Minregion delegation led by Minister Vitalii Bezghin begins work in Brussels during the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026

This year, representatives of 100 Ukrainian communities from across the country are taking part in the events. Together with them, the first meeting was held with Antje Grotheer, chair of the European Committee of the Regions’ Working Group on Ukraine.

The discussion focused on Ukrainian communities’ needs ahead of winter, particularly ensuring basic services for residents amid constant Russian shelling and strengthening support from European partners.

“Today, 100 voices of Ukrainian communities are being heard in Brussels. Behind each are real challenges people face every day. Ahead of a difficult winter, our primary request to European partners is support for communities, especially those near the front line, in providing basic services to residents. At the same time, we are discussing long-term cooperation: Ukrainian communities’ participation in European institutions, training specialists, attracting investment and creating conditions for Ukrainians to return home. It is essential for us that the voice of Ukrainian local self-government is heard in Europe and that our agreements give communities tangible opportunities and resources,” Minister Vitalii Bezghin said.

Other topics included establishing the EU–Ukraine Joint Consultative Committee, which will ensure a permanent dialogue between local self-government representatives and the European Committee of the Regions. The draft act is already being considered by the Government, and the first meeting is expected in November. They also discussed legal certainty for Ukrainians in the EU that does not conflict with the possibility of their return home.

Particular attention was paid to developing the EU Strategy for the Carpathian Region under the C8 initiative and supporting the “1000 project managers for communities” programme through internships and mentoring in EU regions. They also discussed involving local self-government in preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2027) in Tallinn, from which concrete political agreements and new financial resources for community recovery are expected.

Minregion representatives continue their dialogue with European partners on specific instruments to support Ukrainian communities and their participation in European processes.