Local partnerships at the heart of Ukraine’s recovery

Over the past month, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has intensified its efforts to place local and regional governments (LRGs) at the centre of Ukraine’s recovery, through the Bridges of Trust initiative and its growing Matchmaking Platform*. From Verona to Brussels and soon Münster, CEMR’s work is paving the way to Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome. 

In Verona (Italy), during a key event on the Road to URC2025, CEMR joined Ukrainian, Italian, and EU leaders to stress that recovery must begin at the local level – in the cities, towns, and communities most affected. CEMR highlighted the value of structured municipal cooperation, drawing on the Bridges of Trust experience and tools like the Matchmaking Platform, first launched at URC2024 in Berlin. As a follow-up to the commitments made at URC2024 in Berlin (Germany), a dedicated roundtable—coordinated by Antje Kästner (BMZ)—brought together Ukrainian mayors and members of the Coalition of Sustainable Municipalities to align efforts and reinforce the vital role of local leadership in Ukraine’s recovery. 

Days later in Brussels (Belgium), at the EU–Ukraine Municipal Partnerships Forum, CEMR showcased how these tools are already helping local leaders connect, share priorities, and build lasting partnerships. CEMR also contributed to the Joint Statement on Empowering Local and Regional Governments for the Reconstruction and Future EU Accession of Ukraine, with a strong emphasis on strengthening the access and involvement of LRGs to finance, in governance and decision-making processes, particularly within the Ukraine Donor Platform. Consolidating effort through a one-stop-shop for partnerships.  

Looking ahead, CEMR will bring this momentum to Münster (Germany), during the next German-Ukrainian municipal partnership conference. Our goal: to strengthen peer-to-peer collaboration and support local authorities in shaping a recovery that is democratic, inclusive, and locally driven.  

From policy to practice, CEMR continues to put LRGs at the forefront—advocating for their role, promoting their leadership, and equipping them with concrete tools and projects to drive Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration. 

Next stop: Ukraine Recovery Conference, 10–11 July 2025, Rome (Italy).

(Picture: © European Union / Giedrė Daugėlaitė)