International technical assistance strengthens the sustainability of the m...

Main page — News — International technical assistance strengthens the sustainability of the municipalities of Dnipropetrovsk oblast

International technical assistance strengthens the sustainability of the municipalities of Dnipropetrovsk oblast

war intermunicipal cooperation international support

Date: 30.09.2024

Author: Maryna Havrylenkova

Photo: U-LEAD

The heads of municipalities of the Dnipropetrovsk oblast discussed the importance of international technical assistance at the event organized by U-LEAD with Europe. The main purpose of the meeting is to strengthen horizontal communication between heads of municipalities and to discuss the possibilities of effective use of international aid in conditions of martial law.

Municipality leaders of the Dnipropetrovsk oblast met in the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Office of U-LEAD to discuss the topic of using international technical assistance to strengthen the resilience of municipalities in recovery, as well as to exchange experience in this matter.

We apologize for the inconvenience, the English version of the text will appear later.

09.04.2026

Two local self-government bodies - one agency. How Shakhtarske and Petropavlivka municipalities set up a joint enterprise

Joining efforts is about compromising, about strengthening one’s own capabilities. Following their participation in a training programme on setting up municipal enterprises, supported by U-LEAD with Europe, Shakhtarske (later renamed to Pershotravensk) and Petropavlivka municipalities established a joint municipal enterprise, the Agency for Development and Recovery of Prysamaria.

#news

#intermunicipal cooperation

02.04.2026

Three resilience scenarios: the frontline municipality of Kramatorsk updated its development strategy

Amid the ongoing full-scale invasion, the municipality of Kramatorsk is choosing to plan ahead rather than wait and see. The municipality has officially adopted the Development Strategy up to 2027, which reflects the current challenges of the city as a key administrative hub and a place of refuge for internally displaced persons.

#news

#war

#development strategy

11.03.2026

Trust, accountability and support: Velyka Pysarivka municipality has introduced a new format for working with humanitarian aid

For frontline municipalities, humanitarian aid is not only about supporting people, but also about responsibility, transparency and clear rules. This is the path taken by the municipality of Velyka Pysarivka, which has put in place a systematic approach to distributing aid to its residents. These systematisation efforts were supported by experts from U-LEAD with Europe.

#news

#municipality

#international support

05.01.2026

U-LEAD’s Project Quality Index Improvement Programme has built a bridge to INTERREG projects for the Horodenka municipality

To help project managers spot the logic and mistakes in applications and get their priorities in order, U-LEAD experts put together the Project Quality Index Improvement Programme. In practice, this is illustrated by the case study of Horodenka City Council project team, which strengthened its capacity and took a step towards cross-border cooperation.

#news

#intermunicipal cooperation

#international cooperation

12.11.2025

From transparent agreements to shared achievements: municipalities of Сherkasy oblast building cooperation

In Cherkasy Oblast, intermunicipal cooperation is progressively becoming a practical tool for tangible change rather than a mere legal instrument. Municipalities enter into dozens of agreements to jointly develop education, social services, infrastructure, tourism and security. In terms of the rate at which these agreements are being signed, Cherkasy Oblast currently ranks first in Ukraine — and this is due to the hard work of local councils, support from the regional administration and the U-LEAD team.

#news

#intermunicipal cooperation

12.09.2025

Consulting with residents and making everything public: new developments in inter-municipal cooperation

More specific terms and adjustments to the process of establishing inter-municipal cooperation, new requirements for agreements, as well as mandatory participation of residents and the obligation to make inter-municipal cooperation agreements public at the project stage. All these changes came around after Law 4425 had come into force. Experts explained how to implement them during the informational session “Changes in the Legal Regulation of Inter-Municipal Cooperation”, which was part of U-Wednesday.

#news

#intermunicipal cooperation

15.08.2025

Batiovo municipality: intermunicipal partnerships, logistics hub and trust in change

Batiovo municipality in Zakarpattia Oblast is a great example of how local leadership, strategic planning and support from international partners can be mutually reinforcing. Batiovo has been cooperating with U-LEAD with Europe since before the official establishment of the municipality in 2020 and to this day.

#news

#investment

#intermunicipal cooperation

17.07.2025

Joint efforts for efficient humanitarian logistics: how one municipality in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast became the support pillar for several regions

"We created not just a logistics centre but a mechanism that helps reduce tension and increase cohesion in the municipality, as well as support those around us," said Svitlana Spazheva, Pokrovske Mayor, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

#news

#intermunicipal cooperation

#food security

27.12.2024

Legislative changes: Municipal utility companies can now receive humanitarian aid

Utility companies and critical infrastructure operators have recently been empowered to be beneficiaries of humanitarian aid due to updates in the legislation. These changes should ensure the uninterrupted provision of utility services and expedite the restoration of critical infrastructure.

#advice

#legislation

#international support

13.12.2024

International aid in action: How Velyka Mykhailivka is overcoming the challenges of war

The war-torn municipality of Velyka Mykhailivka was able to take important steps in its recovery thanks to the support of the U-LEAD with Europe Programme. The technical assistance provided, including vehicles, tools and a powerful generator, contributes to emergency response and recovery, improving logistics and security.

#international support

11.12.2024

International technical assistance and reporting: meeting of heads of municipalities of the Donetsk Oblast

Municipalities receive international technical assistance from partners. A key issue is its distribution and reporting, which was discussed at a business event for heads of municipalities of the Donetsk Oblast.

#international support

04.12.2024

Cooperation between local self-government bodies and NGOs in the Chernihiv Oblast has gained ground

The so-called Digital Shield, a hybrid power plant on the roof and bomb shelters in schools, cultural projects only a few examples of the initiatives implemented by local self-government bodies and NGOs in municipalities. Participants of the event at the Regional Office of U-LEAD in the Chernihiv Oblast shared how to learn to work with donors and attract money for development.

#lsg

#intermunicipal cooperation

#news

03.12.2024

Influence of the martial law on the local budgets in Khmelnytskyi Oblast

Counsellor in the issues of municipal finance and administration of U-LEAD Regional office in Khmelnytskyi Oblast Nataliia Liubchenko analysed the income and expenditure parts of the local budgets in January – September 2022, 2023 and 2024.

