Ukrainian–Slovenian Business Forum on Energy Sphere strengthens bilateral cooperation and opens new opportunities for partnership

Ukrainian–Slovenian Business Forum on Energy Sphere strengthens bilateral cooperation and opens new opportunities for partnership

10. 12. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

Mengeš, 10 December 2025 – CEP hosted the Ukrainian–Slovenian Business Forum on Energy Sphere — a platform aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy field and fostering partnerships that support Ukraine’s urgent reconstruction and modernization needs while encouraging Slovenian companies to engage in future recovery and green transition projects.
The event brought together approximately 70 representatives from companies and institutions across the energy sector, who shared their projects, exchanged expertise, and explored new paths for collaboration. Ukrainian partners presented the scale of current challenges — including the need to rebuild 9 GW of power capacity due to Russian aggression — highlighting the importance of resilient and innovative solutions, as well as the financial and institutional support mechanisms available through the EU and the Energy Community. The Forum ultimately laid the groundwork for long-term cooperation and joint project development between Ukrainian and Slovenian stakeholders.

Just before the forum, CEP and the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking an important step toward strengthening cooperation between our institutions.
A key message of the Forum was that there are immediate business opportunities for the Slovenian private sector in Ukraine’s energy market. Ukrainian energy companies expressed a strong interest in building new partnerships and view Slovenian know-how and innovative solutions as highly valuable in addressing both reconstruction and long-term sustainable growth.
A heartfelt thank you to all partners for their essential contributions to this successful event.

The event was organised in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of Slovenia, the Energy Industry Chamber of Slovenia, SPIRIT Slovenija, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Slovenia, and the Ukrainian CCI.

The event was supported by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs under the Slovenian Aid programme.

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INVITATION – Ukrainian-Slovenian Business Forum on Energy Sphere (10 Dec 2025, 10:00 CET)

INVITATION – Ukrainian-Slovenian Business Forum on Energy Sphere (10 Dec 2025, 10:00 CET)

13. 11. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

We kindly invite you to the

Ukrainian–Slovenian Business Forum on Energy Sphere

 

taking place on 10th December 2025 from 10:00–13:00 (CET)

 

Location: ON-SITE – Jable Castle, Grajska cesta 1, 1234 Loka pri Mengšu (Slovenia) / ONLINE

 

The event is held under the auspices of the Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine Programme implemented by the Centre for European Perspective (CEP), in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SPIRIT, Slovenian Public Agency for Investments, Entrepreneurship and Internationalisation.

 

The event will bring together companies from Ukraine and Slovenia (both on-site and online), along with the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. An additional side programme for Ukrainian delegations will be communicated shortly.

 

 Please, register online here: REGISTRATION FORM (Registration deadline: 1 Dec 2025)

  

For any additional information, do not hesitate to contact us:

Mr Oleg Rogoza, Project Manager (CEP), [email protected]

Ms Nuša Blatnik, Project Assistant (CEP), [email protected]

 

QUICK CONCEPT – PARTNERSHIPS FOR COOPERATION AND RECOVERY PROJECTS

The ongoing transformation of the energy sector in Europe, coupled with the urgent need for reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, creates a unique opportunity for cross-border cooperation. Slovenia, as an EU member with strong expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, green transition, and sustainable infrastructure, can offer valuable partnerships to Ukrainian companies seeking technological know-how, investment support, and joint participation in EU- or Energy Community–financed projects.
For Ukrainian energy enterprises and technology providers, this conference offers opportunities for joint project development that contribute to Ukraine’s sustainable recovery and integration into the European energy community, while for Slovenian companies, it offers an entry point into the Ukrainian market, access to European funding mechanisms for joint projects in the energy sphere in Ukraine.

Event objectives
• To facilitate partnerships between Ukrainian and Slovenian companies active in the energy sector and related industries;
• To promote joint participation in EU- and Energy Community–financed projects, including green transition and recovery programs for Ukraine;
• To inform participants about available financial and institutional support mechanisms in Slovenia and the EU;
• To showcase innovative energy solutions, technologies, and services that can support Ukraine’s recovery and sustainable growth;
• To create a long-term network for cooperation and project development in the energy sphere.

