EUroBRIDGE_UA_MD – building a bridge between Ukraine and Moldova
on October 28, the Odesa Regional State Administration hosted a presentation of the international project EUroBRIDGE_UA_MD – “Building Common Ways for Regional Development and Enhancing Administrative Capacity for the Implementation of the EU Cohesion Policy in Ukraine and Moldova”.
This is a truly landmark event for regional development: for the first time, a Ukrainian regional institution is coordinating an EU program that unites four regions of Ukraine: Odesa, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Chernivtsi and the entire territory of the Republic of Moldova. This initiative creates a new level of interaction between the countries, opens the door to partnerships, exchange of experience and implementation of European approaches in regional governance.
The event was attended by representatives of the European Commission, Ukrainian government agencies, partners from Moldova and Romania, as well as representatives of communities, universities, businesses and development agencies. Dmytro Radulov, Deputy Head of Odesa Regional Administrative Department, welcomed the participants. The Ukrainian government was represented by Hanna Belokos, a representative of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, who coordinates international technical assistance and cooperation with the EU.
Serhiy Kononenko, Director of the Regional Development Agency of Odesa Region, emphasized that the project is the first practical step towards implementing the principles of the European Cohesion Policy in Ukrainian regions:
“EUroBRIDGE is not just about international cooperation. This is an opportunity for Ukrainian regions to learn how to work according to the European development logic, form partnerships, manage grant programs, and strengthen the potential of communities.”
Olha Sorochenko, Deputy Director of the Agency and Project Manager, presented the EUroBRIDGE_UA_MD work program, outlining the stages of implementation, key activities and expected results. In particular, the project envisages the establishment of a Steering Committee, the launch of two cross-border grant programs worth more than EUR 1.5 million, the formation of an SME Support Center and a Pool of Experts from Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania.
The participants of the meeting discussed further steps of cooperation and opportunities for Ukrainian and Moldovan communities, development agencies, universities and businesses to join joint grant initiatives.
EUroBRIDGE_UA_MD aims to create a common development platform for the regions of Ukraine and Moldova. It is a powerful tool for strengthening economic resilience, increasing investment attractiveness, entrepreneurship development and digital transformation.
EUroBRIDGE_UA_MD is a bridge of opportunities that unites regions, communities and people for a common European future.
The project is funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Commission.
