Latvia-Ukraine municipal cooperation: a model for reconstruction and resilience
In the face of war and destruction, rebuilding Ukraine requires more than just resources. It demands strong partnerships, knowledge exchange, and unwavering solidarity. The cooperation between Latvian and Ukrainian municipalities is a powerful example of how local governments can play a vital role in this process.
Municipalities in Kuldīga, Ķekava, and Gulbene have established lasting ties with their Ukrainian counterparts, Chuhuyiv, Novyi Bilous, and Korop, transforming initial online meetings into concrete collaboration. Despite the challenges of war, these partnerships have led to knowledge sharing in social services, digital transformation, and local governance. Memorandums of Understanding have formalised their cooperation, while study visits to Latvia have further deepened their exchanges. These initiatives’ success has also been facilitated and supported by the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia and the Association of Ukrainian Cities, demonstrating how national and local actors can work together for long-term recovery.
This cooperation is part of a broader effort under the Bridges of Trust project, implemented by CEMR in collaboration with the Association of Ukrainian Cities and supported by the U-LEAD with Europe Programme. Since its launch, Bridges of Trust has helped forge partnerships between more than 30 Ukrainian and 30 EU municipalities, facilitating joint projects in infrastructure, waste management, and energy solutions. Through training and capacity-building, local governments are strengthening their role in Ukraine’s reconstruction, ensuring that recovery efforts are sustainable and aligned with European standards.
The partnership between Latvia and Ukraine is a testament to the power of municipal cooperation. By working together, local governments are not only rebuilding what was lost but also laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Ukraine and Europe in general.
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