4. 4. 2024 | Decentralisation, Economic development, local self-government, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine, Waste management
Več o aktivnostih v slovenskem jeziku najdete tukaj.
This sunny Thursday, the municipality of Idrija hosted the final event of the mentorship visit under the auspices of the project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’.
The mentorship visit between Idrija and Pereschepinska focused on strengthening the heritage protection capacities of Pereschepinska hromada and the establishment of a waste management system in Pereschepinska and the sub-region. It took place from 20 March to 4 April 2024 and signals the end of the fourth mentorship visit between Slovenian and Ukrainian municipalities. Joining the mentorship in Idrija were Mr Iaroslav Tsvirkun, Mayor of Pereschepinska hromada and Ms Svitlana Bulava, Head of the Sector for Investments at Pereschepinska hromada. They were mentored by the municipality of Idrija mentor, Ms Lenka Grošelj and Mr Matevž Straus, Director of ID20 Institute.
Opening the Thursday final event at the castle Gewerkenegg in Idrija was Ms Jelka Klemenc, CEP Senior Advisor, who introduced the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships project and thanked both municipalities for the excellent work over the three weeks. Continuing was the Mayor of Idrija, Mr Tomaž Vencelj, who expressed strong support for the project and thanked the involved partners and experts, who aided the successful conclusion of the project. Mayor Vencelj also expressed the willingness for further cooperation between Idrija and Pereschepinska, signalling the openness for the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Idrija and Pereschepinska, where additional possible fields of cooperation could be expressed.
Speaking on behalf of the Pereschepinska mentees was the Mayor, Mr Iaroslav Tsvirkun, who thanked the municipality of Idrija and its mentors for excellent support and warm welcome, adding that their shared knowledge and willingness to help was crucial for the preparation of the project drafts. He also thanked all involved organisations, the organising team at CEP and the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs for their support. Continuing on, he presented the three weeks of mentorship and the two project drafts that were prepared during the mentorship visit. The drafts presented are a strong basis for the future cooperation between Idrija and Pereschepinska, especially in terms of natural and cultural heritage protection.
In the first week, mentees from Pereschepinska focused on building upon their knowledge of project management, project writing, and project funding with the help of CEP expert, Mr Klemen Srna.
The second week focused on heritage protection and waste management. Idrija, known for its excellent heritage protection and preservation projects, prepared a rich programme for mentees. It included site visits and presentations from Idrija ID20 Institute, Institute Dobra pot, Idrija Youth Centre, Šturmajce farm, Idrija Geopark, and Idrija Mercury Heritage Management Centre. Here, mentees learned more about heritage protection projects, UNESCO, funding possibilities, cooperation between the municipality and NGOs in the region, and more. Discussions with the municipality and Idrijsko-Cerkljanska Regional Development Agency highlighted possible energy efficiency projects connected to waste management and heritage protection. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the conversations and site visits turned to waste management and environment protection, with presentations on the Slovenian waste management system by CEP. Following was an important site visit to the Utility Company Idrija, where Idrija’s waste management system was presented in practice. On Wednesday, mentors and mentees visited RCERO Waste Management Centre Ljubljana, the biggest environmental project in Slovenia supported by the Cohesion Fund. It is the most modern facility for waste treatment in Europe and processes waste from more than a third of Slovenia.
The third week focused on the preparation of a project concept for the development of a heritage protection projects and waste management system in Pereschepinska municipality. Mentees were aided by CEP expert, Ms Slavka Zupan and Mr Matevž Straus and prepared a well-elaborated concept.
The mentorship concluded today with an internal debrief between CEP, mentors, and mentees, followed by a the closing event and the presentation of the mentorship results and projects drafts prepared during the mentorship visit. The plans will be elaborated and finalized during the project until its end in 2024, while initial activities have already begun during the mentorship visit in Idrija.
The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs representative, Ms Mateja Urbanija, Ms Natalia Markevych Pritsa from the Embassy of Ukraine to Slovenia, Mr Lovro Klinar from the European Commission Representation in Slovenia. Media representatives, and representatives of organisations in Idrija involved in the activities joined the closing event.
The ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’ project 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’. U-LEAD with Europe programme is a partnership of the Ukrainian government and the European Union, and its member states Germany, Poland, Denmark and Slovenia, to support the establishment of multi-level governance that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the population of Ukraine.
20. 3. 2024 | Decentralisation, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine, Waste management
20 March 2024, Idrija – Today, we began the second three-week mentorship of 2024 in the municipality of Idrija under the auspices of the project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’.
The event was opened by the Mayor of the Municipality of Idrija, Mr Tomaž Vencelj. He greeted the participants and expressed Idrija’s openness to cooperating with Pereschepinska municipality. He then presented Idrija through the video of the Idrija geopark and spoke of the possibilities for cooperation between the municipalities.
