On 14 October, within the framework of #EURegionsWeek, a session titled “The Future Through Cohesion: How Reforms Shape Regional Policy and Strengthen Partnerships” took place. It explored how Ukraine continues to align local and regional development with EU standards through reform, even amid war. Speakers discussed how strategic planning reform, investment management, local self-government transformation, and the use of digital tools such as DREAM and geographic information systems are enhancing Ukraine’s cohesion, resilience, and integration with the EU.
Speakers included: Oleksii Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine; Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions; Wolfgang Nozar, Head of Governance, Rule of Law and Financial Assistance Unit, DG NEAR; Claudia Luciani, Director of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe; Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, President of the Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Councils; as well as representatives of EURADA, UCORD, and other European partner institutions. They shared insights on multi-level governance and leadership in the context of key reforms shaping Ukraine’s EU integration path.
Oleksii Riabykin emphasized that Ukraine is currently rethinking its regional policy. The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories is updating the Concept of Local Self-Government Reform and preparing legislative initiatives to ensure a clear distribution of powers, efficient state investment, and further decentralization. He also highlighted the growing partnerships between Ukrainian communities and EU regions, aimed at ensuring that every community experiences the tangible benefits of EU cohesion policy.
Representing the European Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő stressed that EU cohesion policy is a long-term stabilizing investment supporting communities, people, infrastructure, and the social sphere — preventing Europe’s regions and cities from drifting apart. She noted that amid global uncertainty and challenges faced both by the EU and Ukraine, it is vital to balance short-term responses with strategic investments. According to her, the EU’s experience in decentralized competitiveness, local leadership, and participatory governance can serve as a valuable guide for Ukraine as it continues its reform “marathon.”
Wolfgang Nozar acknowledged Ukraine’s progress in implementing reforms and emphasized that EU cohesion policy is a key tool for building resilience. Among Ukraine’s priorities, he identified the development of reform roadmaps, public investment management reform, and the revival of the State Regional Development Fund.
In this reform context, Claudia Luciani noted that the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe works with both national governments and local authorities to strengthen and protect local self-government. She reaffirmed the Congress’s commitment to continue supporting Ukrainian partners in developing legislative initiatives and reforms.
Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko confirmed that local self-government bodies are actively involved in shaping public policy. She emphasized that the realities of war and EU integration must be reflected in a new generation of regional development strategies — ones that build upon approaches launched since 2014 but adapted to current challenges. Local self-government, she stressed, remains a key driver of Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
Concluding the session, Maryna Bryl, UCORD Project Leader, emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach in strengthening decentralization, reinforcing democratic values, and enhancing competitiveness at all levels. She noted that transparency and participatory tools help Ukraine and the EU jointly address common challenges and highlighted the role of regional development agencies (RDAs) as key actors in multi-level partnerships and as regional platforms for dialogue between the public and private sectors.
Overall, the session became a platform for dialogue between Ukraine and European institutions, reaffirming a shared vision of cohesive, resilient, and capable regions. It demonstrated that Ukraine’s ongoing reforms are already laying the groundwork for deeper EU integration and effective partnerships at the local and regional levels.
The participation of representatives from six Ukrainian regional development agencies (UCORD pilot regions), the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economy, Environmen and Agriculture, the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, and regional administrations was supported by the Swiss-Ukrainian project “Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development”, UCORD, implemented by NIRAS Sweden AB with the support of Switzerland.