10 municipalities will implement a war support veteran model

U-LEAD with Europe has launched a new Support Programme to help local self-government implement an effective model of supporting veterans and their families.

Partnerships with NGOs create opportunities: experience of the municipalities of the Poltava Oblast

Non-formal education, IDP support, rehabilitation of people with disabilities, creation of children’s and sports spaces and even attracting investments — these are the outcomes of projects of cooperation between municipalities in the Poltava Oblast and NGOs. The tools of the cooperation were discussed at the meeting of heads of municipalities in the Nekhvoroshcha municipality, hosted by the Regional Office of U-LEAD in the Poltava Oblast.

#partnership

#war

#development strategy

26.11.2024

Kharkiv Oblast learns to utilise international technical assistance

The Regional Office of U-LEAD with Europe hosted an experience exchange event for heads of municipalities of the Kharkiv region. The event focused on the use of international technical assistance from U-LEAD by these municipalities.

#international support

#reconstruction

#news

14.11.2024

Humanitarian Hubs of the Kherson Oblast: the need for new approaches

In times of war, humanitarian hubs become lifelines for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and those affected by hostilities. A recent visit by municipal officials of the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kherson Oblasts to the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast was an important step toward finding new approaches to organising such humanitarian hubs.

#war

#lsg

#study visit

#intermunicipal cooperation

#internally displaced persons

08.11.2024

Results of cooperation with U-LEAD and new development opportunities for municipalities of the Kharkiv Oblast

Representatives of municipalities of the Kharkiv Oblast joined a meeting organised by the U-LEAD Office to discuss the results and new opportunities for cooperation. The reaffirmed the importance of educational initiatives, the prospects for the development of international partnership and project activities and the international assistance received by the municipalities for recovery after hostilities.

#intermunicipal cooperation

#development strategy

08.11.2024

The Shpola municipality supports and fosters its volunteer environment

In the municipality of Shpola, Cherkasy Oblast, hundreds of people have joined the volunteer movement to help IDPs and locals who took up arms to defend their country.

Zakarpattia Oblast actively builds energy sustainability

Recipe for energy sustainability of the municipalities of the Zakarpattia Oblast: energy decentralisation, wide implementation of alternative energy sources and energy efficiency measures, engaging the utility sector, encouraging businesses and private households.

#energy security

#intermunicipal cooperation

01.11.2024

Where do the municipalities of the Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson Oblasts create humanitarian hubs?

Municipal officials of the Donetsk, Kherson, and Luhansk Oblasts visited the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, where they learned about the activities of humanitarian hubs for residents relocated from their oblasts. The visit was supported by U-LEAD with Europe.

International assistance empowers municipalities of Dnipro Oblast

Progress in implementing international technical assistance (ITA) projects has become a major topic of discussion among the heads of municipalities of Dnipro Oblast. Initiated by the U-LEAD with Europe Regional Office, the meeting provided a valuable platform for sharing experiences and defining an action plan for attracting and efficiently implementing this assistance in municipalities.

#war

#international support

#lsg

22.10.2024

Publication of local council meeting video records: Tips for local government bodies

The U-LEAD experts explained to officials the algorithm of actions with restricted information during the publication of video recordings of plenary sessions of councils and meetings of permanent commissions under martial law, as well as the new requirements of the law on ensuring the transparency of local self-government and on the restrictions on access to public information provided by law.

Stress management and psychological recovery are must-have skills for female municipal leaders

U-LEAD launched a pilot project to support female leadership. The first participants in the training sessions, workshops and consultations with psychologists included the heads of municipalities and employees of local self-government from the Chernihiv and Sumy Oblasts.

The municipalities of the Kovel district are joining forces to take on the wartime challenges

Senior municipal officials of the southern Kovel district gathered at a meeting organised by the Regional Office of U-LEAD in the Volyn Oblast to discuss the challenges brought about by the war. Why? To exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation with state bodies and support the defence efforts of the region.

#war

#intermunicipal cooperation

#news

04.10.2024

Innovative approaches to safety: What did the municipalities of the Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts learn from the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast

During the visit organised by U-LEAD municipal officials learned about innovative safety solutions, including barrier-free spaces, energy security and police work.

Interreg cooperation programs available to Ukrainian municipalities

One of the sources of support for Ukrainian municipalities is EU programs. In this article, we present a selection of programs from the European Regional Development Fund.

#international cooperation

#intermunicipal cooperation

Development during the war: the results and prospects of cooperation with U-LEAD were discussed in Chernihiv Oblast

The representatives of the Regional Office team talked with the heads of border municipalies of Chernihiv region about the possibilities of interaction with U-LEAD with Europe, help and support of the Program during 2024. Municipalies also presented good practices of cooperation with the Programme.

#war

#intermunicipal cooperation

#international support

26.09.2024

How can municipalities prepare housing and utilities infrastructure for the autumn-winter season?

Preparing the housing and utilities infrastructure for the autumn-winter season of 2024–2025 is an essential task. Due to significant damage to the energy infrastructure, this winter may be even more difficult than previous ones. To support municipalities, U-LEAD has implemented a series of activities to ensure that the sector is well-prepared for the cold season.

We invite you to participate in a new support programme "Implementation of a model of support for war veterans and their families in the municipality"

U-LEAD with Europe announces a new support program that will help local government choose a support model for war veterans and their family members and establish cooperation with colleagues from other oblasts of Ukraine.

Cherkasy is developing the social and humanitarian sphere despite the state of war

With the support of the U-LEAD Program, a delegation of representatives of the communities of Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts visited Cherkasy oblast. The purpose of the visit is to study the experience of local communities in the development of the social and humanitarian sphere in the conditions of martial law.

#study visit

#intermunicipal cooperation

12.09.2024

The Regional office of the Kherson region does not stop supporting relocated municipalities

U-LEAD with Europe Programme remains a reliable partner for the municipalities of the Kherson oblast even in relocation and martial law conditions. Despite all the challenges, the experts of the Regional Office continue to provide consulting and practical support to the municipalities, helping them adapt to new realities.

