Conclusion of the Cluster visit on Local Economic Development

Conclusion of the Cluster visit on Local Economic Development

9. 6. 2026 | PR, Ukraine

The Cluster Visit – Strengthening Municipal Capacity for Local Economic Development in Slovenia has come to a close on Friday, 5 June 2026.

From entrepreneurship support and regional development to municipal cooperation and innovation ecosystems, the past nine days have demonstrated the power of knowledge exchange in shaping stronger local communities.

Representatives of Ukrainian municipalities and regional development institutions have successfully completed a study visit across Slovenia, exploring practical approaches to local economic development, regional growth, and municipal capacity building.

Throughout the programme, participants gained first-hand insight into Slovenia’s approach to regional development, business support systems, municipal cooperation, and the implementation of national development policies at the local level. The delegation engaged with representatives of ministries, regional development agencies, municipalities, business support organisations, and development experts from across the country.

The programme included visits to the Ljubljana University Incubator, SPIRIT Slovenia, the Slovenian Regional Development Fund, the Regional Development Agency of Koroška, the UNESCO Global Geopark Karavanke, the Slovenian Enterprise Fund, the Regional Development Agency Podravje, Venture Factory, and the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region.

Participants also met with mayors and municipal representatives from several Slovenian regions, gaining valuable insights into local governance, intermunicipal cooperation, investment promotion, and community-led development.

Through workshops, field visits, and discussions, participants explored topics such as entrepreneurship support infrastructure, project preparation and management, EU cohesion policy, cross-border cooperation, circular economy initiatives, SME support mechanisms, innovation ecosystems, and tools for strengthening local resilience.

The programme also provided a platform for Ukrainian participants to present their own experiences, challenges, and development priorities, fostering meaningful peer-to-peer exchange and identifying opportunities for future cooperation.

The concluding session focused on reflecting on lessons learned, identifying Slovenian practices that could be adapted to the Ukrainian context, and discussing practical next steps for strengthening local and regional development capacities.

The programme concluded with closing remarks by His Excellency Petro Beshta, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia, who highlighted the importance of international partnerships, knowledge exchange, and continued support for Ukrainian municipalities and regions as they work towards sustainable development, resilience, and recovery.

A sincere thank you to all institutions, experts, speakers, municipal representatives, and participants whose engagement and contributions made this programme possible. Together, they helped strengthen the foundations for future cooperation between Slovenia and Ukraine and demonstrated the value of learning from one another’s experiences.

 

This programme was prepared in cooperation with U-LEAD with Europe and implemented in partnership between Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development of Republic of Slovenia and Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.

This programme is supported by Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid and Partneships programme.

Photo album of the Cluster visit
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Ukrainian Municipal and Regional Representatives Begin Cluster Visit to Slovenia Focused on Economic Development

Ukrainian Municipal and Regional Representatives Begin Cluster Visit to Slovenia Focused on Economic Development

29. 5. 2026 | PR, Ukraine

Representatives of Ukrainian municipalities and regional authorities have officially begun their cluster mentorship visit to Slovenia, dedicated to economic development, investment promotion, and support for local entrepreneurship.

The visit brings together mayors and senior representatives from 13 Ukrainian oblasts and marks the beginning of a thematic process designed to support Ukrainian authorities in areas related to EU accession Chapter 22.

The opening discussions took place at Jable Castle in Mengeš, where participants were welcomed by representatives of CEP, the Embassy of Ukraine in Slovenia, the Ministry for Cohesion and Regional Development, and Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport. The first day of the programme focused on Slovenia’s governance model for regional development, cohesion policy, entrepreneurship support, and institutional cooperation.

Experts from Slovenian ministries and development institutions presented Slovenia’s national framework for regional development and business support, while also sharing practical experiences related to entrepreneurship promotion, development funds, and project support mechanisms.

The delegation was joined by:

  • Ms Alenka Marovt and Mr Jan Sitar from the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport,
  • Ms Ivana Štrkalj and Mr Tin Kampl from the Ministry for Cohesion and Regional Development,
  • Ms Natalia Markevych-Pritsa, First Secretary at the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Slovenia.

Throughout the visit, participants will explore Slovenia’s economic development ecosystem and institutional support environment through meetings, workshops, and field visits across Ljubljana and its surroundings, as well as the Koroška and Štajerska regions.

The mentorship process aims to strengthen the capacities of Ukrainian local and regional authorities in the fields of regional development, investment attraction, and sustainable local economic growth while contributing to Ukraine’s broader EU integration efforts.

The programme is organised by the Centre for European Perspective (CEP) in partnership with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and the Ministry for Cohesion and Regional Development of the Republic of Slovenia.

The Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme is supported by Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid and Partnership programme.

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Mentorship Visit of Horodenka Municipality to Beltinci Concludes

Mentorship Visit of Horodenka Municipality to Beltinci Concludes

28. 5. 2026 | PR, Ukraine

As part of the “Rebuild Ukraine” programme a mentorship visit of representatives from the Ukrainian municipality of Horodenka took place in the Municipality of Beltinci between 13 and 27 May. The programme was designed to support Ukrainian local communities in project development, knowledge exchange, and strengthening international cooperation.

Representatives of Horodenka municipality, Ms Mariia Zdrila and Ms Tetiana Hamula, worked together with CEP experts and their mentor Dejan Bogdan from the Municipality of Beltinci on developing project proposals in the fields of waste management and veterans’ rehabilitation. Both topics represent important priorities for the municipality as Ukraine continues to face the consequences of war and reconstruction challenges.