Target audiences
From Ukraine:
• Energy companies, utilities, and grid operators;
• Renewable energy developers (solar, wind, biomass, hydrogen);
• Energy efficiency solution providers;
• Engineering and technology firms;
• Municipal energy agencies and project implementers.

From Slovenia:
• Companies in energy sector, incl. in renewable energy, smart grids, and clean technologies;
• Consulting and engineering firms.

Ukrainian companies are invited to present:
• Their capabilities in the energy sector;
• Partnership needs (technological, financial, or strategic);
• Project ideas for which they seek Slovenian or EU partners.

Slovenian companies are encouraged to:
• Explore business opportunities in Ukraine’s energy recovery;
• Identify reliable Ukrainian partners for EU-funded or bilateral projects;
• Contribute to Europe’s green and resilient energy future through cooperation.

Quick event timeline
1. Opening of the event
2. Keynote address
3. Presentations on part of Ukrainian companies
4. Presentations on part of Slovenian companies
5. B2B (business-to-business opportunity)
6. Networking lunch

Upcoming mentorship visit of Municipality of Zarichne at the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica

Upcoming mentorship visit of Municipality of Zarichne at the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica

6. 11. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

As part of the Ukraine Recovery Programme, we are pleased to announce an upcoming mentorship visit of representatives from the Municipality of Zarichne (Ukraine) to the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica (Slovenia).

The visit will take place from 19 to 28 November 2025. The main focus of the mentorship will be on public utilities, including water supply systems, waste management, road infrastructure, and sewerage. Additional topics will cover healthcare, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. The selected themes reflect the clearly defined needs and priorities of the Ukrainian partner municipality, identified during the previous phase of the project.

The ‘Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine’ programme is funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships and implemented in partnership with ‘U-LEAD with Europe’. 

Break the Fake: Standing Together for Truth and Resilience in Europe’s Information Space

Break the Fake: Standing Together for Truth and Resilience in Europe’s Information Space

27. 10. 2025 | European Digital Diplomacy Exchange, PR, Regional cooperation, Strategic Communication, Ukraine

Ljubljana, October 24, 2025 – On Thursday, October 23, the House of the European Union in Ljubljana hosted Break the Fake, an event dedicated to strengthening resilience against disinformation and promoting cooperation between Slovenia, Ukraine, and European partners in defending truth and democratic values.
 
 
Organized by the NGO Platform for Development Projects “Priority” in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in Slovenia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Government Communication Office of the Republic of Slovenia, and the Centre for European Perspective (CEP), the event brought together diplomats, experts, and civil society representatives to explore the human and societal impact of disinformation.
 
Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Petro Beshta, Ambassador of Ukraine to Slovenia; Ms. Petra Bezjak Cirman, Head of the Government Communication Office; and Ms. Nina Čepon, Executive Director of the Centre for European Perspective.
 
 
The programme featured an analysis of Russian propaganda strategies by disinformation expert Mr. Mykhaylo Dankanych, followed by the deeply moving personal testimony of Mr. Malik Yevgeniy, a former Ukrainian prisoner of war, who shared his experience of captivity and the psychological toll of propaganda.

Break the Fake: Standing Together for Truth and Resilience in Europe’s Information Space

 
In her address, CEP Executive Director Nina Čepon underlined that disinformation is not an abstract concept but a force that undermines trust, weakens social cohesion, and erodes democratic foundations. She highlighted CEP’s long-term engagement in strengthening Europe’s information resilience through partnership, education, and capacity building.
 
Through initiatives such as Countering Disinformation and Building Resilience in the Western Balkans and the European Digital Diplomacy Exchange (EDDE), CEP works with journalists, diplomats, and public officials to strengthen media literacy, build cross-sectoral cooperation, and promote communication grounded in trust and transparency. These programmes have also fostered close collaboration with Ukrainian partners, particularly since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
 
Further demonstrating this partnership, CEP’s Slovenia Connects – Rebuild Ukraine initiative supports capacity building and good governance in Ukraine, focusing on empowering local and regional authorities in the country’s recovery and reconstruction process.
 
 
The event concluded with an open discussion on countering Russian propaganda and violations of international law.
 
