Gmina Kożuchów, Republic of Poland

Kożuchów (Republic of Poland) — a Reliable Long-Term Partner of Trostyanets Hromada

Date of signing the partnership agreement: 16 August 2014

Current Mayor: Alina Śmigiel

The partnership between the Trostyanets City Territorial Hromada and the city of Kożuchów is an example of sustainable international cooperation based on friendship, mutual respect, and practical support. For many years, the communities have maintained active dialogue, implemented joint initiatives, and developed humanitarian, cultural, and municipal ties.

An important area of cooperation has been the exchange of delegations and the study of best practices in local self-government. Representatives of Trostyanets have repeatedly visited Kożuchów to learn about the implementation of investment projects, the development of the industrial park, the preservation of historical heritage, and the organization of large-scale events. In turn, the Polish partners visited Trostyanets to participate in festivals and jointly discuss prospects for further cooperation.

Another important field of cooperation has been the study of experience in the reconstruction of wastewater treatment facilities, modernization of water supply systems, and development of municipal infrastructure. The Polish partners shared practical approaches to upgrading water utilities and managing communal services, which became an important source of experience for the further development of the Trostyanets hromada.

Preservation and modern use of historical heritage also occupy an important place in the partnership. Kożuchów is home to an ancient castle, which is a significant cultural and tourist attraction of the city. The Polish partners demonstrated a successful example of integrating historical architecture into modern community and tourism life. This experience is especially close to Trostyanets, as it shares common features with the development of the Round Court complex — a unique historical landmark of our community.

With the Polish experience of organizing historical events that the Trostyanets hromada adopted the idea of holding historical reenactment festivals. This later became the foundation for the development of one of the hromada’s most well-known cultural events — the “Old Fortress. Journey Through the Centuries” festival, which contributed to promoting the history, tourism, and cultural heritage of Trostyanets.

After the beginning of the full-scale war, the partnership gained particular importance. Kożuchów promptly provided the Trostyanets hromada with essential humanitarian aid, including generators and heaters to support the operation of Points of Invincibility, educational and cultural institutions, and other socially important facilities during periods of energy challenges. This support became an important contribution to the resilience of the hromada during the difficult winter period.

The Polish partners also demonstrated sincere solidarity in supporting children. Thanks to charitable initiatives in Kożuchów, fundraising was organized for the restoration of the “Bilochka” kindergarten in Trostyanets, which had been damaged during the occupation. This became a symbol of support, mutual assistance, and care for the future of the hromada.

The city leadership played an important role in the development of cooperation, particularly former mayor Paweł Jagasek and representatives of the municipality, who consistently supported partnership ties with Trostyanets and contributed to expanding the areas of cooperation. The partnership between Trostyanets and Kożuchów is an example of how long-term friendship between communities evolves into real joint actions, mutual support, and trust. Such international connections strengthen communities, help overcome challenges, and create new opportunities for future development.