#war

#lsg

04.09.2024

Local budgets during a full-scale war: a discussion in the Rivne region

Berezniv municipality became a meeting place for village and city municipalities of the Rivne oblast, where LSGs exchanged experience in effective filling and rational use of the local budget in martial law conditions.

Municipalities of the Cherkasy Oblast developed 50 ideas for potential agreements on inter-municipal cooperation

Inter-municipal cooperation is an important tool for municipal development, enabling effective use of resources, as it opens up opportunities for municipalities to join forces to implement collaborative initiatives.

#intermunicipal cooperation

#news

#lsg

30.08.2024

Prompt updates from U-LEAD experts help educators prepare for the new school year

The school year 2024–2025 has — as is already tradition — begun in conditions of uncertainty, a difficult security situation and new requirements for the educational process. During August, more than 600 municipal officials learned about innovations, changes and other important things for an organised start of the new school year.

Municipal officials representing the Vinnytsia Oblast shared their ambitious plans and achievements with colleagues from the Khmelnytskyi and Chernivtsi Oblasts

Representatives of 16 municipalities of the Khmelnytskyi and Chernivtsi Oblasts studied good practices of providing municipal services in the municipalities of Kalynivka, Ladyzhyn and Bar.

#study visit

#intermunicipal cooperation

#news

20.08.2024

Municipalities of the Chernihiv Oblast continue to receive reconstruction assistance from U-LEAD

From June to August, they received vehicles and toolkits as part of assistance under U-LEAD’s initiative “Strengthening Local Resilience. Support for Emergency Repairs in Municipalities”.

#war

#recovery

#international support

#reconstruction

19.08.2024

Equipment provided by U-LEAD helps the municipality of Malyn

In May and June 2024, four municipalities of the Zhytomyr Oblast received a new aid package from U-LEAD. These are municipalities affected by shelling and hostilities — Malyn, Ovruch, Narodychi and Hladkovychy.

#war

#reconstruction

#international support

16.08.2024

Emergency support for municipalities: 17 municipalities of the Kharkiv Oblast receive aid

Emergency aid was handed over to municipalities as part of the project “Strengthening Local Resilience. Support for Emergency Repairs in Municipalities” implemented by U-LEAD with Europe.

#war

#international support

15.08.2024

Management of reconstruction projects: U-LEAD will train municipal professionals

U-LEAD’s new training programme “Steps for Specialists. Management of Reconstruction Projects in Municipalities” will help local self-government officials improve their professional competences to ensure the high-quality reconstruction of war-torn infrastructure.

#steps for specialists

Best practices of humanitarian and social sphere development shared in Ternopil Oblast

The U-LEAD with Europe Programme organised a study visit to the Ternopil Oblast for representatives of municipalities from the Zakarpattia and Prykarpattia Oblasts.

#study visit

#international cooperation

#lsg

14.08.2024

LIFE 2021–2027 Program: grants from the European Commission for Ukraine

The U-LEAD Program continues to assist Ukrainian municipalities in finding additional resources and opportunities for development. During the information session “Opportunities from the European Commission for Ukraine: LIFE 2021–2027 Program”, one more grant program was presented — the features of its work, priorities, funding, types of grants and search for partners.

#grant

#international support

#lsg

08.08.2024

10 municipalities will develop comprehensive recovery programmes for territories with the support of U-LEAD

A comprehensive recovery programme for the territory of a municipality is an integrated document that combines the understanding of socio-economic development, spatial planning and infrastructure.

Public budgeting in wartime: to be or not to be?

Liudmyla Hurba, Adviser on Decentralisation and Local Self-Government at the Regional Office of U-LEAD in the Vinnytsia Oblast, shared her thoughts on public budgeting in wartime.

U-LEAD vehicle helps the municipality in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast

The municipality of Novooleksandrivka uses the minibus they received from U-LEAD on an almost daily basis. It provides transportation for people with limited mobility from remote settlements to the central estate, brings in humanitarian aid and helps arrange public reception in the starosta districts.

#war

#international support

#news

18.07.2024

U-LEAD helped the municipality in the Vinnytsia Oblast to find unique partners in Montenegro

The Ukrainian city of Bar agreed on the cooperation with Bar, Montenegro. The two municipalities joined the New Wave of Cooperation project implemented by the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-Eastern Europe (NALAS) with the support of U-LEAD with Europe.

#intermunicipal cooperation

#news

#international cooperation

18.07.2024

U-LEAD provided aid to the Kherson Oblast: generators, tools and forklifts

Municipalities continue to receive assistance in the form of necessary equipment and tools, expert support and consultations.

#war

#international support

#recovery

04.07.2024

Reasons why joint utility companies do not work out

The U-LEAD adviser explained to municipalities the advantages of creating a joint municipal company (JMC), as well as the reasons why this journey has become long and fraught with difficulties for a significant number of municipalities.

#utilities

#intermunicipal cooperation

#advice

27.06.2024

Challenges faced by de-occupied municipalities and their pressing needs: a meeting with the heads of the military administrations of the Kherson Oblast

The Regional Office of U-LEAD with Europe in the Mykolaiv Oblast hosted a meeting for the heads of military administrations of the Kherson Oblast and the U-LEAD team. The event focused on the challenges and needs of the de-occupied municipalities of the Kherson Oblast.

The Donetsk Oblast figures out how to keep military records

U-LEAD experts continue to clarify the powers of local self-government bodies under martial law. Together with the municipalities of the Donetsk Oblast, they analysed the specifics of the implementation of the military record-keeping system, the deadlines for entering employees into the lists and the persons responsible.

Who is responsible for supporting veterans and their families in the municipality?

In response to the request of local self-government bodies, U-LEAD experts have developed a series of info sessions to help municipalities organise proper work with veterans and support their families.

Draft and military records: U-LEAD experts explained the powers and responsibilities of the local self-government officials to them

Defence and daft efforts, as well as keeping military records of citizens, fall under the scope of competence of state and local self-government bodies. Given the changes to the legislation and the extension of martial law in Ukraine, the role of local self-government in these processes is becoming increasingly important.