As Ms. Čepon emphasized, resilience begins with truth, and the most effective response to disinformation lies in cooperation among institutions, media, educators, and citizens. Break the Fake served as a reminder that every verified story, every act of solidarity, and every informed conversation helps build a Europe that is resilient, united, and free.
 
Conclusion of Two Parallel TIPS4UA Internship Visits: Lenart and Velika Polana

Conclusion of Two Parallel TIPS4UA Internship Visits: Lenart and Velika Polana

6. 10. 2025 | PR, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

On Friday, 3 October, two intensive and inspiring internship visits concluded under the TIPS4UA initiative. The visits took place in parallel — with representatives from the Ukrainian municipality of Bibrka 🇺🇦 hosted by the Municipality of Lenart, and representatives from the Ukrainian municipality of Zymne 🇺🇦 hosted by the Municipality of Velika Polana.

Over the course of two weeks, the participants engaged in an active exchange of experience and knowledge, focusing on two key themes: waste management and cultural heritage protection. The internships aimed to strengthen local capacities, deepen cooperation between partner municipalities, and co-develop practical solutions for shared challenges.

Throughout the programme, participants:
• learned about good practices in waste management and saw local models in action,
• explored innovative approaches to cultural heritage preservation,
• visited local institutions such as primary schools, health centres, and youth centres,
• participated in cultural activities and community events,
• and enjoyed a study visit to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital.

These visits not only fostered valuable professional cooperation but also built lasting connections and mutual understanding between Slovenian and Ukrainian municipalities. The knowledge gained and relationships formed will continue to support sustainable local development and strengthen European solidarity in the years ahead.

The internship takes place under the auspices of the Centre for European Perspective Programme “Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine”, financed by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, in partnership with TIPS4UA Programme, supported by the European Committee of the Regions and U-LEAD with Europe.

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Drugi sestanek neformalne koordinacijske platforme akterjev RS za Ukrajino

Drugi sestanek neformalne koordinacijske platforme akterjev RS za Ukrajino

27. 9. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

Text in English here.

Grad Jable, 24. september 2025 – Drugi sestanek neformalne koordinacijske platforme akterjev Republike Slovenije, ki delujejo v Ukrajini na področju obnove in razvoja, je potekal pod okriljem programa Obnova Ukrajine. Sestanek je bil namenjen izmenjavi informacij, prepoznavanju sinergij in dogovoru o nadaljnjem sodelovanju med različnimi akterji, ki delujejo na terenu. Udeleženci so pregledali dosedanje aktivnosti, predstavili nove pobude in razpravljali o najboljših pristopih za povečanje učinka prizadevanj RS v Ukrajini.

Tri ključne ugotovitve sestanka so bile:

  • Večja osredotočenost naporov RS v Ukrajini – člani platforme so poudarili, da bi strateška koordinacija in bolj osredotočene aktivnosti omogočile poglobljen učinek, večjo vidnost in racionalnejšo rabo sredstev. Poseben poudarek je bil na regijah Khmelnitsky, Lviv in Dnipro-Petrovsk, kjer Slovenija že izvaja številne projekte.
  • Povečano ozaveščanje v Sloveniji – potrebno je okrepiti prepoznavnost dela RS v Ukrajini, zlasti med mladimi, odločevalci in v zasebnem sektorju. Razprava je pokazala, da različni pristopi k ozaveščanju ciljnih skupin, kot so informativne kampanje in dogodki za mlade, pomembno prispevajo k prepoznavnosti in vplivu.
  • Skupni projekt letovanja ukrajinskih otrok v Sloveniji leta 2026 – projekt bo združil kapacitete slovenskih občin in obstoječa sredstva akterjev, pri čemer bo temeljil na izkušnjah preteklih letovanj. Cilj je doseči večji učinek in vidnost ter neposredno podpreti otroke, ki so prizadeti zaradi konflikta, z varnim in kakovostnim programom počitnic.

Sestanek je potrdil pomen sodelovanja, koordinacije in skupnih pobud za trajnejši vpliv prizadevanj RS v Ukrajini. Udeleženci so se dogovorili, da bodo nadaljevali delo na operativnem načrtu in pripravah na naslednje aktivnosti, ki bodo okrepile sinergijo in učinkovitost dosedanjih projektov.

The ‘Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine’ programme is funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships and implemented in partnership with ‘U-LEAD with Europe’.