Novovolynsk urban community officially established a partnership with the Italian town of Paliano. This is the first twin town for Novovolynsk in Italy, and the new partnership is already taking practical shape, ranging from social and educational projects to cooperation in energy sustainability.

Borys Karpus, Mayor of Novovolynsk, reported this following a working visit to Paliano, which was held at the invitation of Domenico Alfieri, Mayor of Paliano.

During the meetings, the parties discussed the prospects for the implementation of joint European projects, and areas of cooperation that are traditionally most in demand between Italian and Ukrainian communities.

Topics covered included:

• recreation in Italy for the children of Ukrainian military personnel;
• cultural and sports exchanges;
• cooperation in education;
• participation in joint international projects.

During the meetings, special attention was paid to matters of the energy security of the community. Novovolynsk is exploring opportunities to attract European funding for projects to install solar power stations, energy storage systems, and cogeneration plants for critical infrastructure facilities.

According to Borys Karpus, an important part of the meetings was also a discussion on russian aggression against Ukraine and the need for continued support for Ukrainian communities and the Defence Forces.

‘Europeans need to realise what a great struggle Ukrainians are currently waging for peace throughout Europe,’ emphasised the Mayor.

During the visit, Borys Karpus also invited Domenico Alfieri, Mayor of Paliano, to pay a return visit to Novovolynsk to see for himself how a Ukrainian community behind the front lines is functioning and developing amidst a full-scale war.

International partnerships have more and more become, for Ukrainian communities, not only a tool for inter-municipal cooperation but also a practical mechanism for attracting funding, new projects, humanitarian support and investment in the development of local infrastructure. The new partnership between Novovolynsk and Paliano is one more example of how communities expand international cooperation, focusing on tangible results for their residents.