New social services as a response to today’s challenges: experience of the Brovary municipality

A comprehensive approach, personalised assistance and integration of vulnerable groups of people into society are prerequisites to problem-solving. These are a must for the Brovary City Council. Municipal officials explained how it works at the experience exchange event organised by the local Regional Office of U-LEAD.

The Kirovohrad Oblast shared best practices for providing educational, medical, social and cultural services

U-LEAD with Europe organised a study visit for representatives of municipalities of the Mykolaiv and Kherson Oblasts, who learned about best wartime practices of providing educational, healthcare, social and cultural services in the Kirovohrad Oblast for three days.

#intermunicipal cooperation

Municipalities of the Luhansk Oblast are still working for their residents even in relocation

Humanitarian HUBs, information points, Administrative Services Centres (ASC) and shelters for persons internally displaced from the occupied municipalities of the Luhansk Oblast — these are all initiated and supported by the relocated local self-government bodies.

#war

#lsg

03.06.2024

The Rivne Oblast shared its experience of financial autonomy of educational institutions

During three days, municipal officials from the Volyn, Lviv and Ternopil Oblasts learned about the experience of municipalities of the Rivne Oblast in implementing financial autonomy of educational institutions as part of a visit organised by U-LEAD.

#education

#intermunicipal cooperation

#study visit

31.05.2024

Three municipalities of the Zakarpattia Oblast joined forces to ensure the health of their residents

Thanks to the expert support of U-LEAD, Batiovo, Koson and Velyki Berehy municipalities have officially formalised cooperation in health care and are committed to ensuring quality services together.

#healthcare

#intermunicipal cooperation

#news

30.05.2024

Client-oriented approach and service management in the social sector: experience of the municipalities of the Poltava Oblast

Participants of the U-LEAD training programme “Steps for Specialists. Organising Social Services in Municipalities” learned about best practices of municipalities in the Poltava Oblast.

#international cooperation

#steps for specialists

#study visit

#training programmes

29.05.2024

How can municipalities ensure the resilience of their critical infrastructure?

U-LEAD experts explained what plans and programmes municipalities should have on the resilience of critical infrastructure and civil defence, and how to oversee their compliance.

Attracting businesses to the development of territories: a visit to the Lviv Oblast

The municipalities of the Volyn and Rivne Oblasts joined a study visit to the Lviv Oblast to learn about best practices and innovative solutions in rural development. The visit was supported by U-LEAD.

#intermunicipal cooperation

#development strategy

#business

#lsg

23.05.2024

Mine action of local self-government: securing, informing, promoting humanitarian demining

Since the outset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, almost 28,500 civilians have been injured from landmines and explosive ordnance. Pursuant to Article 38 of the Law of Ukraine “On Mine Action”, the actions or inaction of local self-government bodies may be challenged in court as prescribed by law. What are the powers and duties of local self-government regarding mine action? How can municipalities protect their children and adults? Read more below.

The municipalities are planning reconstruction: Kherson Oblast has so far submitted 170 projects to DREAM

Although the Kherson Oblast is in great need of recovery due to Russia’s full-scale aggression, a U-LEAD adviser stresses that local municipalities are too slow to register in the DREAM system, missing out on financial opportunities.

Bakototherapy and “Steel Magnolias”: municipalities of the Khmelnytskyi Oblast implement socially oriented projects

Psychological rehabilitation of veterans, patriotic education of youth, assistance to internally displaced women and military wives in finding employment and starting their own business — these are the projects implemented with the support of U-LEAD in the municipalities of Stara Ushytsia and Shepetivka.

Problems and challenges faced by the northern border municipalities

The heads of the municipalities located at the northern border of the Volyn Oblast met to share their experiences regarding martial law and security, as well as to seek ways to solve the problems of local municipalities together. The event was organised by U-LEAD.

#war

#international cooperation

#lsg

03.05.2024

Municipalities of the Lviv Oblast shared their experience of developing rural areas

Municipalities of the Lviv Oblast prioritise the support of rural areas, engage their capacities and attract additional resources. These practical cases can be useful for other municipalities that seek to work with this type of territories on a systemic level.

#intermunicipal cooperation

#study visit

#advice

30.04.2024

Use of property of non-working educational institutions in rural areas: what do you need to know?

If the property of a non-working general secondary education institution cannot be used for the needs of education, social protection, culture, sports or health care, municipalities have the opportunity to use it for other needs. Such actions are provided for by law, but subject to compliance with a number of conditions

Modern technologies and soft skills: The mountain municipality is building a safe environment

It took more than a year in the mountain municipality in the Kyiv oblast to reach today’s understanding of a safe environment. They started by understanding the threats and how to prevent them. Then, it became a matter of technique and motivation, strategic vision, studying the experience of other municipalities, and developing their own approaches.

Municipalities of the Zakarpattia Oblast presented their international projects

The municipalities of the Zakarpattia Oblast are building strategies for economic development in wartime. For this, they rely on their capacities, use grant opportunities and cultural heritage, help relocated businesses and internally displaced persons. They also share their experiences with colleagues from other areas.

#international cooperation

#intermunicipal cooperation

#news

17.04.2024

Provide support and assistance: Local self-government authorities to implement veteran policy

Developing a comprehensive approach to support veterans and their families, creating a high-quality veteran policy, as well as arranging systematic work to provide services to veterans and their families at the appropriate level are the tasks that require significant human, financial and organisational resources from local self-government bodies. U-LEAD experts explained how to effectively implement this policy in the municipality.

The Fastiv municipality, Kyiv Oblast, introduces the one-stop shop for veterans

The status of a veteran should be stigmatised or associated with a bunch of issues that no one knows how to solve. Rather, it is an honourable status that means respectful treatment and real support. Almost every municipality in Ukraine is now undergoing the evolution from the first to the second, dignified approach. The municipality of Fastiv has come far, from volunteer initiatives to comprehensive changes in veterans’ policies.

Bridges of Trust initiative led to a partnership between a municipality of the Zakarpattia Oblast and the French municipality

The Kamianske municipality and the commune of Porto-Vecchio have signed the international partnership agreement, under which children from the municipality will go to France for rehabilitation, and the municipality will receive generators and other equipment to ensure energy security. They are also planning to raise funds in partnership with Solidarité Corse Ukraine.