The mentorship programme provided participants with insight into Slovenian good practices in local development, project management, and the functioning of local self-government. During their stay, they attended presentations of projects implemented by the Municipality of Beltinci and the Institute for Tourism, Culture and Sport Beltinci, visited CEROP, Saubermacher-Komunala, Komuna Beltinci and the wastewater treatment plant, learned about the work of the social enterprise ZRIRAP Beltinci, and participated in the final conference of the RurALL project.

In the final stage of the visit, the delegation was joined by the Mayor of Horodenka Municipality, Mr Bohdan Kobyliansky, who was welcomed by the Mayor of Beltinci Municipality, Mr Marko Virag. Their meeting focused on exchanging experiences regarding local governance, the preparation and management of EU-funded projects, and the challenges faced by rural communities in both Slovenia and Ukraine.

The mentorship visit concluded at the scenic Island of Love in Ižakovci, where the mayors signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the municipalities of Beltinci and Horodenka, laying the foundation for future collaboration and joint initiatives.

On this occasion, the Municipality of Beltinci also donated solar panels to Horodenka, a gesture of solidarity and support that will help the local community during these difficult times.

“Many communities have good ideas, but you also need the required skills. We tried to give you an insight into our own journey,” said Mr Marko Virag, Mayor of the Municipality of Beltinci, during the closing event.

The mentorship visit stands as an important example of cooperation between Slovenian and Ukrainian local communities and represents concrete support for Ukraine’s recovery and long-term local development.

The Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme is supported by Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid and Partnership programme.

Foto: Jure Kljajić

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Global starts Local: Workshops about raising awareness on international development cooperation

Global starts Local: Workshops about raising awareness on international development cooperation

26. 5. 2026 | PR, Ukraine

CEP, in cooperation with Zavod Povod, is organising interactive workshops for 9th-grade primary school students aimed at raising awareness about the importance of international development cooperation, global solidarity, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The first workshops will take place:

  • on 3 June in Spodnja Idrija Primary School
  • on 12 June in Lenart Primary School

The 90-minute workshops are designed to introduce young people to Slovenia’s role in international development cooperation while encouraging reflection on active citizenship, solidarity, and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges.

Through interactive learning, group discussions, quizzes, and creative activities, participants will explore:

  • the role of Slovenia and the Centre for European Perspective in international cooperation,
  • the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for people, society, and the environment,
  • the contribution of Slovenian NGOs to international solidarity and sustainable development,
  • concrete examples of Slovenia’s support for Ukraine and other international projects.

Special attention will be given to connecting young people’s personal values with the Sustainable Development Goals and understanding how international projects contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient society.

The workshops are based on a participatory approach and encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and active engagement in understanding global challenges and their local impact.

The Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme is supported by Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid and Partnership programme.

More information about Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme
International development cooperation projects at CEP
Social Entrepreneurship as a Local Development Tool for Ukrainian Municipalities

Social Entrepreneurship as a Local Development Tool for Ukrainian Municipalities

20. 5. 2026 | PR, Ukraine

On 19 May 2026, the Centre for Europepan Perspective (CEP), in collaboration with the Regional Development Agency of the Kyiv Region, hosted a international webinar titled “Social Entrepreneurship as a Local Development Tool: Good Practices and Real-Life Examples from Slovenia and Ukraine”.

The webinar explored how municipalities can support social entrepreneurship through community engagement, local partnerships, and targeted support measures. Drawing on Slovenian experience, Mr Marin Zver from CPU – Center ponovne uporabe (Reuse Center Slovenia) presented how social enterprises can address waste, social exclusion, and local service gaps through reuse and circular economy models. His presentation focused on the importance of municipal partnerships, local infrastructure, and sustainable business activities that create green jobs, strengthen social inclusion, and keep value within the community.

Ukrainian expert Ms Ksenia Pecherska presented the Ukrainian perspective, focusing on legal and funding aspects, as well as practical approaches to identifying local needs and supporting community-led initiatives.

Supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid programme.

More information about the Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme
Upcoming Cluster Visit – Strengthening Municipal Capacity for Local Economic Development

Upcoming Cluster Visit – Strengthening Municipal Capacity for Local Economic Development

19. 5. 2026 | PR, Ukraine

Advancing partnership and practical exchange (EU Chapter 22): Reconstruction, Business Development and Supporting Ecosystems – 1st Cluster Visit to Slovenia will take place from 28th May to 5th June in Ljubljana, Koroška and Štajerska regions in Slovenia.

CEP, together with the Ministry for Cohesion and Regional Development of the Republic of Slovenia and the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, is hosting a cluster visit for Ukrainian representatives of municipalities, regional development agencies, and other key stakeholders.

The programme will present Slovenia’s approach to supporting local economic development, combining policy insights with practical tools for strengthening entrepreneurship and municipal capacities. Participants will exchange experiences, share good practices, and explore opportunities for future cooperation.

This visit also marks the start of a new cluster approach that will help bring the Slovenian experience closer to a larger number of Ukrainian hromadas, while opening discussions on related topics such as resilience and cross-border cooperation.

The initiative is another important step in Slovenia’s continued support for Ukraine on its path towards European integration, connecting several areas of CEP’s work: intermunicipal cooperation, economic development, and support for Ukraine in regional development.

The Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme is supported by Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid and Partnership programme and implemented in partnership with ULEAD with Europe.

More information about the Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme