The first REGION READY FORUM — “Readiness of Regions” has begun and will take place on 23–24 September in Zakarpattia. The forum launched a series of events to strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian regions as they prepare for EU accession and future participation in EU Cohesion Policy.

The Forum is organised by the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine and the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, and hosted by the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration. The event brought together representatives of regions, communities, central authorities and international partners.

A particular focus of the Forum is cross-border cooperation as a practical tool for joint investment, infrastructure development, improved service delivery and the involvement of new partners.

An important part of the event is the exchange of experience with European partners. Representatives of the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy of the Republic of Poland, the OECD (OECD) and EU4Reconstruction provide expert support and share approaches to regional planning, governance and service delivery that may be useful on the path to European integration.

Participants will also examine shared challenges and opportunities for mountain and rural areas through the development of the Ukrainian Carpathians, including infrastructure, human capital, economic development and cross-border partnerships.

The Forum programme includes discussions, thematic workshops and practical work on project ideas.