Ukraine and its neighboring countries build long-term cooperation mechanisms in the Carpathian region

On May 26, 2026, Taras Kachka, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, participated in the discussion “The Carpathian Integration Initiative: From Political Idea to Macro-Regional Development Tool” as part of the IV International Summit of Cities and Regions.

During the event, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the very process of advocating for and promoting the Carpathian Initiative is already part of its practical implementation. Since 2022, geographical and economic interaction between Ukraine and neighboring states has significantly intensified, and the regional dimension of cooperation is becoming increasingly important for all of Europe.

According to Taras Kachka, the European Commission and the European Parliament support an approach in which a significant portion of integration and infrastructure initiatives are implemented specifically through the regions. He noted that Ukraine systematically raises the issue of the further development of the Carpathian region during intergovernmental consultations with neighboring states.

The participants in the discussion paid particular attention to issues of infrastructure development, security, and support for rural areas. Taras Kachka emphasized that the fields of security, defense, and agricultural policy today have a distinct regional dimension, and border regions are well aware of the importance of developing transport, logistics, and security capabilities.

“We are currently developing highly strategic, long-term projects and mechanisms for sustainable cooperation. I am convinced that no political elections or campaigns will jeopardize the possibility of further implementation of these projects,” said Taras Kachka.

The discussion also touched on the need for more active implementation of joint projects in the Carpathian region, the development of production, support for rural communities, and the establishment of long-term mechanisms for financing regional initiatives.

Also participating in the discussion were Viktor Mykyta, Chair of the Presidium of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine; Maksym Kozytskyi, Chair of the Chamber of Regions of the Congress, Head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration; Tetyana Yegorova-Lutsenko, Deputy Chair of the Congress’s Chamber of Regions, President of the Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Councils, and Chair of the Kharkiv Regional Council; Patrick Molinos, Member of the European Committee of the Regions and Vice-President of the Region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (France); Cecilia Dalman Eek, Vice-President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, President of the Chamber of Regions (Sweden), and others.

Background information

The Carpathian Initiative was launched at the proposal of Slovakia. Its creation was announced during the 6th meeting of the Ukrainian-Slovak Joint Commission on Economic, Industrial, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation in November 2024.

The Carpathian Initiative aims to develop a strategic partnership between Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine in the areas of reconstruction, regional integration, and economic development of the Carpathian region. Its objectives include:

• improving regional integration by developing infrastructure links between Ukraine, Slovakia, and Poland to facilitate regional trade and mobility;
• supporting economic growth through the implementation of strategic projects that promote economic resilience and growth, particularly in border regions;
• supporting Ukraine’s recovery, primarily of its transport and energy infrastructure;
• promoting sustainable development by ensuring that all projects align with the Sustainable Development Goals and EU standards.