Ukraine. It aims to enable sustainable development and stimulate economic growth in Ukraine by addressing key aspects of local and regional reconstruction and development: environment, energy, education, housing, rehabilitation and digitalisation, and empowering local business and entrepreneurship. 

In this new programme phase, CEP will focus on maintaining existing inter-municipal partnerships, spreading its network, and contributing its expertise to the Ukrainian EU integration process. Furthermore, it will strive to connect Slovenian and Ukrainian business stakeholders, respond to emerging needs in local development through pilot initiatives and offer a coordination platform to explore possibilities for further cooperation between relevant partners.

One of the ways to access these partners and provide the most up-to-date information for our stakeholders is through social media. This is why the programme Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine launched new communication channels under the common slogan Slovenia Connects – Rebuild Ukraine, providing a platform to share programme activities, events, initiatives and much more.

You can find us on:

And don’t forget to use #SlovenianAid  #CEP_Slovenia and tag us.

Come take a look and connect with us! Слідкуйте за новинами!                                   

This programme is supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and ULEAD з Європою / ULEAD with Europe.

                       

Project kickoff in North Macedonia

Project kickoff in North Macedonia

Yesterday, 12th February, a new project in the field of digitalization in North Macedonia was launched in Skopje.
 
The State Secretary at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ms Gordana Klincharova, and representatives of the Ministry of Local Self-Government and the Association of the Units of Local Self-Government (ZELS) held a working meeting with the CEP Project Team, headed by Ms Jelka Klemenc, Head of International Development (CEP). They were also joined by Ms Nika Rotar, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Ambassador, and Ms Gjyle Vishaj, Minister Plenipotentiary, Economic Affairs (Slovenian Embassy in Skopje). They agreed upon an initial timeline, work plan, and other modalities.
 
 
The project, which is supported by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (Slovenian Aid & Partnerships), will address one of the central elements of the National Development Strategy of North Macedonia (2024–2044), related to the strategic priority of “Sustainable local and regional development.” Incorporating applicable Slovenian experience and expertise, the project will enable key steps to provide a sustainable national platform for the digital development of North Macedonia’s cities and towns and thus enable more efficient delivery of municipal services to citizens.

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Green transition in Ukraine webinar series

Green transition in Ukraine webinar series

Centre for European Perspective is delighted to invite you to the webinar series on green transition!

The green transition refers to the shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in all sectors of society, including energy, transportation, and industry. The European Union (EU) has been at the forefront of these efforts through policies like the European Green Deal, REPowerEU, and the Fit for 55 package. These initiatives aim to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and foster a circular economy. Understanding these policies is important for local governments as they seek to align with EU standards, secure funding, and implement green practices at the municipal level.

Despite the ongoing conflict, the reconstruction process has started – with Ukraine working towards a sustainable reconstruction. Learning more about the possibilities the EU offers is helpful for local authorities involved in the reconstruction and recovery process.

This webinar series, organised with expert support from the Štajerska Chamber of Commerce, will provide you with the basics of green transition and EU policies, funding opportunities, and practical strategies for green public procurement for Ukrainian municipalities.

 

Webinar Series Programme

  1. Green Deal, REPowerEU, Fit for 55, Circular Economy Action Plan
    –  What is it all about?
    –  What does it have to do with Ukraine?
    Date: 30 January 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET
  2. EU Funding for Green Transition – Where, How, and What?
    –  Opportunities for Ukraine
    –  List of Relevant Calls for Application
    Date: 6 February 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET
  3. Green Public Procurement I
    –  Basics
    –  Challenges & Opportunities
    Date: 13 February 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET
  4. Green Public Procurement II
    –  Good Practice Examples
    –  How to Implement in Ukraine
    Date: 20 February 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET

 

REGISTER HERE!

 

 

The activities are funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships.