Today at the 20th Congress of French regions in Strasbourg ALDA, Grand Est region, Kharkiv regional Council and Merefa signed the MoU on the Local Democracy Agency Kharkiv region.
On September 25, 2024, ALDA proudly celebrated the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Local Democracy Agency Kharkiv at the 20th Congress of Regions, held in Strasbourg (France). This momentous occasion signifies a pivotal step in the growing partnership between the Kharkiv region and the key French region of Grand-Est. The event, organised by ALDA, underscores a shared commitment to fostering EU-Ukraine decentralised cooperation.
The 20th Congress of Regions, hosted by Régions de France, serves as an annual gathering of regional leaders, policymakers, and international partners, offering a unique platform for discussions on regional development, innovation, and governance. This year’s Congress, held in Strasbourg on September 25 and 26, 2024, included plenary sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, all designed to foster cross-regional collaboration and promote best practices in governance. The Congress hosted a vast delegation of Ukrainian representatives of local and regional authorities who joined the LDA Kharkiv region signature.
The MoU was officially signed during a dedicated session, with Mrs. Nataša Vučković, President of ALDA, Mrs. Tetyana Yegorova-Lutsenko, Head of the Kharkiv Regional Council, Mr. Christian Debeve – alternate member of the European Committee of the Regions and its Working Group on Ukraine, President of the Commission for International, European and Cross-border Affairs of the Grand-Est Region and Mayor of Merefa Mr. Veniamin Sitov among the signatories. The ceremony brought together prominent regional leaders, policymakers, and international stakeholders, all united in their dedication to enhancing local governance, exchanging best practices, and contributing to long-term sustainable development.
In her address, Mrs. Vučković expressed her optimism about the collaboration:
“I am convinced that this cooperation, and particularly the signing of the MoU, will open new opportunities for Ukrainian citizens.“
This statement highlighted the broader impact that such partnerships are expected to have on Ukraine’s recovery.
Mr. Dan Popescu, Head of the Department for Promoting Democracy at the Council of Europe, reinforced this sentiment, stating:
“Ukraine is a great country, and we are happy to know that ALDA and other partners are joining the support efforts, and soon, I hope, the reconstruction.“
The significance of this event lies not only in the formalisation of the partnership between Kharkiv and Grand-Est regions but also with smaller communities like Merefa.
Ms. Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, provided a comprehensive update on the progress of ALDA Flagship initiative, including LDA Kharkiv Action Plan and budget. She emphasised that this MoU marks a critical step towards strengthening Ukraine’s local governance capacities as the country prepares for the Ukrainian Reconstruction Conference 2025. The URC will serve as a strategic platform for enhancing cooperation between Ukrainian regions and European partners, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to the reconstruction process.
Mrs. Yegorova-Lutsenko, Head of the Kharkiv Regional Council, stressed the importance of the initiative in addressing the urgent needs of displaced people and rebuilding local governance:
“The development of local democracy and support for displaced persons is a priority. Additionally, healthcare, social coverage, and medical support for the military and their families are also key focuses.”
Mr. Christian Debeve, President of the Commission for International, European, and Cross-border Affairs of the Grand-Est Region, offered tangible examples of the region’s previous efforts:
“Some concrete examples: for three consecutive years, in collaboration with the Association of Ukrainian Cities, we have organised stays for Ukrainian children in European cities. We welcomed more than 1,500 children in 2022, 3,000 in 2023, and even more in 2024. Yesterday, with President Lutsenko, we discussed hosting 40 Ukrainian children.”
The partnership with Grand-Est is especially significant, as it will provide critical support in rebuilding local governance structures and infrastructure in Kharkiv, ultimately contributing to the broader reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. Mrs. Mirella Orlandi, Head of International and European Relations at Emilia-Romagna Region, a potential partner of the LDA Kharkiv region in 2025, emphasised the importance of such partnerships:
“You said it well, that working is important, but working together is much more important. And for this reason, working with French and Ukrainian regions is crucial for us.”
The formalisation of this collaboration comes at a crucial time, as both European and Ukrainian regions look toward a future of recovery and resilience. The signing of the MoU is not just a symbolic gesture but a tangible commitment to long-term cooperation, mutual learning, and shared responsibility in addressing the challenges of post-war reconstruction.
The MoU signature was followed by a series of discussions and networking opportunities, allowing regional leaders, among them heads of Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Chernivtsi regions, and international partners to explore further avenues for collaboration and exchange.
As ALDA looks ahead to its continued engagement with Ukrainian regions, the establishment of the LDA Kharkiv region stands as a testament to the power of regional partnerships in fostering resilience, innovation, and sustainable development.
The MoU represents a commitment not only to the Kharkiv region but also to the broader vision of a stronger, more resilient Ukraine, supported by a network of European and international partners.
The event was organised in the framework of the project ‘Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs): Instrument for Cooperation, Community Cohesion, and Development in Ukraine’, funded by U-LEAD with Europe program under The Bridges of Trust initiative.
