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

More information about the Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme

Media articles

Občina Beltinci
Svet24
Pomurec
Sobota Info
Lendava Info
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
Ekipa Blejskega strateškega foruma išče študentske okrepitve

Ekipa Blejskega strateškega foruma išče študentske okrepitve

25. 5. 2026 | Bled Strategic Forum, PR

Ekipa Blejskega strateškega foruma (BSF) v svoje vrste ponovno vabi študentske okrepitve, ki bodo postale ključni del razširjene ekipe pri organizaciji največjega in najpomembnejšega zunanjepolitičnega dogodka v Republiki Sloveniji.

Letošnja mednarodna konferenca, ki bo potekala 31. avgusta in 1. septembra 2026 na Bledu, bo pod naslovom ‘Choosing The Future’ v ospredje postavila aktivno vlogo posameznikov in držav pri sooblikovanju prihodnosti.

Za glavno organizacijo foruma sicer skrbi ustaljena, a majhna ekipa, ki pa v času dogodka zaradi izjemnega organizacijskega zalogaja potrebuje pomoč. Študenti z operativnim delom in neposrednim stikom z gosti odigrajo neprecenljivo vlogo pri uspehu celotnega foruma, hkrati pa dobijo edinstven vpogled v zakulisje mednarodne politike.

Kaj pričakujemo od kandidatov?

  • Odgovornost, organiziranost in željo po pridobivanju novih izkušenj.
  • Urejen študentski status do konca septembra 2026.
  • Zaželene (niso pa pogoj) predhodne izkušnje pri organizaciji dogodkov.

Področja dela vključujejo: delo na odprtju v Festivalni dvorani, pomoč v medijskem centru ali PR ekipi, sprejem delegacij na letališču Jožeta Pučnika, logistično podporo v dvoranah, delo na bilateralnih srečanjih in na akreditacijskem pultu.

Kaj ponujamo?

  • Možnost sodelovanja na glavnem zunanjepolitičnem dogodku v Sloveniji ter odlično priložnost za nova poznanstva.
  • Delo, plačano po urni postavki 7,73 € neto.
  • Organizirano prehrano in prevoz iz Ljubljane do Bleda.
  • Možnost priznanja dela kot obvezne prakse v okviru formalnega izobraževanja.
  • Možnost pridobitve priporočila vodstva v primeru dobro opravljenega dela.

Potek dela: Glavnina dela bo potekala v ponedeljek, 31. avgusta, in v torek, 1. septembra, del ekipe pa bo vključen že med vikendom (29. in 30. avgusta) ter v času priprav. Predpriprave bodo vključevale en spletni koordinacijski sestanek in krajše spletno varnostno izobraževanje.

Vse zainteresirane študente vabimo, da se prijavi preko spletnega obrazca najkasneje do vključno nedelje, 7. junija 2026. Ob prijavi je potrebno priložiti življenjepis (CV) in kratko motivacijsko pismo (do 300 besed). V primeru velikega števila prijav bodo med 8. in 12. junijem potekali kratki, 10-minutni spletni razgovori.

Za dodatna vprašanja se lahko obrnete na: [email protected]

 

Prijavni obrazec
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
Upcoming Webinar on Social Entrepreneurship as a Local Development Tool

Upcoming Webinar on Social Entrepreneurship as a Local Development Tool

12. 5. 2026 | PR, Ukraine

CEP is organizing, in collaboration with the Regional Development Agency of the Kyiv Region a webinar on “Social Entrepreneurship as a Local Development Tool: Good Practices and Real-Life Examples from Slovenia and Ukraine”. The working language of the webinar will be English with Ukrainian translation. 

The webinar will take place online on 19 May 2026, 10.00 CET and attendance is free upon registration. Participants can register at the link below.

It is is aimed at municipal representatives and local development stakeholders interested in fostering social entrepreneurship in their regions.

What to expect?

Participants will learn about the principles and importance of social entrepreneurship. The webinar will also present good practices and successful examples from Slovenia. The Ukrainian perspective will focus on the local context and the ways municipalities can support social enterprises. The discussion will provide practical ideas for local governments looking to strengthen community development.

Speakers:
• Mr Marin Zver – Center for reuse (Center ponovne uporabe – CPU)
• Ms. Ksenia Pecherska – National Project for the Development of Entrepreneurship and Exports Diіa ; Parity U

 

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.

