2024-09-25
| Strasbourg

Vučković in Strasbourg: Collaboration Opening New Opportunities for Ukrainian Citizens

ALDA – Enhancing Local Democracy with Support from European Partners

At the 20th Congress of French Regions in Strasbourg (France), a Memorandum of Understanding was signed for the Local Democracy Agency Kharkiv. On this occasion, Nataša Vučković, President of the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) and General Secretary of the Foundation Center for Democracy (FCD), highlighted the importance of this new partnership.

"I am convinced that this cooperation will open new opportunities for the citizens of Ukraine," said Vučković, emphasizing the broader impact expected from such partnerships on Ukraine's recovery.

The signing of the Memorandum took place on September 25, 2024, organized by ALDA. The event marks a key step in strengthening decentralized cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. 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 aim of the partnership is to enhance local democracy, support displaced persons, and restore local governance in Kharkiv, with the backing of European partners. The Memorandum is expected to play a significant role in preparations for the 2025 Ukraine Reconstruction Conference, while ALDA continues its engagement in strengthening cooperation between Ukrainian and European regions.

The 20th Congress of Regions, hosted by Régions de France, is an annual gathering of regional leaders, policymakers, and international partners, offering a unique platform for discussions on regional development, innovation, and governance.