Meeting on 16 October 2024 during the 47th session, the Congress Chamber of Regions held debates on regions with a special status; the place of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in regional governance (with an emphasis on the opportunities and risks of integrating them in political decision-making, and their potential impact on democracy and human rights; as well as on the role of regions in international co-operation for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
The latter debate built upon the declaration inviting European cities and regions to explore partnership opportunities with their Ukrainian counterparts, which was adopted during the Congress’ session in March 2024.The debate focused on the humanitarian objectives, infrastructure, reconstruction of public social facilities and economic development of Ukraine, and structural reforms linked to the European integration objectives of Ukraine, henceforth a candidate for accession to the European Union.
”Local and regional authorities in Ukraine play a crucial role in the pursuit of the country’s recovery and reconstruction,” stressed Tetiana Yehorova–Lutsenko, President of the Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Councils and Chair of the Kharkiv Regional Council. She pointed to the crucial importance of European and international partnerships with Ukrainian regions and cities, mostly needed in such core areas as the restoration of critical infrastructure, delivery of social services and the development of the education and healthcare sectors.
For Pavlo Zhurba, Deputy Head of Ternopil Regional State Administration, decentralised cooperation enabled the Ukrainian regions to determine for themselves ‘where their real needs lie’. He underlined that decentralisation was an integral part of reconstruction, and added that “international partnerships can act as a catalyst for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction process since they contribute to mobilising the necessary resources, sharing good practices, and finding innovative solutions.”
Patrick Molinoz, Vice-President of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region in France, and Anita Schneider, President of the Gießen District in Germany, detailed their respective regions’ partnerships with Ukraine’s Vinnytsia oblast and the Chernihiv rayon. Ms Schneider highlighted the importance of solidarity partnerships in the same way as technical assistance, adding that “the choice of themes and cooperation must be as close to the people as possible”.
Mr Molinoz, in his capacity as President of the Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX) of the European Committee of the Regions, referred to the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. He explained that the Alliance acted as a platform where local and regional authorities, their associations and civil society in the European Union and Ukraine can share information, create partnerships, and work to ensure that local and regional levels of government are involved in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction process.
Vice-President Molinoz also stressed the need for better coordination between the players involved, especially between all levels of governance, as well as a fair redistribution of resources according to the most urgent needs. In line with Ukraine's objective of European integration, he also focused on capacity-building and called for a “build back better” approach in order to comply as closely as possible with EU standards. Finally, Mr Molinoz announced that on 19 November the French Mayors' Congress would be holding a conference on regional cooperation with Ukraine, with the aim of re-mobilising local authorities on this issue.
During the debate, regional elected representatives encouraged their peers to develop co-operation projects and partnerships with regional and local actors in Ukraine, while youth delegates called on Congress members to involve young people and civil society in decision-making processes linked to Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
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47th Session
Agenda – Web file – Photos
