From 16 to 18 June 2025, the city of Münster (Germany) became a vibrant hub of dialogue and cooperation between Ukrainian and German local governments. ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy – proudly took part in the 7th German-Ukrainian Municipal Partnership Conference, reaffirming the central role of local democracy in Ukraine’s path toward EU integration and post-war recovery.
Organised by Engagement Global, the German-Ukrainian Partnership Bureau, and the City of Münster, the event brought together institutional representatives, local leaders, and civil society organisations for two days of exchanges on how decentralised cooperation can drive forward the values of democracy, resilience, and sustainable development.
Highlighting the Role of Local Governance in EU Accession
On 17 June, Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, participated in the high-level panel titled “Ukraine’s Path to the EU”, addressing the importance of local authorities and decentralised cooperation in both the reconstruction of Ukraine and its integration into the European Union.
During her intervention, she showcased ALDA’s network of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) in Ukraine as a concrete tool for turning European values into action on the ground. These LDAs represent a long-standing and successful model of multilateral cooperation involving local governments and civil society, now playing a vital role in Ukraine’s democratic transformation.
Antonella was joined on the panel by key voices from both governments:
- Reem Alabali Radovan, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), joining remotely
- Serhii Hupiak, Deputy Chairman of the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption of Ukraine
- Mykhailo Lavriv, Chairman of the Kalush District Council
Their discussion underscored that resilient municipalities are the foundation of a resilient Ukraine, and that EU enlargement must begin with strong and inclusive local governance.
From Strategy to Implementation: Local Authorities Leading the Way
On the following day, 18 June, Khrystyna Kvartsiana, Ukraine Coordinator at ALDA, joined the panel “Ukraine’s EU accession – current status and opportunities for municipalities”, alongside:
- Thomas Schmidt, Mayor of Teltow, Germany
- Ivan Dyriv, Mayor of Dolyna, Ukraine
- Andrej Horvat, U-LEAD with Europe
- Iryna Mykulych, Agency for Reconstruction and Development
This discussion focused on the practical steps that municipalities can take to align with EU standards — from improving public service delivery to engaging in cross-border partnerships. ALDA contributed its expertise in EU-funded projects, participatory governance, and capacity-building through its LDAs and international partnerships.
Strengthening Municipal Partnerships for Ukraine’s Future
Throughout the conference, ALDA reiterated its commitment to fostering local-level cooperation between EU member states and Ukraine. The event highlighted that Ukraine’s journey toward EU membership is not only a national political process but also a local transformation, requiring direct support to municipalities that are delivering essential services, managing reconstruction, and empowering citizens.
“Europe is built locally — and Ukraine’s integration into the EU will be shaped by the strength of its local democracies,” said Antonella Valmorbida.
ALDA extends its sincere thanks to all organisers and partners for hosting this timely and impactful exchange. As Ukraine moves forward, ALDA will remain an engaged and reliable partner in building resilient, democratic, and inclusive communities.
