The municipality of Tolmin sent protective suits and equipment to the firefighters of Berezivka municipality.

Recently, the firefighters of the Berezivka Regional Department of the SES of Ukraine in Odesa Oblast received fire suits and firefighting equipment from the Slovenian municipality of Tolmin. This was announced by Valeriy Grigorash, Mayor of Berezivka.

"We started our cooperation with the municipality of Tolmin back in 2019. The partnership was established within the framework of the U-LEAD Bridges of Trust initiative. The delegation of our municipality participated in a study visit to Slovenian municipalities, and learned the best practices of development and European unity policy during the meetings," he said.

In November 2019, Berezivka municipality signed an intention to cooperate with the municipality of Tolmin.

"We intended to become partner cities. When the full-scale invasion began, we turned to Tolmin for help. In order to support our municipality, they organised a charity concert in Slovenia. The Slovenes purchased equipment for the rescuers with the proceeds from the tickets sold and charitable contributions," the Mayor continued.

Valeriy Grigorash also noted that the U-LEAD Bridges of Trust initiative is valuable for Ukrainian municipalities. After all, study visits, participation in experience exchange programmes and meetings establish links between Ukrainian and European municipalities, and launch partnerships. In the future, this results in support, development and implementation of joint projects.

"We strongly appreciate Slovenia's assistance to Berezivka municipality. We always welcome the opportunity to assist our municipalities in searching for partners among European ones to establish cooperation, implement joint projects and provide mutual support," said Yulia Molodozhen, Head of the U-LEAD with Europe Regional Office in Odesa Oblast.

As a reminder, during 2018–2019, 16 partnerships between Ukrainian and Slovenian municipalities were launched within the framework of the U-LEAD Bridges of Trust initiative.