municipalities

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’.

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.

Green transition in Ukraine webinar series

27. 1. 2025 | National communities, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

Centre for European Perspective is delighted to invite you to the webinar series on green transition!

The green transition refers to the shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in all sectors of society, including energy, transportation, and industry. The European Union (EU) has been at the forefront of these efforts through policies like the European Green Deal, REPowerEU, and the Fit for 55 package. These initiatives aim to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and foster a circular economy. Understanding these policies is important for local governments as they seek to align with EU standards, secure funding, and implement green practices at the municipal level.

Despite the ongoing conflict, the reconstruction process has started – with Ukraine working towards a sustainable reconstruction. Learning more about the possibilities the EU offers is helpful for local authorities involved in the reconstruction and recovery process.

This webinar series, organised with expert support from the Štajerska Chamber of Commerce, will provide you with the basics of green transition and EU policies, funding opportunities, and practical strategies for green public procurement for Ukrainian municipalities.

Webinar Series Programme

Green Deal, REPowerEU, Fit for 55, Circular Economy Action Plan
– What is it all about?
– What does it have to do with Ukraine?
Date: 30 January 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET
EU Funding for Green Transition – Where, How, and What?
– Opportunities for Ukraine
– List of Relevant Calls for Application
Date: 6 February 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET
Green Public Procurement I
– Basics
– Challenges & Opportunities
Date: 13 February 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET
Green Public Procurement II
– Good Practice Examples
– How to Implement in Ukraine
Date: 20 February 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET

REGISTER HERE!

The activities are funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships.

Study visit Business Development and Promotion: Local and Regional Good Practice of Slovenia concludes

27. 11. 2024 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

We have successfully concluded the study visit titled ‘Business Development and Promotion: Local and Regional Good Practice of Slovenia’, held from 19 to 28 November 2024 as a part of the Slovenian Aid project ‘Enhancing Slovenian Engagement in Ukraine: Economic and Social Sustainability of Regions and Cities’. From 20 to 28 November 2024, 20 representatives of Ukrainian local communities, business support organisations, and municipal associations supported by the U-LEAD with Europe Programme joined us in Slovenia to hear and learn more about Slovenian good practices on the topics of regional and local development, EU funding, EU accession, cooperation between businesses and municipalities, waste management and circular economy, New European Bauhaus and more.

First week of workshops and activities on regional development, circular economy and waste management, future of construction, EU funding and opportunities for Ukraine, and more organised by Pomurje Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pomurje Technology Park, Kodila, Medicop d.o.o., Surovina d.o.o., Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Štajerska Region, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute and InnoRenew CoE.

Activities in the second week focused on regional and local good practices for cooperation between business incubators and local communities, waste management and development of local circular economy practices, and opportunities for Ukrainian municipalities and companies through the Nazovni platform. The visit ended on 27 November, with participants taking part in the forum entitled ‘Business Revival and Reconstruction Opportunities in Ukraine’, organised in cooperation with the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia.

The ‘Enhancing Slovenian Engagement in Ukraine: Economic and Social Sustainability of Regions and Cities ’ 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’. The 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 Ukrainian population.

Conclusion of the seventh mentorship visit with Slovenj Gradec

27. 11. 2024 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

27 November 2024, Mengeš – We have concluded the seventh three-week mentorship of 2024 between the City Municipality of Slovenj Gradec and Municipality Ladyzhyn under the auspices of the project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’. The three-week mentorship in Slovenj Gradec focused on project writing and funding, business development and cooperation, energy efficiency and medical rehabilitation.

In three weeks, mentees Mr Maksym Chekryhin, Deputy Mayor of Ladyzhyn, and Ms Olena Fadiievska, Head of the Municipal Institution “Local Economic Development Agency of Ladyzhyn”, have been learning about Slovenj Gradec’s good practices in business development, project preparation, and energy efficiency. The mentees have also worked on preparing a project draft on rehabilitation and the development of Ladyzhyn as a regional rehabilitation hub.

Slovenj Gradec Mayor Klugler addressed the participants via video, expressing the possibility of future cooperation and thanked the mentees for a successful collaboration with colleagues from Slovenj Gradec. Ms Anuša Pisanec from the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Ms Natalia Markevych Pritsa from the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Slovenia, and Slovenj Gradec mentors Mr Sašo Blatešič and Ms Sanja Paradiž joined us for 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’. The 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 Ukrainian population.

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