The following was the project presentation by Ms Jelka Klemenc, CEP’s project lead, who presented the project and its objectives.
On behalf of mentees from Pereschepinska, Mayor Tsvirkun presented the municipality, its challenges, possibilities, and expected outcomes of the mentorship visit.
The mentorship builds upon the needs expressed by Pereschepyne municipality, mainly the preservation of cultural heritage, waste management, and energy efficiency of public buildings, and will address topics crucial for the municipality’s further development, such as project management, project writing, and topics related to the EU enlargement process on the local level.
The Idrija municipality, with its rich heritage in cultural preservation, activities in the area of waste management, sustainability and zero waste, and the successful establishment of the Ljubevč waste collection centre, brings valuable experience that can be a boon to partners from Pereschepyne. Through presentations and site visits, mentees from Ukraine will gain insights into these practices and projects and explore project planning, preparation and management, and EU project funding.
The ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’ project 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’. U-LEAD with Europe programme is a partnership of the Ukrainian government and the European Union, and its member states Germany, Sweden, Poland and Slovenia to support the establishment of multi-level governance that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the population of Ukraine.
13. 3. 2024 | Decentralisation, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine, Waste management
On 20 March, we will begin the second three-week mentorship of 2024 in the municipality of Idrija under the auspices of the project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’.
The fourth mentorship visit of the project will focus on developing collaboration between Pereschepyne and Idrija and enhancing knowledge and cooperation across multiple topics.
The mentorship builds upon the needs expressed by Pereschepyne municipality, mainly the preservation of cultural heritage, waste management, and energy efficiency of public buildings, and will address topics crucial for the municipality’s further development, such as project management, project writing, and topics related to the EU enlargement process on the local level.
The Idrija municipality, with its rich heritage in cultural preservation, activities in the area of waste management, sustainability and zero waste, and the successful establishment of the Ljubevč waste collection centre, brings valuable experience that can be a boon to partners from Pereschepyne. Through presentations and site visits, mentees from Ukraine will gain insights into these practices and projects and explore project planning, preparation and management, and EU project funding.
The ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’ project 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’. U-LEAD with Europe programme is a partnership of the Ukrainian government and the European Union, and its member states Germany, Sweden, Poland and Slovenia to support the establishment of multi-level governance that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the population of Ukraine.
16. 2. 2024 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine
Mengeš, 16 February – Today, the Centre for European Perspective – CEP hosted a high-level roundtable discussion, “TWO YEARS ON,” to mark the conclusion of the second year since the initiation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The event, opened by the Executive Director of the Centre for European Perspective, Ms Nina Čepon, brought together the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, H. E Mrs Tanja Fajon, Dr Damir Črnčec, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia, H. E. Mr Andrii Taran, Ambassador of the U.S to Slovenia, Ms Jamie L. Harpootlian, and Slovenian Member of the European Parliament, Dr Klemen Grošelj. It provided a platform to discuss the ongoing efforts of Slovenians, the EU, and the global community for Ukraine’s support and a look toward the future.
Minister Fajon, in her opening address, emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine, stating, “Slovenia, as a staunch supporter of the EU enlargement process, continues to stand by the Ukrainian side.”
CEP Executive Director Čepon expressed her gratitude to the speakers, partners and participants, stating, “CEP remains dedicated to promoting dialogue and supporting initiatives that contribute to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.”
Ambassador Taran acknowledged the significance of the local and regional authorities in the recovery and reconstruction process, pointing out that the concept of Ukraine’s restoration is wider than just reconstruction, stressing that assistance begins with ensuring the security of the country in a military sense, which will allow to focus efforts on reviving Ukraine’s economy and creating conditions for the return of Ukrainians to Ukraine.
Ambassador Harpootlian focused on the active role of the U.S. in supporting Ukraine, highlighting initiatives for Ukrainians living in Slovenia, remarking, “Don’t let our noisy politics distract you from our resolve to support Ukraine”.
State Secretary Črnčec pointed out the importance of support between EU countries, “It is important to support a country that is a victim of an aggressor. Our history teaches us that. It is a question of values, a question of democracy”.
In the continuation of the discussion, Dr Grošelj focused on the EU’s role in supporting Ukraine, stressing, “It is not only military support, it is also the support of the EU accession process; this is another sign of strength and not weakness of European Union. “
The roundtable focused on various aspects of cooperation in the recovery and reconstruction process, including the role of local authorities and the ongoing efforts for post-conflict reconstruction.
The discussion on the role of local communities in the reconstruction process was continued in the “Fireside Chat” with Mr Iaroslav Tsvirkun, Mayor of Pereschepyne municipality, who provided perspectives on the challenges and opportunities at the local level, highlighting the importance of international cooperation, pointing out that “The support of Slovenian and other European communities and cities is not measured in terms of money value, but creates working places and recreates the lives of Ukrainian citizens in our communities”.
The event, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnership project Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine, also offered an opportunity for the presentation of a new publication by the Centre for European Perspective “Slovenia supporting Ukrainian communities: Integrating reconstruction with local development”, by Dr Janez Šušteršič, Ms Jelka Klemenc and Mr Jurij Kobal. You can find the brochure here.
The link to the stream of the event can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/live/bcTBCVCaZts?si=86Dt_qgSka7l21Xh
The event is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, alongside the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’, financed by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia.
7. 2. 2024 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine
Centre for European Perspective cordially invites you to a roundtable discussion
TWO YEARS ON
on
Friday, 16 February 2024, 09:30 – 14:00 CET
As the second year since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine comes to a close and the discussions on continued support for Ukraine intensify, it is necessary to highlight the unwavering determination of the Ukrainian people to continue with inclusive reforms, democratization and modernization, incl. an active approach in the state-led European integration processes.
Despite the still ongoing conflict, the recovery and rebuilding processes have already begun with many major achievements, but the post-war recovery process for Ukraine also means achieving democratic security – and here is where the local level comes in. Local and regional authorities are an important factor in the recovery process and a key guiding force for the reconstruction process. Slovenia and many other EU countries have recognized the role of local communities and are already transitioning from offering humanitarian and material aid to development projects. Capable and strong local communities will be able to accomplish the objectives of the decentralization reform and aid the transformation of Ukraine.
Another key stakeholder in the post-conflict recovery process is youth. Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, youth has been on Ukrainian frontlines, both literally and figuratively, but they will need to play an integral part in the post-war reconstruction, helping to shape important initiatives and continue the democratization process.
Programme of the event
09:10 – 09:30 Arrivals
09:30 – 10:45 High-level roundtable
Welcome speech by Ms Nina Čepon, Executive Director, Centre for European Perspective
Opening address by H. E Mrs Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia
Speakers:
-
- Mrs Oleksandra Azarkhina, Deputy Minister, Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine
- Dr Damir Črnčec, State Secretary, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia
- H. E. Mr Andrii Taran, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia
- H. E. Mrs Jamie L. Harpootlian, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia
- Dr Klemen Grošelj, Member of the European Parliament for Slovenia
Moderator: Ms Nataša Briški, M.Sc., TV presenter, editor and journalist.
10:45 – 11:30 Coffee break
11:30 – 12:00 »Fireside Chat« / One-on-one with Mayor of a Ukrainian Municipality
Mr Iaroslav Tsvirkun, Mayor, Pereschepyne hromada, Ukraine
Moderated by Ms Nataša Briški, M.Sc., TV presenter, editor and journalist
12:00 – 13:00 Informal reception / Lunch buffet
13:10 – 14:00 About Ukraine from Ukraine’s future – the perspective of Ukrainian youth
Moderated by Mr Jernej Grahor, Project Manager, Centre for European Perspective
Register HERE.
Following the high-level roundtable discussion and fireside chat, you are kindly invited to join us at the lunch buffet at Jable Castle, which will be followed by a discussion with Ukrainian youth.
The event is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, alongside the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’, financed by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia.
5. 2. 2024 | Decentralisation, local self-government, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe
12 February, 10:00-11:30 CET
The war in Ukraine has shaken up the European Union’s approach to enlargement. Long seen as a purely technical process, the EU enlargement policy is now recognized as a geopolitical tool which will require a more strategic approach.
As Ukraine embarks on this journey, what is the process for joining the European Union, what implications does the Ukrainian path toward the EU have on the accession process of the Western Balkans, and which lessons can Ukraine take from the Balkans?
Joining us in a special webinar discussion was Mr Georg Ziegler, Adviser, Ukraine Service, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (NEAR), European Commission.
You can check out the recording of the session below or on our YouTube channel – here.
Georg Ziegler is an Advisor in the “Ukraine Service” of the European Commission in the Directorate General for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (NEAR). Before his current role, he was Deputy Head of the Support Group for Ukraine. During his career, he has worked on preparing some Western Balkan countries for EU accession and on the 5th enlargement of the EU by Central and Eastern European countries until 2004; he was also posted by the German Government at the Embassy in Warsaw from 1990-95.
The activities are taking place under the project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’, 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’. U-LEAD with Europe programme is a partnership of the Ukrainian government and the European Union, and its member states Germany, Poland, Denmark and Slovenia, to support the establishment of multi-level governance that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the population of Ukraine.