#bridges of trust

#international cooperation

#intermunicipal cooperation

#news

09.04.2024

Interreg Europe 2021–2027: a new development tool available for Ukrainian municipalities

While Ukraine already has access to many programmes financed from the EU budget, opportunities are expanding. Already from 2024, all Ukrainian municipalities are eligible for the Interreg Europe 2021–2027 Programme. Priorities, terms of participation and specific features of submitting a project were discussed at the info session organised by U-LEAD.

#international support

#lsg

#intermunicipal cooperation

05.04.2024

A large-scale initiative by U-LEAD is helping 100 war-torn municipalities rebuild

The U-LEAD with Europe Programme, together with the Ministry for the Restoration and with the financial support of the Government of Germany, is implementing the initiative “Strengthening Local Resilience. Support for Emergency Repairs in Municipalities”. Its first stage is providing municipalities with vehicles. Under the second stage, tools necessary for recovery will be provided.

#news

#international cooperation

#war

#recovery

05.04.2024

U-LEAD strengthens and develops new forms of cooperation with the municipalities of Donetsk Oblast

The Regional Office of the Programme in the Donetsk Oblast has been providing comprehensive consulting and methodical support to local municipalities since the beginning of the decentralisation reform.

The war amplified the role of a starosta

At the relevant info session, heads of U-LEAD offices, experts, heads of municipalities and starostas discussed how the role of starostas had been amplified after the outset of the full-scale war, defined the powers of starostas under martial law and highlighted the municipal services encoded in their job duties.

Oksana Siliukova on internal communication in wartime: Timely communication is critical

Communication in wartime is all about security and providing the population with timely updates. Today, communication is not entertainment but a basic need, which often affects the safety and even the lives of the residents of municipalities. The head of the Regional Office of U-LEAD in the Kherson Oblast spoke about this in detail and shared her experience.

U-LEAD provided Ukrainian municipalities with school buses

The full-scale war took a toll on our schools and educational logistics. To address this need, U-LEAD was able to purchase school buses for seven municipalities with donor funds.

Children and war: How can municipalities ensure proper care and protection?

U-LEAD experts have systematised information on the powers of local self-government bodies in the field of protection of children’s rights and talked about the main functions of the guardianship and custodianship body under martial law.

#war

#safety

#legislation

#internally displaced persons

27.03.2024

Financial autonomy of educational institutions in the Zoria municipality

Financial autonomy in education can follow two different approaches: either each institution introduces the position of an accountant, or the municipality creates a special municipal institution that serves all educational institutions. The Zoria municipality, Rivne Oblast, chose the second option and shared its success story with other municipalities in the oblast at an experience exchange event held with the support of U-LEAD.

#intermunicipal cooperation

#finances

#advice

15.03.2024

The Mezhova municipality is among the first in Ukraine to adopt the Recovery and Reconstruction Programme

The Comprehensive Recovery Programme was being developed here for almost a year. They started in April 2023 and approved the finished document in March 2024. From now on, the Mezhova municipality is among the first in Ukraine to have the Recovery and Reconstruction Programme in place.

In five oblasts, IDPs can receive support in employment or business recovery

The project “Supporting the Recovery of Social and Financial Stability of Municipalities Affected by the War in the Eastern and Western Regions of Ukraine” is implemented in the Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Ternopil, Kharkiv and Poltava Oblasts. This initiative will contribute to the development of municipalities and the integration of internally displaced persons into them.

#war

#recovery

05.03.2024

Changes in the legislation on humanitarian aid: who is affected and how to proceed?

U-LEAD experts informed representatives of local self-government about important changes in the legislation regarding humanitarian and charitable aid, its import, accounting and use.

Rebuilding hope: The U-LEAD PPF's role in reviving Ukrainian municipalities

Learn about the large-scale Municipal Project Preparation Facility, which will help Ukraine rebuild and affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents.

#war

#reconstruction

01.03.2024

"Building sustainable municipalities — what does it take?"

U-LEAD with Europe is honored to invite you to join our practical discussion on "Building sustainable municipalities". Let's rebuild Ukraine and make it prosperous — together!

#announcement

#international cooperation

#intermunicipal cooperation

#reconstruction

01.03.2024

Cessation of ownership of destroyed municipal property: U-LEAD explains the procedure

Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian aggression, a lot of the Ukrainian municipalities have suffered from the destruction, so the issue of the cessation of ownership of the destroyed municipal property is an urgent one. The various events of the U-LEAD with Europe programme for specialists in local self-government have been devoted to this issue, with the clarification of the algorithms of action in specific cases.

Recording destruction and damage of property: Algorithm of actions for local self-government bodies

The enemy keeps launching rocket attacks and shelling the territories of the municipalities, causing a lot of destruction and damage to the infrastructure and to the private property. Full recovery requires not only funds, but also a specific recording process, with local self-government bodies playing a key role. Learn more about the algorithm of actions for recording destruction and its peculiarities in the commentary of the U-LEAD expert.

The record-breaking crop in wartime: Znob-Novhorodska municipality shares the experience of establishing the Agrarian Service

The importance of food security cannot be overestimated in times of war. With the support of the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, the Znob-Novhorodska municipality in Sumy Oblast established their Agrarian Service and managed both to provide a minimum stock of products for vulnerable groups of the population and to exceed the planned crop with a record-breaking amount.

#food security

#war

27.02.2024

It is not possible for municipalities to support IDPs solely by providing humanitarian aid

The Ministry of Social Policy has reported that in the third year of the full-scale war, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine hit almost 4.9 million people. Half of these people have no place to return to. The safer municipalities hosting these millions now face challenges. Nevertheless, mechanisms and tools exist to ensure that IDPs integrate into the municipality, becoming its “growth point”.

#war

#internally displaced persons

#lsg

#advice

22.02.2024

With the help of U-LEAD, the municipalities of the Zakarpattia Oblast implement a project approach in all activities

At the latest meeting, more than 20 heads of municipalities shared their experience in implementing projects and finding sources of funding.

