In Brussels, Vitalii Bezhin discusses conference preparation priorities with Estonian partners

Ukrainian communities need specific projects, access to financing and the tools to implement them. These are the results Ukraine proposes to focus on in the local and regional dimension of URC 2027 in Tallinn.

In Brussels, Minister for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine Vitalii Bezhin discussed conference preparation priorities with Estonian partners.

The talks focused on three areas.

▪️ Investment projects and financing. Identifying priority projects and communities, supporting the preparation of investment proposals and attracting financing. Particular attention goes to frontline communities and those hosting IDPs.

▪️ Strengthening local self-government and preparing for EU accession. Continuing decentralisation and strengthening the capacity of communities and regions in strategic planning, public investment management and the use of EU cohesion policy instruments.

▪️ Partnerships with European municipalities and regions. Joint projects with clear goals, division of responsibilities and next steps. This includes exchanging experience with the Nordic and Baltic countries in regional development, digital solutions and local investment planning.

Deputy Minister for European Integration Artem Husak also held a working meeting with Sigrid Soomlais, Deputy Secretary General for Regional Development at Estonia's Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. They discussed the content and organisational aspects of URC 2027, including preparing specific projects, coordinating partners' contributions, and next steps for implementing the agreements reached after the conference.