On Monday, April 9, the Agency’s team organized an information session for representatives of territorial communities of Zhytomyr region regarding the possibilities of participation in EU programs.
They became open to Ukrainian municipalities after Ukraine acquired the status of “candidate state for EU accession”.
All these programs are aimed at the formation of partner networks of European cities in order to exchange experience.
As well as develop best practices for the sustainable development of European municipalities. For Ukrainian cities and communities, these are opportunities to gain new partnerships and introduce European local development tools in their communities in a wide range of thematic areas.
The following programs were discussed at the session:
- Interreg Europe
- URBACT
- TWINNING
In addition, they discussed the experience of communities in using the “City4City” and “DREAM” platforms.
Also, Andriy Pashchenko, chief specialist of the Department of APR and Economic Development of Zhytomyr regional administration, joined the session, who shared with the community promising areas of community support from OVA.
Specialist of the Agency shared with the communities the algorithm for joining the above-mentioned programs, etc. as a result of participation in European partnership programs. It is nice that community representatives shared their experience in the field of international cooperation and development of restoration projects.
25 Representatives from 15 Zhytomyr Communities Join EU Program Session
In total, 25 local government representatives from 15 communities of Zhytomyr Oblast took part in the session.
We thank all participants for fruitful discussions. Based on the results of the meeting, our team will continue individual work with all interested communities regarding involvement in international cooperation programs.
For reference:
The “Interreg Europe” program unites municipalities from 36 European countries – 27 EU member states and Switzerland, and from February 2024 municipalities of “candidate states for EU accession” – Ukraine, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina – can also join the program , Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro.
The program is aimed at developing cooperation between local governments of European cities for joint development in the thematic areas of the program. Including circular economy, ecology, digitalization, culture, standard of living, demography, workplaces.
The URBACT program is aimed at the cooperation of European municipalities in the format of “networks”, which are united according to common priorities. The program has been operating since 2002 and has more than 1,000 participating cities from Western Europe. In November 2024, Ukraine officially joined the program. Thematic areas of the program: circular economy, ecology, digitalization, culture, standard of living, demography, workplaces.
The Twinning program provides for the exchange of experience between cities/urban communities in the field of innovative climate solutions. Only cities and urban territorial communities can participate in the program. Applications from Ukrainian cities to participate in the program will be accepted from April 8 to May 31, 2024. Thematic directions of the program: energy, social development, economy.
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