#news

#intermunicipal cooperation

16.02.2024

How French and Spanish towns are strengthening Ties with Ukraine through the Bridges of Trust

The grassroots approach behind U-LEAD’s Bridges of Trust initiative - a "guerrilla" strategy: its conception, creation and results.

#bridges of trust

#intermunicipal cooperation

#international cooperation

#partnership

13.02.2024

The Impact of a Full-Scale Invasion on Education: A Study

Together with its partners, U-LEAD explored the impact that the full-scale war had on Ukraine’s education. According to the study, students experience much higher stress levels and are significantly less happy than their parents believe, and educators report a decline in academic performance across the board.

Italian municipalities will support their colleagues from Ukraine through the Bridges of Trust initiative

Pairs of companion mayors from Italy and Ukraine present their joint strategies, pledge to work together and plan to work on our post-war reconstruction.

#bridges of trust

#intermunicipal cooperation

#war

#reconstruction

06.02.2024

12 schools were reconstructed in Ukraine at the initiative of U-LEAD and the Smilyvi Charitable Foundation

These schools in the cities, towns and villages of the Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Kyiv Oblasts were directly affected by Russia’s invasion or occupation. The organisers sought to rebuild them even better than they were before the war.

U-LEAD and BRAVE restored Balakliya Lyceum in Kharkiv Region

U-LEAD with Europe in cooperation with the Charitable Fund Brave and with the financial support of the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments of the European Commission, rebuilt Balakliya Lyceum No. 5.

Creative group from Kazakhstan received the grand prize at the Christmas Star Competition

More than 80 groups and artists from 13 oblasts of Ukraine joined the Christmas Star Competition, a festival held by the Sofiivka municipality, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with the informational support provided by U-LEAD. Donations for the Armed Forces of Ukraine were collected during the event.

#news

#culture

#intermunicipal cooperation

15.12.2023

Wartime land improvement: an experience exchange visit for municipalities of the Poltava Oblast

How to organise the activities of a land improvement utility company in wartime? U-LEAD joins the search for and support of the best practices of local self-government and organises experience exchange events. One of these events took place in the municipality of Machukhy, Poltava Oblast.

#news

#international cooperation

#lsg

01.12.2023

The municipality of Vorokhta partnered with the Romanian commune of Ciugud

Ukrainian municipalities continue to develop international partnerships with the support of U-LEAD with Europe.

#bridges of trust

#intermunicipal cooperation

#news

29.11.2023

New requirements for providing bomb shelters in municipalities: clarification of U-LEAD experts

New requirements for providing bomb shelters came into force on the 1st of November. How will these innovations affect their reconstruction and overhaul? What additional restrictions should local self-government bodies keep in mind when equipping protective facilities from now on?

#legislation

#war

24.11.2023

Natalia Petrenko: In our village, the invaders tore off the stickers of European donors

An interview with Head of the Shulginka Rural Military Administration and representative of the All-Ukrainian Association of ATCs, who took part in the ACT NOW conference in Brussels.

#interview

#war

#international cooperation

15.11.2023

Annual meeting at "Bridges of Trust": we support sustainability and cooperation

A large meeting in Brussels brought together representatives of European and Ukrainian municipalities, public associations and mayors of European cities in an effort to strengthen international cooperation.

#bridges of trust

#international cooperation

#news

31.10.2023

Business-friendly municipality: How and why should municipalities work on projects to support and develop entrepreneurship?

Read about how local self-government bodies can attract funds from international funds for their own projects and develop the capacity to use these funds.

U-LEAD meets the needs of Donetsk Oblast's municipalities and keeps supporting them institutionally

The Programme supports municipalities in all government-controlled areas of Ukraine.

Representatives of municipalities of the Lviv and Zakarpattia Oblasts paid a study visit to the Volyn Oblast

Another offline experience exchange visit was held with the support of U-LEAD with Europe. Representatives of municipalities of the Lviv and Zakarpattia Oblasts studied the best practices of support and cooperation with the business community in municipalities of the Volyn Oblast.

#intermunicipal cooperation

The visit to Dnipro Oblast resulted in six agreements on cooperation

Representatives of 20 municipalities took part in a seminar on implementing a food security programme, discussed the theory with experts, and gained practical experience in Pokrovska municipality, where they signed an agreement on cooperation.

#intermunicipal cooperation

#food security

#news

21.09.2023

Healthcare, education, social protection and waste management: Vinnytsia Oblast municipalities share their experience

With the support of U-LEAD, during several days, rural, settlement and city mayors from Cherkasy and Kirovohrad Oblasts exchanged their experience and studied the best practices of service provision in three municipalities of Vinnytsia Oblast.

#news

#intermunicipal cooperation

25.08.2023

Representatives of municipalities of the Chernivtsi and Khmelnytskyi Oblasts paid a study visit to the Ternopil Oblast

Local munisipalities willingly shared their achievements, implemented projects and plans for the near future with the delegation of heads and deputies of communities from Khmelnytskyi and Chernivtsi oblasts.

#intermunicipal cooperation

#news

25.08.2023

Can the municipality finance the needs of the military at the expense of local budgets? U-LEAD clarifies

At the event for Cherkasy municipalities, a hot topic was discussed: solving financial issues under martial law. The participants familiarized themselves with changes in the legislation in the spheres of financial and budgetary relations of the local government, worked out urgent issues of the implementation of the powers of the local government and discussed the powers to finance the needs of the military at the expense of local budgets.

The war wrecks local budgets of municipalities of the Kherson oblast

U-LEAD experts analysed the budgets of 49 municipalities in the region over the period of 6 months of 2023: although some municipalities have more than met their targets, the overall situation is grim.

Firefighters of Odesa Oblast get assistance from Slovenia

The municipality of Tolmin sent protective suits and equipment to the firefighters of Berezivka municipality.

#bridges of trust

#international support

#news

27.07.2023

Stabilisation of the local budget: The Vilnyanska municipality experience

As a result of participating in the U-LEAD with Europe's Budget Stabilisation Plan training programme for financiers, the Vilnyanska municipality of Zaporizhzhia Oblast managed to increase budget revenues for the first half of 2023 by 2.5% of the targets.

