These days, Yuriy Bova, Mayor of Trostyanets, as part of the Ukrainian delegation, is taking part in the Ukraine-Italy International Local Government Forum. This event has become an important platform for strengthening partnerships between Ukrainian and Italian communities. The event brought together representatives of governments, local self-government, business, civil society and international organizations to share experiences, mutual support and plan long-term joint initiatives.
The forum focused on decentralization, post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, investment attraction, cultural development, education, ecotourism and sustainable development. The participants of the event emphasized that communities are the driving force behind the country’s recovery, building sustainable partnerships and promoting European values.
One of the first outcomes of the forum for our community was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Trostyanets city and Italian Comune di Silvi on July 10, 2025, in Rome. The mayors of the two cities, Yuriy Bova and Andrea Scordella, officially declared their intentions to establish friendly and strategic relations between the communities.
Cooperation under this agreement will cover a number of important areas:
Post-war reconstruction of Ukraine – implementation of joint projects to restore infrastructure, support entrepreneurship, develop the local economy, and strengthen democracy at the community level.
Sustainable development and ecotourism – implementation of joint environmental initiatives, environmental protection, development of green tourism using the experience of European municipalities.
Cultural and educational exchange: organization of programs in the field of art, history, heritage and education that will contribute to the deepening of mutual understanding between the Ukrainian and Italian peoples.
Participation in European support programs: cooperation within the framework of key European grant initiatives, in particular:
- Erasmus+ – exchanges in the educational and professional fields;
- Horizon Europe – support for scientific and technological innovations;
- Creative Europe – funding for cultural projects;
- CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values) – promotion of civil rights, democracy and European principles.
Work plan and transparent coordination: the parties agreed to create a specific work plan with clear milestones, deadlines and areas of responsibility. This will allow to effectively coordinate efforts and achieve tangible results.
Commenting on the significance of this agreement, Yuriy Bova said:
“Cooperation with Comune di Silvi is not just a friendly gesture, it is a concrete opportunity to jointly implement projects that will help Trostyanets and similar municipalities recover faster, develop tourism, culture and environmental policy. We are open to the world and have a clear vision of the European future“.
The Ukraine-Italy Forum has become more than just a platform for discussion! It opened a new page of international cooperation for the Trostyanets hromada and confirmed the European aspiration of Ukrainian cities for sustainable development, peace and progress!
