Strasbourg (France), 2 April 2026 – The LDA Kharkiv Partner Meeting brought together European and Ukrainian stakeholders in a hybrid format, marking a significant step forward in reinforcing decentralised cooperation and supporting Ukraine’s recovery. The meeting provided a strategic platform to consolidate partnerships, align priorities, and advance the operational development of the Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Kharkiv.
At a critical moment for Ukraine, the discussion reaffirmed the central role of decentralised cooperation in promoting and supporting resilience, strengthening local governance, and ensuring that recovery efforts are grounded in the needs of communities. Participants shared a common commitment to supporting the Kharkiv region through concrete, coordinated, and long-term actions.
A clear vision for LDA Kharkiv
A key highlight of the meeting was the formal introduction of Valentyna Smachylo as the newly appointed delegate of LDA Kharkiv. Presenting her strategic vision, she outlined a forward-looking and operational approach to positioning the LDA as a practical hub for local development and international cooperation.
Her vision places strong emphasis on supporting municipalities, civil society organisations, and local communities across the Kharkiv region through project development, capacity-building, and international partnerships. Key priorities include reinforcing participatory governance, enhancing community resilience, and supporting vulnerable groups affected by the war.
Importantly, she stressed the need to rapidly consolidate the LDA from an institutional perspective, ensuring it becomes fully operational and capable of engaging effectively with international partners.
The meeting was further enriched by the contribution of Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, President of UAROR and Chair of the Kharkiv Regional Council, who reaffirmed the strong commitment of regional authorities to the LDA initiative. She highlighted both the challenges faced by the Kharkiv region and its remarkable resilience, underlining the importance of sustained cooperation with ALDA and international partners.
This perspective was echoed by Maksym Kolinko, representing the Kharkiv Regional Council, who confirmed the Council’s readiness to actively support all initiatives related to LDA Kharkiv, reinforcing the robust institutional backing behind the project.
Violeta Moskalu, President of PromoUkraine, contributed a valuable perspective on the importance of academic cooperation, youth exchanges, and university partnerships. She emphasised that these dimensions are essential for fostering long-term resilience and supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction beyond immediate recovery needs.
From coordination to action
The discussion also featured contributions from Marcello Raimondi and Luis Vanella, representing the European Action for Nonviolent Peace Movement (MEAN), who presented ongoing initiatives in support of Ukraine. Their work combines humanitarian assistance with peacebuilding actions, promoting nonviolent engagement and strengthening connections with local communities.
Across all interventions, a clear message emerged: the need to move swiftly from coordination to concrete action on the ground. In this context, LDA Kharkiv is expected to play a pivotal role not only as a platform for dialogue, but as an operational actor capable of delivering tangible support to communities.
Communication and visibility were also identified as key priorities, essential to building trust at the local level and expanding international partnerships.
ALDA expresses its sincere gratitude to all partners for their active participation and continued commitment. Special thanks are extended to the Grand Est Region for hosting the meeting in Strasbourg, and to Christian Debève, President of the International Relations Commission, for his valuable support and engagement.
With strong institutional backing, a committed network of partners, and a clear strategic direction, LDA Kharkiv is now entering a crucial phase of implementation. The shared objective remains clear: to deliver concrete, lasting impact for communities across the region and contribute to a more resilient, democratic, and cohesive Ukraine.