U-LEAD organised a visit to exchange experiences between the municipalities of the Poltava and Cherkasy oblasts

The purpose of the visit is to share best practices in the organisation of municipal services of self-government bodies in wartime.

#news

#lsg

#intermunicipal cooperation

14.07.2023

On the simplified procedure for local taxes and fees for the period of martial law

The participants of the information session, held by U-LEAD in partnership with the Southern Interregional Department of the State Regulatory Service of Ukraine, learned about the peculiarities of regulatory policy during the war, the possibility for local councils to adopt acts under a simplified procedure, as well as the pitfalls of such indulgences.

Analytics: Coordination of Reconstruction and Recovery with the Regional Development Policy in Ukraine

This new research by Janez Sustersic covers the combination of the reconstruction effort in Ukraine with the policy of its regional development, vertical and horizontal coordination, available financial instruments and planning for recovery at the regional and local levels.

Report: Towards achieving 'strategies of gain' in post-war Ukraine

This material is an abridged version of the Report on local self-government reform in post-war Ukraine, namely on current strategies for reconstruction in the context of emergency situations and taking the locality into account (in English only).

Facilitating IDP business relocation: economically empowered municipalities

This article is about the organisation of IDP business development work in municipalities and the benefits of such cooperation, opportunities for IDPs, as well as for municipal residents and war veterans to start their own businesses, as well as about government and international grant assistance in this process.

#war

#internally displaced persons

#business

#advice

04.07.2023

How to deal if a local government employee stayed in the temporarily occupied territory and was forced to obtain a Russian passport?

U-LEAD experts provided explanations on personnel issues related to the work of local self-government under occupation.

U-LEAD with Europe jointly with tax authorities explains peculiarities of taxes and fees payment under martial law to municipalities of Kharkiv Oblast

During the joint information session, the U-LEAD with Europe Regional Office and the Main Department of the State Tax Service in Kharkiv Oblast discussed changes to the tax legislation under martial law and the ability of local self-government representatives to ensure the flow of their own resources to local budgets.

Social dormitories: How municipality may provide IDPs with housing

The participants of the informational session, organised by the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, found out about the transformation of ordinary housing into social one and the conditions for internally displaced persons to receive it.

#internally displaced persons

Memoranda on the reconstruction of schools damaged by the war were concluded

Charitable organization “Charity Foundation “Brave” signed memoranda with six municipalities of Kyiv and Chernihiv regions on reconstructing schools that suffered from full-scale Russian invasion in 2022-2023. Schools will be repaired within the program U-LEAD with Europe with the financial support of the Service of Foreign Policy Instruments of the European Commission.

#international cooperation

#war

#reconstruction

31.05.2023

A U-LEAD expert answers questions about the duration of the educational process, returning students and grading them

Completion of the 2022-2023 academic year, grading students who studied in two different schools, how the final grades are calculated — read the article to find out about all this and more.

With the support of U-LEAD, a municipality from the Kherson oblast is recovering its energy independence

The Beryslav municipality will create an enterprise for the production of fuel briquettes from straw to supply heating to a kindergarten. They will also implement an energy management system and scale up the experience of using biofuel to other municipal institutions and households in the region.

Expert: Despite the war, municipalities must release public information as per the laws

The war affects education: What is the educational and psychological damage?

How to properly end the most difficult school year in our history, and should local self-government compensate children for lost opportunities?

Municipality of Tsyrkuny, Kharkiv oblast, received over EUR 30,000 worth of international aid from U-LEAD

The territory of the Tsyrkuny Village Council was significantly damaged during the war, as the municipality was occupied from the first day of the invasion and has been under constant shelling since the liberation.

#international support

Accounting for humanitarian aid in relocated municipalities

Ihor Ahibalov talks about the lack of a legal framework and regulations to be followed when receiving and distributing humanitarian aid.

#legislation

#advice

#international support

04.04.2023

Chortkiv municipality to receive over UAH 5,000,000

The funds intended for the purchase of machinery and equipment for municipal institutions will be allocated by the Government of Germany thanks to the cooperation between Chortkiv and a German city.

#international support

#news

#international cooperation

03.04.2023

"IDPs - are our people!" - online visit to Nekhvoroshcha

Visit a municipality that has a strategic approach to working with IDPs.

#internally displaced persons

#war

#training programmes

29.03.2023

Why do municipalities need energy policies?

A series of educational and advisory events on energy security continues.

Generators in the summer for electricity in the winter

How a municipality in the Vinnytsia region sheltered IDPs and kept them from giving up hope in the darkest winter hour

#war

#energy security

#emergency aid

#internally displaced persons

17.03.2023

Digitization of Ukrainian municipalities: leaders of digital transformation discussed possibilities and prospects

The program “Accelerator of Digital Resilience “Hromada 4.0”, developed by the international organization SocialBoost with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and U-LEAD with Europe, has been launched. Digital transformation leaders discussed the role of digitalization in rebuilding and restoring municipalities.

#news

#digitalization

#digital transformation

#MinDigit

#war

14.03.2023

Certification of local self-government officials under martial law

U-LEAD experts discussed its procedure.

How does martial law affect access to public information? U-LEAD experts explain

Since the outset of the full-scale invasion, information security, protection of personal data and counteracting misinformation in the municipalities have become critical challenges for local self-government.

Assessing the effectiveness of budget programmes: procedure during martial law

This topic was discussed at the event “Implementation of Passports of Budget Programmes: Reporting and Performance Assessment” held by U-LEAD for the municipalities of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava and Cherkasy oblasts.

A series of educational and advisory events on energy security in municipalities launched

Experts will help analyse their energy potential, determine goals for increasing the level of energy security and navigate the expediency of renewable energy projects.

Prohibition or permission to travel abroad. Who in the municipalities is affected by the new Law?

The Government has amended the rules for crossing the border, introducing a number of restrictions that also affect local self-government.

Yurii Bova: Strong local self-government as a fundament for Ukraine’s resilience – the case of Trostianets

A year of full-scale war in Ukraine has passed. These were 12 months of very intensive combat on the frontlines, but at the same time this war demonstrated heroic resistance and resilience of many Ukrainian civilians and their municipalities. Among the most crucial pillars of Ukraine’s defense is local self-government.

