Ukraine - CEP - Page 2

Municipalities Lenart and Velika Polana sign memoranda on cooperation with communities Bibrka and Zymne

22. 9. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

Today marked an important milestone in strengthening Slovenian–Ukrainian municipal cooperation. The municipalities of Lenart and Velika Polana officially signed memoranda of mutual cooperation with the Ukrainian communities of Bibrka (Lviv region) and Zymne (Volyn region). The signing coincided with the launch of two new two-week mentorship internships in Slovenia, designed to support knowledge exchange and joint solutions for recovery, reconstruction, and sustainable development in Ukraine.

The internships, running from 22 September to 3 October 2025, are part of the programme Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine and the broader TIPS4UA initiative. For the first time, two Slovenian municipalities will host Ukrainian delegations in parallel, reflecting the growing demand and importance of direct, practical cooperation between local communities.

Velika Polana is welcoming representatives from Zymne, with a programme focusing on cultural heritage protection, civil protection, and sustainable community initiatives. Lenart is hosting delegates from Bibrka, with exchanges planned around waste management, local development planning, and tourism.

The format of the visit will combine joint and individual sessions: the programme will open with three days of shared activities in Velika Polana, continue with separate internship weeks in each municipality, and conclude with three days of joint activities in Lenart. This structure allows for both tailored mentorship and collective reflection, ensuring that participants benefit from a wide range of Slovenian local experiences.

Building long-term partnerships

The memoranda signed today symbolise more than a formal agreement—they mark the beginning of long-term partnerships rooted in mutual trust, learning, and solidarity. The internships will not only provide Ukrainian representatives with practical insights into Slovenian local governance but also lay the foundation for joint projects in areas of recovery and reconstruction, sustainable economic development, and cultural cooperation.

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’.

Upcoming parallel mentorship visits in Velika Polana and Lenart

18. 9. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

22 September – 3 October 2025, Velika Polana & Lenart – Preparations are underway for the second and third two-week internship visits within our programme “Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine” and the TIPS4UA initiative. For the first time, these mentorship visits will take place in parallel, hosted by two municipalities.

Representatives from Zymne (Ukraine) will take part in the mentorship visit in Velika Polana, while representatives from Bibrka (Ukraine) will participate in Lenart. The programme begins with three days of joint activities in Velika Polana and concludes with three days of shared sessions in Lenart. In between, each host municipality will welcome its Ukrainian partner to exchange experiences and good practices in cultural heritage protection, civil protection, waste management, and sustainable tourism.

The visits will officially open on 22 September in Velika Polana and close on 3 October in Lenart, marking an important step in strengthening cross-border partnerships and knowledge exchange.

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’.

Strengthened support between CEP and Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Cooperation

15. 9. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

On Friday, 12 September 2025, at Jable Castle, a new cooperation agreement was signed between the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development of the Republic of Slovenia and the Centre for European Perspective (CEP). The agreement was signed by HE Dr Aleksander Jevšek, Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development, and Nina Čepon, Executive Director of CEP.

The partnership enhances cooperation between the two institutions in the framework of international development projects implemented by CEP in the Western Balkans and the EU Eastern Neighbourhood.

As part of the agreement, the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development joins CEP’s efforts as the lead partner in Pillar II of the programme Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine. Within this framework, the ministry will contribute targeted assistance to Ukraine in the EU membership negotiations, particularly in relation to Chapter 22 – Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural Instruments.

Slovenia’s experience with cohesion policy, including good practices, applicable expertise, and even lessons learned, will help strengthen the capacity of Ukraine’s negotiation team and the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine. The programme reaffirms its commitment to effective coordination with the EU, Member States, and non-EU donors in providing support to Ukraine.

This cooperation is part of Slovenia’s broader commitment under Slovenian Aid and Partnerships programme, supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. In cooperation with U-LEAD with Europe.

Slovenian Mayors Strengthen Cooperation in Supporting Ukraine’s Recovery

4. 9. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

Celje, 3 September 2025 – Local communities remain at the heart of the Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine Programme. Slovenian mayors gathered in Celje to discuss future activities and joint initiatives for 2026, in a meeting hosted by the Mayor of Celje, Mr Matija Kovač. They emphasized that the contribution of Slovenian municipalities has proven to be relevant and successful, fostering mutual learning and solidarity in support of Ukraine’s recovery amid the ongoing war.

Looking ahead, the mayors agreed to revitalise existing partnerships with Ukrainian municipalities and regions while also including new Slovenian municipalities in the process. They underlined the importance of developing concrete joint projects and of applying a cluster approach that connects communities through key themes such as rural development and tourism, civil protection and resilience, environmental management, and access to EU and other funding. These efforts will build on the expertise of Slovenian local leaders, the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the contribution of women to recovery, reform, and entrepreneurship.

The discussion also highlighted the need to increase the visibility of Slovenia’s contribution at both the EU and international level, while at the same time raising awareness among Slovenian citizens – particularly young people – about the importance of international solidarity and development cooperation. A concrete step in this direction will be the organisation of summer camps for Ukrainian children in Slovenia in 2026, offering them safe and supportive experiences away from the traumas of war. In parallel, Slovenian mayors will actively engage in European-level events and forums, including the European Week of Regions and Cities, the Bridges of Trust Annual Gathering, and the Ukraine Recovery Conference, to ensure that Slovenia’s role and commitment remain visible in wider European discussions.

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’.

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Second informal consultation meeting on Slovenian-Ukrainian cooperation

28. 8. 2025 | PR, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

We are pleased to announce an upcoming strategic consultation meeting in Celje, dedicated to strengthening international cooperation and fostering new opportunities for recovery and development on September 3rd. This important event will bring together Slovenian mayors whose commitment and fruitful partnerships play a vital role in Ukraine’s recovery efforts — initiatives that remain at the heart of our Programme. Organised in partnership with the Slovenian Embassy in Kyiv, the meeting will be graciously hosted by the Mayor of Celje. This gathering aims to facilitate meaningful discussions on the future direction of our Programme, with a particular focus on enhancing economic cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and exploring innovative avenues for joint projects and shared growth.

We also warmly welcome new participants who are joining us for the first time, looking forward to their fresh perspectives and contributions, as we lay the groundwork for impactful initiatives that benefit both Slovenian communities as well as Ukraine’s ongoing reconstruction efforts.

The activities are supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnership programme.

Children from Bucha visit Kočevje

17. 7. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

Kočevje, 17 July 2025 – A group of 45 children from Bucha Municipality (Kyiv region) spent a week in Kočevje, Slovenia, taking part in a programme designed to give them a break from the ongoing war and a chance to enjoy nature and new experiences.

The children, aged 9 to 14, followed an active schedule filled with sports, games, creative activities, and time outdoors. They especially enjoyed rafting and exploring the forests and hills of the Kočevje region, known for its natural beauty and wildlife. Teachers and mentors accompanying the group expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide the children with a safe and peaceful environment where they could relax and recharge. On their final day, the children met with Oleg Rogoza, Project Manager at CEP, and shared their impressions and hopes, including the wish that one day their Slovenian friends might visit them in Bucha.

The visit was made possible by the initiative of the Municipality of Kočevje and the Municipality of Bucha, with support from CEP and other partners. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation between Slovenian and Ukrainian municipalities and support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. The visit of Bucha children in Kočevje highlights good cooperation between Bucha and Kočevje, which signed a twin-cities agreement in April 2024.

We thank Mayor Gregor Košir, the team at the Municipality of Kočevje, all mentors, and the co-financers who helped make this visit possible.

The visit is in part supported by the Slovenian Aid & Partnerships programme of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.