Bridges of Trust | CEMR launches innovative matchmaking platform at Ukrainian Recovery Conference

On 11 and 12 June, the Ukrainian Recovery Conference (URC) in Berlin brought together key figures including the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This event was an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration among EU Institutions, civil society, and local leaders focused on Ukraine’s recovery. 

CEMR and PLATFORMA actively participated, presenting their diverse projects and engagement to further the advancement of multilevel governance in Ukraine and decentralised cooperation with Europe. The Bridges of Trust initiative, in partnership with U-LEAD, stands out as their most significant effort, facilitating partnerships between EU municipalities and Ukrainian counterparts. Additionally, CEMR contributes to the URC recommendations, is a core member of the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, and an implementing partner of the SUN4Ukraine project. 

A key highlight of the conference was the introduction of the enhanced digital Matchmaking Platform by CEMR’s Secretary General, Fabrizio Rossi. Developed in partnership with BMZ and GIZ, the platform features an innovative partnership swipe feature, enabling Local and Regional Governments to find suitable partners and collaborate directly on addressing shared challenges. Fabrizio Rossi emphasised its potential as both a technological and political tool to forge diplomatic engagement between European and Ukrainian municipalities, build capacity and support a stronger democratic future through international cooperation. The Matchmaking Platform will be officially launched in December.

For more information and to stay updated on this initiative, interested parties can register online now.