On 30 October, Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories, met with Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, in Kyiv.

During the meeting, the parties discussed joint projects for regional development, Slovenia’s participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction, support for communities during the winter, and the protection of energy facilities and critical infrastructure.

Following the negotiations, a Memorandum of Cooperation in Regional Development was signed, marking the beginning of a new phase in the partnership between Ukraine and Slovenia. The document provides for the expansion of cooperation between Ukrainian communities and Slovenian municipalities, as well as joint initiatives within the framework of the ‘Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Cohesive Communities’ project and the implementation of European approaches to regional policy.

‘Now more than ever, it is important to develop and strengthen partnerships between communities. It is interaction at the local level that enables real change in areas such as reconstruction, security, and quality of life. We are grateful to Slovenia for its ongoing support for projects that help communities prepare for winter, restore social facilities, and protect infrastructure. Strong communities form the basis of our European integration. Slovenia sets an example for us in terms of effective regional policy, solidarity and sustainable development,’ said Oleksii Kuleba.

Today, 28 Ukrainian and Slovenian communities already have partnerships, including Bucha and Kočevje, Kharkiv and Maribor, Chortkiv and Grosuplje, Drohobych and Hrastnik, and Pereshchepyne and Idrija.

This cooperation has resulted in several specific projects, including the opening of a rehabilitation centre for children with special needs in Zarichany (Zhytomyr region), a psychological assistance centre in Kharkiv, homes for foster families in the Khmelnytskyi region, a waste-to-biofuel processing plant in Lviv, and water treatment facilities in Zhytomyr.

Construction of a water pipeline in Cherche village, Ivano-Frankivsk region (EUR 200,000) and creation of a bomb shelter and food unit for educational institutions (EUR 350,000) are planned for 2026 as part of the Olena Zelenska Foundation project.

The Ukrainian party also called on Slovenia to contribute to joint efforts to protect critical infrastructure by providing equipment, technical solutions, and expertise in strengthening energy resilience.

‘The security situation remains difficult. The enemy attacks our energy, water and transport facilities every day. Their aim is to deprive people of heat, light and water. We are grateful to our partners for helping us survive, but significant needs remain. It is crucial that we help people get through the winter as smoothly as possible,’ emphasised Oleksii Kuleba.