Regional cooperation - CEP

Women Entrepreneurs at the Frontlines of Ukraine’s Recovery

24. 9. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

On 23 September 2025, the Centre for European Perspective (CEP) hosted the international webinar “Women Leading Local Recovery: Entrepreneurship, Empowerment & the Social Economy in Ukraine.” The event brought together Slovenian and Ukrainian experts, entrepreneurs, and local leaders to showcase how women are driving economic recovery through business leadership and the social economy.

Key messages from the event

Women’s role in Ukraine’s economy is growing rapidly. In 2023, over 37,000 new businesses were launched in Ukraine, more than before the war. Women founded 56% of these new businesses. New enterprises are emerging in IT, e-commerce, education, manufacturing, agriculture, and creative industries (Ms Vira Savchenko, BDO Ukraine).
Supportive environments make the difference. Slovenia’s example demonstrates that ecosystems comprising chambers of commerce, incubators, and women’s associations, combined with EU and national financial instruments, are crucial in supporting women entrepreneurs’ success (Ms Branka Aralica, Ona Ve).
Challenges remain. Ukrainian women entrepreneurs continue to face obstacles such as limited access to credit, heavy compliance burdens, double caregiving roles, and the psychological toll of war. Yet, they persist and innovate, creating grassroots solutions.

Panellists shared practical insights and examples, with Ms Olena Kucheruk (NGO Shift and Promka) sharing the story of establishing a business anew as an IDP. Ms Yuliana Onischuk (Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation) reminded participants that resilience means daring to try, and Ms Maryna Saprykina (U&WE Hub) underlined the importance of women taking up leadership roles and stepping forward with confidence. Ms Yuliia Posternak (Kulykivka Hromada) pointed to the need for balance between local self-government and business as the foundation for strong communities.

As highlighted during the opening, women in Ukraine are not only rebuilding businesses but also creating new ones, contributing to local economies, breaking stereotypes, and serving as mentors. Strengthening their role is a long-term investment in resilience, sustainability, and growth.

This webinar was part of CEP’s Programme on Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine, particularly Pillar III – Economy, which focuses on improving local business environments, promoting entrepreneurship, and connecting Slovenian and Ukrainian actors for sustainable recovery.

The event was organised with the support of the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, in cooperation with the EBA – European Business Association, with a special thanks to Ms Kateryna Prysiazhniuk and the U-LEAD with Europe programme.

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 Enter: Change forum ends

3. 9. 2025 | BiH - Young Politicians, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Youth

The second Enter: Change Forum titled “Shaping BiH’s Tomorrow: Youth Leading the Way” was concluded successfully on the 2nd of September. It brought together 16 promising young politicians from across Bosnia and Herzegovina, uniting them in Kranjska Gora to reflect on their country’s future. Representing diverse ethnic and political backgrounds, these young leaders came together to share ideas, debate solutions, and prepare a vision for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path towards the European Union.

The forum officially opened with inspiring addresses from distinguished guests:

H.E. Mr Dario Novalić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Slovenia
Mr John D. Stubbs, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Ljubljana
Ms Nina Čepon, Executive Director of CEP
Ms Jelka Klemenc, Head of Development Cooperation at CEP

In their opening remarks, speakers emphasised the importance of empowering youth voices, strengthening trust in institutions, and fostering political stability as essential steps towards a more inclusive and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina. Forum facilitator Mr Adnan Ćerimagić, analyst at the European Stability Initiative, underlined the power of narratives, true or false, in shaping a country’s present and future, urging participants to take ownership of the stories that define Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This Forum’s focus was on three key pillars for BiH’s tomorrow:

European Integration – understanding the EU path & learning from best practices;
Rule of Law & Fight Against Corruption – strengthening institutions & transparency;
Interethnic Dialogue & Inclusive Leadership – fostering trust, cooperation & unity.

We had the pleasure of listening to experts in their respective fields, like Assoc. Prof. Dr Sabina Lange, who talked about the EU membership process, Prof. Dr Mojmir Mrak and Ms Vesna Pusić spoke about their stories with the EU negotiation process for Slovenia and Croatia; Doc. dr Faris Kočan and Prof. Dr Rok Zupančič dove deeper into Rule of Law and the importance of Interethnic dialogue in Post-conflict societies; and lastly, Mr Goran Klemenčič, former Minister of Justice and Chief Commissioner of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption of the Republic of Slovenia, who held an anti-corruption lesson for our participants.

Our Young Bosnian leaders had the opportunity to meet with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Ms Marta Kos on the outskirts of the Bled Strategic Forum, where they discussed the role of youth in shaping political processes and advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European perspective, while sharing their vision statement, prepared during the second forum.

The Participants also had the opportunity to join synergies with the Young Bled Strategic Forum and participate in their discussions, as well as attend the Bled Strategic Forum itself and listen to the insightful panels. Before they left beautiful Bled, they had a sit-down with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr Elmedin Konaković, which led to a fruitful debate over coffee.

At the end of the forum the participant adopted a joint Resolution on Youth Vision and Recommendations for a More Effective Contribution to Democratic Governance.

Together, we’re laying the foundations for a new generation of leaders committed to an inclusive, just, and European-oriented future.

The activities within the project Enter: Change are supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships programme, and by the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana.

More about the activites in the Flick gallery below: