The Carpathian Integration Initiative is set to form the basis for the transition to a new format, EUSCARP – the EU Strategy for the Carpathian Region. This is not merely about a shared vision for the development of the Carpathians, but about a mechanism that will transform shared priorities into concrete projects and attract funding for them.

Vitalii Bezgin, Minister for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons, made this statement during the panel discussion ‘The Carpathian Integration Initiative: Local and Regional Dimensions’. The event was held during the Economic Forum of the Carpathian Summit.

‘The Carpathians should be viewed as a shared space for development, as the region’s natural, economic, and infrastructural links are not confined by national borders. A common framework for the development of the Carpathian macro-region is therefore needed, which will coordinate priorities, launch cross-border projects, and jointly attract European funding,’ said Vitalii Bezgin.

 

 

This also implies a change in approaches to Ukraine’s regional policy. The needs of communities vary significantly depending on their natural, socio-economic, demographic and other characteristics. Therefore, state policy has to take into account the potential, challenges, and real needs of communities, particularly those in mountainous areas.

It is important to note that, in this context, the Government has adopted a decision on the classification of territories by functional type. This will provide an opportunity to move to a policy tailored to the specific characteristics of specific regions. In particular, the State Fund of Regional Development will use these functional classifications to determine areas of support.

 

 

Vitalii Bezgin also emphasised the need to develop the Carpathian macro-region from the bottom up – through practical cooperation between communities and regions in different countries. The Minister also highlighted the initiative of MinRehion to train 1,000 project managers for communities. They will help to prepare and implement projects in line with European requirements, so that European funding opportunities are available not only to large centres but also to smaller communities.

By the end of 2027, Ukraine and its partner countries are expected to reach an agreement in Brussels on the format of cooperation in the Carpathian region. The next step should be the inclusion of the Carpathian region in the EU budget for 2028–2034.

To achieve this goal, Vitalii Bezgin proposed three practical steps to the participants of the event:

• to support the Joint Declaration and draft a joint request to Brussels from the eight countries that participated in the Summit;
• to use Ukraine’s chairmanship of the Carpathian Convention to strengthen links with the future EU Strategy;
• to actively develop cross-border projects between regions and communities.

For reference: The Economic Forum, held within the framework of the Summit of the International Carpathian Initiative, was held on 18–19 September 2026 in Bukovel. It brought together representatives of the countries of the Carpathian region, state and local authorities, international organisations, and the business community. The programme focused on issues of regional development and economic integration in the Carpathians, in particular the development of cross-border infrastructure, energy, tourism, investment, and new economic opportunities.

The Carpathian Integration Initiative aims to deepen cooperation between regions in the Carpathian area, develop infrastructure links, promote economic growth, support Ukraine’s recovery, and attract European funding instruments.