municipalities - CEP

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

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

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.