Organisation of the process of debris management in municipalities: first steps to be taken

U-LEAD with Europe Programme helps municipalities to overcome daily negative consequences of the aggression of the russian federation (rf). The issue of debris management requires special attention among many other consequences and challenges.

How can municipalities recover documents lost due to the war?

U-LEAD experts answer this question.

Municipalities Are Learning to Provide Their Residents with Shelters

The need for protective structures, their types and construction-related legislation in the latest U-LEAD information session.

Women’s Leadership in Wartime: Contributing to Victory at the Local Level

Read our big article to learn about the challenges of the great war, the work of female heads of municipalities and the Sixth Ukrainian Women’s Congress supported by U-LEAD.

Municipal professionals from the Odesa and Zaporizhzhia oblasts learn best food security practices from their neighbours

U-LEAD experts help them develop programmes to increase resilience and self-sufficiency in wartime.

What makes municipalities resilient — the first lessons after February 24

It is already obvious that a full-scale invasion of Ukraine is not taking place according to the initial scenario. Vox Ukraine writes about the little-discussed, but crucially important factor that helped the country to survive.

#analytics

#war

15.11.2022

The municipality in Lviv oblast set up charging stations with the support of U-LEAD

The U-LEAD with Europe Programme provided generators, water containers, sleeping bags and other necessities for the Novyi Rozdil municipality in the Lviv oblast. During a blackout, the generators provided to the municipality were used as an alternative source of electricity in special mobile stations.

#news

#international support

04.11.2022

9 Ukrainian municipalities received humanitarian aid from the Danish municipality of Guldborgsund

The U-LEAD with Europe Programme is committed to helping Ukrainian municipalities to overcome the challenges caused by the war.

#news

#Denmark

#international support

31.10.2022

U-LEAD experts help municipalities develop food security programmes

The U-LEAD with Europe Programme is committed to providing comprehensive help to municipalities to overcome the challenges caused by the war.

In Mezhova municipality, U-LEAD’s mobile Administrative Service Centre helps residents affected by shelling

Mezhova Village Council was one of the first in Ukraine to receive a mobile ASC with U-LEAD's support.

#news

#war

#Administrative Service Center

20.10.2022

Waste management in wartime: tips for municipalities (INFOGRAPHIC)

The war affected and changed the municipalities of Ukraine. Many Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes, which caused a change in the load on critical infrastructure in most municipalities. Municipal waste management is no exception.

#waste management

#advice

#war

#internally displaced persons

08.09.2022

Project management for municipalities during the war: terms and conditions of applications for international support have been changed

U-LEAD continues to provide expert support to municipalities regarding the use of international technical assistance tools. This includes attracting additional resources for infrastructure reconstruction and population support during the war.

#advice

#international support

#project management

##education ##studytour #4pager #accessibility #accomodation #accounting #accounting #administrative procedure #Administrative Service Center #administrative service centres #administrative service delivery #administrative-territorial division #advice #analytics #analytics #animal treatment #announcement #announcements #anti-corruption #ASC #autonomy #brand #bridges of trust #business #business #capacity development #catalog of events #children #citizen services #comment #communications #communications #community #community charter #community dialog #community dialog #Constitutional amendments #corruption #COVID-19 #crises #critical infrastructure #critical infrastructure #culture #cybersecurity #cycling infrastructure #data #decentralisation #decentralisation #Denmark #derussification #development strategy #digest #digital transformation #digitalisation #digitalization #Diia #document management #Donetsk #e-governance #eco-tourism #ecology #economy #education #education #emergency aid #emergency aid #emergency management #energy efficiency #energy security #energy security #enterpreneurship #environment #environment #Erasmus+ #EU accession #EU countries #European Union #events #experience sharing #factsheet #finances #finances #financial management #financing #food #food safety #food security #France #Gender #gender aspects #gender aspects #germany #grant #guardianship #health care #healthcare #healthcare #heating #heating #heating season #hromada #Hungary #Iceland #IDPs #inclusion #inclusion #intermunicipal cooperation #intermunicipal cooperation #internally displaced persons #internally displaced persons #international cooperation #international cooperation #International Expert Exchange #international support #Interreg #interview #investment #investment #investment passport #investors #Italy #Kherson #land improvements #land lease #land reform #land rent #land resources #legal corner #legal entities #legal issues #legal personality #legislation #legislation #lemon #Letter for leaders #local budget #local budgets #local budgets #local contributions #local development #local elections #local self-government #local self-government #local self-government reform #lsg #lsg #Magdeburg law #Magdeburg law #manual #map #MinDigit #mobility #mobility #Moldova #municipal charter #municipal property #municipal property #municipalities #municipality #national minorities #new #New European Bauhaus #news #Norway #online visit #online-plattform #organisational structure #partnership #personnel policy #PIT #planning #points of invincibility #Poland #presentation #procurement #project management #project office #ProZorro #public finance #public information #public policy #public purchase #public space #question - answer #reconstruction #reconstruction #recovery #recovery #reform of the local self-government #regional development #regional policy #regional policy #religious communities #relocation #report #Republic of Slovenia #research #research #results #reverse subsidies #road safety #Romania #rural development #rural development #safety #safety #safety in municipality #safety specialist #savings #school transport #schools #schools #Sea of Azov #sectoral reforms #shelter #Slovak Republic #social media #social services #social services #Spain #spatial planning #spatial planning #starostas #statistics #Steering committee #steps #steps for specialists #steps for specialists #Steps for Starostas #study visit #support for veterans #survey #sustainable energy #sustainable mobility #tas #tax #taxes #tips #tourism #traffic rules #training programmes #training programmes #Transcarpathia #transport #Trembita #Turkey #U-LEAD #U-LEAD #utilities #utilities #veterans #vocational education #volunteer fire brigades #volunteering #volunteers #wall banner #war #war #waste management #waste management #water supply #WEDNESDAY #woman's leadership #working issues #workshops #youth #youth councils #Zaporizhzhia #Програма Interreg

For legal advice on LSG management during wartime join: