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