Shyroke community in Zaporizhzhia region works in conditions that many European municipalities would find difficult to imagine: proximity to the front line, constant security risks, population outflow, and limited resources. This context, however, has fostered a clear understanding in the community that development cannot be postponed “until after the war”. On the contrary, it requires systemic solutions right now, particularly in terms of international cooperation.

From the perspective of U-LEAD with Europe, Shyroke community stands out for its openness and willingness to learn. As Tetiana Bordyug, Head of the Regional Office of U-LEAD in Zaporizhzhia region, notes, the community has been working purposefully to build international contacts since its early years and is not afraid to make its voice heard.

‘Shyroke community is unique in its openness and willingness to gain new experience, as well as to initiate new projects. They are not afraid to communicate, ask questions or talk about their strengths and weaknesses. Many officials are learning English, studying project cycle management and seizing every opportunity for their own development and that of the community,’ emphasises Ms Bordyug.

At the same time, the war has significantly complicated international activities for communities in Zaporizhzhia region. Security challenges force local governments to focus on the basic needs of residents, but development and international integration remain critically important. Therefore, U-LEAD continues to provide communities with tailored advice and practical support in international cooperation, helping them move from isolated contacts to systematic cooperation.

For Shyroke community, international cooperation is a conscious strategic choice. Denys Korotenko, Head of the Community, echoes this view, emphasising that even in frontline conditions, the community cannot afford to lose momentum in its development.

‘We live and work in conditions of war, constant security risks, and limited resources, so it is important for us not to lose momentum in our development whilst simultaneously preparing the community for the future. We are fully aware that Ukraine’s European integration is inevitable, and communities need to be ready for this right now – through governance approaches, values, standards, and partnerships,’ emphasises Mr Korotenko.

International partnerships have a direct impact on the strategic decisions of the community in governance, development, and recovery. An internship at Hjørring Municipality in Denmark provided an opportunity to see in practice how European governance models work – models focused on data, digital solutions, transparency, and accountability.

One of the most significant outcomes of international cooperation at this stage has been the building of trust and sustainable partnerships. In 2025, Shyroke community signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Finnish municipality of Nivala and also established a mentoring relationship with Hjørring Municipality as part of a career guidance project implemented jointly with U-LEAD.

The Shyroke Community Development Agency plays a key role in the practical implementation of international cooperation. It acts as the coordinating body – from identifying partners and preparing proposals to following up on agreements and launching joint projects.

‘The Development Agency acts as the operational centre for international cooperation – from identifying partners and preparing proposals to following up on agreements and launching projects,’ explains Yuliia Noskova, Head of the Agency.

In the early years of the full-scale war, the international cooperation undertaken by the community was largely of a humanitarian nature. Over time, the focus has gradually shifted towards long-term partnerships and strategic projects that require systematic preparation and professional communication.

‘At the start of the full-scale war, the entire team was mobilised – everyone who had any contacts. Today, however, we are talking about long-term, sustainable international cooperation, and this is one of the key areas of my responsibility,’ notes Ms Noskova.

Among the most successful cases, the Head of the Agency singles out cooperation with Denmark and Finland. The Danish experience served as an example to the community team of policy consistency and a people-centred approach, whilst the partnership with the Finnish organisation Nivala demonstrated the importance of trust and a similar security context.

‘The Danish experience serves as a model of policy consistency and a people-centred approach, where the system does not tie people to a service but teaches them to use the tools independently. We are already discussing this philosophy within the team as one worth adapting for our community,’ explains Ms Noskova.

The frontline location of the community remains both a challenge and an opportunity. For some potential partners, this is a risk factor, particularly in the context of investment. At the same time, for others, this experience is the source of interest and the basis for cooperation.

‘Our partners are openly interested in Ukraine’s experience – in the areas of security, crisis response, and community work in wartime. This confirms that Ukrainian communities today are not merely recipients of knowledge, but full participants in the European dialogue,’ emphasises Denys Korotenko, Head of the Community.

‘We realise that, under current circumstances, it is more difficult for communities in Zaporizhzhia region to work with international partners. Meeting the basic needs of residents during wartime is a priority. At the same time, we would like to remind everyone that development should not be forgotten. International integration is the path along which Ukraine is moving forward with confidence. Therefore, communities can and should strive for international cooperation; and we, for our part, are always ready to contribute with advice and practical support,’ notes Tetiana Bordyug, Head of the Regional Office of U-LEAD in Zaporizhzhia region.

With the future in mind, the community has identified two key areas for international cooperation: restoration of human capital and development of the local economy. Stronger teams, the implementation of education and veterans’ policies, support for business and green solutions – all of these are seen as the foundation of the resilience of the community.

The experience of Shyroke community shows that even in a frontline context, communities can remain open to learning, systematically build international partnerships, and work towards their future. This combination of a realistic view of the challenges and a willingness to invest in development forms the basis for long-term resilience and recovery.