Registration link
More information about the Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme

Invitation to a Trivelis Institute discussion: Blurred Lines: Security in the Age of Hybrid Threats

Invitation to a Trivelis Institute discussion: Blurred Lines: Security in the Age of Hybrid Threats

7. 5. 2026 | PR

You are kindly invited to a panel discussion entitled

“Blurred Lines: Security in the Age of Hybrid Threats”, which will take place on 18 May 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Grand Plaza Hotel in Ljubljana.

The Trivelis Institute invites you to an expert discussion addressing the rapidly evolving nature of security in Europe. As the continent enters a period of sustained strategic uncertainty, traditional distinctions between peace and conflict are increasingly eroded by hybrid activities that target not only states, but societies as a whole.

While credible defence capabilities remain essential, today’s security is equally defined by resilience—the ability of institutions and societies to absorb disruption and maintain stability. Yet despite growing awareness, key challenges persist: how to identify, attribute, and respond effectively to threats that operate below the threshold of open warfare, and what this means for alliances such as NATO.

Join us for a timely and thought-provoking exchange on the future of security, defence, and resilience in an increasingly complex world.

 

EVENT PROGRAM

10:30 – 11:00 Registration

11:00 – 11:20 Opening remarks: Katja Geršak, Head of the Trivelis Institute

11:20 – 12:30 Panel 1: Defending Europe: Alliances, Threats, and the New Security Reality

General Martin Herem, former Chief of Defence of Estonia

General Major Boštjan Močnik, Chief of Defence, Slovenia

Moderator: Jure Tepina, Head of Digital Content, CME Adria

12:30 – 13:15 Networking / lunch

13:15 – 14:45 Panel 2: Invisible Battles: Hybrid Threats Across Cyber, Information and Society

Martha Turnbull, COI Director, European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE)

Michael Zinkanell, Director, Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy

Aleksandra Petrović, Head of Sector for Emerging Security Challenges, Directorate for Defence Affairs, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia

Moderator: Katja Geršak, Head of Trivelis Institute

14:45 Closing

 

The event will be held in English.

Registration: Kindly confirm your attendance no later than 14 May 2026 via the registration form

REGISTER HERE
Conclusion of the Project management workshop and Official project launch in Skopje

Conclusion of the Project management workshop and Official project launch in Skopje

24. 4. 2026 | North Macedonia - Nursing and Midwifery, PR

From 20 to 23 April 2026, a workshop on project management and communication took place in Skopje, aimed at strengthening the capacities of key stakeholders in the health and education sectors within the scope of ‘Strengthening Education and Professional Regulation in Nursing and Midwifery in North Macedonia’. 

Empowering and supporting skilled nurses at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of health care means strengthening the resilience of the entire national health system, better health protection and population health outcomes. Retaining nurses and midwives in the national health system is all the more crucial in view of the aging population, brain drain and other systemic challenges in North Macedonia

CEP supports key stakeholders in implementing the necessary change in North Macedonia in the field of education and regulation of these noble professions – in order to renew the roles and competencies of nurses and midwives in primary care, to enable their further development, leadership and recognition as effective members of the multi-disciplinary health care team.

Our team involves senior experts from Zbornica Zveza, Ministrstvo za zdravje Republike Slovenije, Nacionalni inštitut za javno zdravje – NIJZ, Fakulteta za zdravtsvo Angele Boškin who all contrubuted to this week’s activities in Skopje.

Consecutive workshops with representatives from the ministries of health and education successfully transferred new knowledge on the effective management of capacity-building projects, addressing local gaps in experience and absorption capacity. Main modalities were agreed on how the 2nd phase of our project (2026–2028) will act upon concrete deliverables achieved so far, transform the national education system of nurses and midwives in North Macedonia and set up the system for regulating these professions. We will also continue to empower graduate nurses in the field of health prevention and work toward a national ‘school for parents’ programme in cooperation with local associations of nurses and midwives.

State Secretary Mr Denis Kordež, Dr Vesna Janevska, North Macedonia’s Minister of Education, and H.E. Ambassador Gregor Presker from the Slovenian Embassy in Skopje opened the official launch ceremony on the 24 April 2026. Ministers reaffirmed the value of the Slovenian-Macedonian development partnership and their full commitment to implementing priority actions in the national health strategy.

A further enforcement of concrete synergies with their programmes in North Macedonia was discussed with WHO North Macedonia as well as UNFPA North Macedonia and UNICEF MK.

 

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

More information about the project