On 8 June 2025, Kharkiv – a city that has become a symbol of Ukraine’s resilience – welcomed a powerful new institution: the Local Democracy Agency Kharkiv Region, officially inaugurated during a high-level hybrid event organised by ALDA, in partnership with the Kharkiv Regional Council, and with support from the Grand Est Region (France) and Bologna city Italy.
The event gathered key representatives from Ukrainian local and regional governments, European institutions, international partners, and civil society – showcasing the power of decentralised cooperation and local ownership.
A United Message from European Partners
🔹 Anna Lisa Boni, Deputy Mayor of Bologna, emphasised:
“Kharkiv represents not just courage, but the future of democratic Ukraine. For us, change begins locally – and today’s opening is about empowering citizens and local authorities to lead Ukraine’s democratic path.”
🔹 Patrick Molinoz, member of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), connected remotely to share:
“Local authorities are the beating heart of Ukraine’s resilience. At the CoR, Ukraine is a top priority – and LDAs are vital for ensuring decentralisation reform, anti-corruption efforts, and a sustainable European future.”
Strong Words from Local Leadership
🔹 Mayor Ihor Terekhov of Kharkiv stated:
“Our community is fighting for democracy every day. This office should not only be a symbol – it must be a platform of real support, helping us and our regional partners move closer to Europe.”
🔹 Veniamin Sitov, Mayor of Merefa and an active LDA partner, reflected on recent cooperation projects, including youth exchanges with Italy and civic engagement initiatives like “Lessons with the Mayor”:
“We already see the impact of this agency in building connections and empowering our people.”
EU Support on the Ground
🔹 Maryna Goncharenko of U-LEAD with Europe reminded participants that:
“We have supported Ukrainian communities since 2016 – and we continue to do so through training, capacity building, and decentralised support. Communities like Kharkiv inspire us with their courage and determination.”
The LDA in Kharkiv region is a hub for democratic innovation, local empowerment, and strategic cooperation between Ukrainian communities and European partners. It will serve as a bridge between citizens, local authorities, and international donors, ensuring that recovery is not only top-down but bottom-up, inclusive, and sustainable.
Key Objectives of the LDA Kharkiv region
- Support Ukraine’s decentralisation reform
- Facilitate civic participation and youth engagement
- Promote transparency and accountability
- Connect local needs with EU integration efforts
- Coordinate with partners on reconstruction and recovery
