Ukraine - CEP - Page 4

Strengthened support between CEP and Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Cooperation

15. 9. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

On Friday, 12 September 2025, at Jable Castle, a new cooperation agreement was signed between the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development of the Republic of Slovenia and the Centre for European Perspective (CEP). The agreement was signed by HE Dr Aleksander Jevšek, Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development, and Nina Čepon, Executive Director of CEP.

The partnership enhances cooperation between the two institutions in the framework of international development projects implemented by CEP in the Western Balkans and the EU Eastern Neighbourhood.

As part of the agreement, the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development joins CEP’s efforts as the lead partner in Pillar II of the programme Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine. Within this framework, the ministry will contribute targeted assistance to Ukraine in the EU membership negotiations, particularly in relation to Chapter 22 – Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural Instruments.

Slovenia’s experience with cohesion policy, including good practices, applicable expertise, and even lessons learned, will help strengthen the capacity of Ukraine’s negotiation team and the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine. The programme reaffirms its commitment to effective coordination with the EU, Member States, and non-EU donors in providing support to Ukraine.

This cooperation is part of Slovenia’s broader commitment under Slovenian Aid and Partnerships programme, supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. In cooperation with U-LEAD with Europe.

Slovenian Mayors Strengthen Cooperation in Supporting Ukraine’s Recovery

4. 9. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

Celje, 3 September 2025 – Local communities remain at the heart of the Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine Programme. Slovenian mayors gathered in Celje to discuss future activities and joint initiatives for 2026, in a meeting hosted by the Mayor of Celje, Mr Matija Kovač. They emphasized that the contribution of Slovenian municipalities has proven to be relevant and successful, fostering mutual learning and solidarity in support of Ukraine’s recovery amid the ongoing war.

Looking ahead, the mayors agreed to revitalise existing partnerships with Ukrainian municipalities and regions while also including new Slovenian municipalities in the process. They underlined the importance of developing concrete joint projects and of applying a cluster approach that connects communities through key themes such as rural development and tourism, civil protection and resilience, environmental management, and access to EU and other funding. These efforts will build on the expertise of Slovenian local leaders, the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the contribution of women to recovery, reform, and entrepreneurship.

The discussion also highlighted the need to increase the visibility of Slovenia’s contribution at both the EU and international level, while at the same time raising awareness among Slovenian citizens – particularly young people – about the importance of international solidarity and development cooperation. A concrete step in this direction will be the organisation of summer camps for Ukrainian children in Slovenia in 2026, offering them safe and supportive experiences away from the traumas of war. In parallel, Slovenian mayors will actively engage in European-level events and forums, including the European Week of Regions and Cities, the Bridges of Trust Annual Gathering, and the Ukraine Recovery Conference, to ensure that Slovenia’s role and commitment remain visible in wider European discussions.

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’.

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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.

Children from Bucha visit Kočevje

17. 7. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

Kočevje, 17 July 2025 – A group of 45 children from Bucha Municipality (Kyiv region) spent a week in Kočevje, Slovenia, taking part in a programme designed to give them a break from the ongoing war and a chance to enjoy nature and new experiences.

The children, aged 9 to 14, followed an active schedule filled with sports, games, creative activities, and time outdoors. They especially enjoyed rafting and exploring the forests and hills of the Kočevje region, known for its natural beauty and wildlife. Teachers and mentors accompanying the group expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide the children with a safe and peaceful environment where they could relax and recharge. On their final day, the children met with Oleg Rogoza, Project Manager at CEP, and shared their impressions and hopes, including the wish that one day their Slovenian friends might visit them in Bucha.

The visit was made possible by the initiative of the Municipality of Kočevje and the Municipality of Bucha, with support from CEP and other partners. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation between Slovenian and Ukrainian municipalities and support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. The visit of Bucha children in Kočevje highlights good cooperation between Bucha and Kočevje, which signed a twin-cities agreement in April 2024.

We thank Mayor Gregor Košir, the team at the Municipality of Kočevje, all mentors, and the co-financers who helped make this visit possible.

The visit is in part supported by the Slovenian Aid & Partnerships programme of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.

Conclusion of the first TIPS4UA internship in Hrastnik

10. 7. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

Today marks the conclusion of an intensive internship visit of the Ukrainian municipality Drohobych 🇺🇦 in Municipality Hrastnik 🇸🇮, as part of the TIPS4UA initiative. The visit brought together key municipal actors to exchange good practices, deepen cooperation, and co-develop solutions to one of the most pressing issues facing Ukrainian local governments today: housing. A representative from Drohobych spent two weeks in Hrastnik, focusing on sustainable housing, municipal planning, and strategic recovery efforts.

More than 2,400 people, including large families, families with disabilities, and over 300 internally displaced households, are currently waiting for safe and affordable housing due to a severe housing crisis. The visit was designed to support Drohobych in addressing this urgent need by learning from Hrastnik’s experience in socially inclusive, non-profit housing policies.

During the programme, participants took part in:
• Discussions on housing models in Hrastnik and Slovenia
• Field visits to Hrastnik, Celje and Ljubljana
• Workshops on legal, financial and planning aspects of housing strategy
• Expert exchanges with Slovenian institutions

The mentorship explored how communities like Hrastnik address housing challenges through open planning, financial foresight, and community involvement. These insights will contribute to a pilot non-profit housing project in Drohobych.

Mr Yatskiv, representative of Drohobych, shared: “This internship gave us concrete ideas and a vision of what is possible. The solidarity and support from Hrastnik give us hope and practical direction for building our community back stronger.” Although the internship may have concluded, cooperation between the two municipalities continues. CEP remains proud to support both partners in this essential work.

The activities are supported by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs under the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships Programme. In cooperation with the European Committee of the Regions and U-LEAD with Europe.