Delegation from Vinnytsia Takes Part in the German-Ukrainian Conference of Municipal Partnerships in Leipzig

The German-Ukrainian Conference of Municipal Partnerships was held in Leipzig, bringing together mayors and representatives of local governments from both countries. Among more than 500 delegates, a delegation from Vinnytsia attended the event. The main topic of discussion was the importance of friendly relations between municipalities in Germany, Ukraine and other European communities, as well as the role of intercity partnerships in the post-war recovery of our country.

The conference was held under the patronage of German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who greeted all participants and in his public speech noted the sister city relationship between Vinnytsia and Karlsruhe as one of the most successful examples of inter-city partnerships.

During the discussion "Solidarity, Reconstruction, Future Prospects: Communities as Key Players", self-government officials shared their experiences and discussed initiatives and best practices implemented in their communities. In particular, they discussed the fact that in total there are almost 190 partnerships between Ukrainian and German communities, most of which were established in 2022-2023. According to foreign colleagues, these are important steps towards positive change.

Deputy Mayor Andrii Ocheretnyi said that the war has united Ukrainians and at the same time strengthened our friendly ties with European countries and cities, including Germany. During his stay at the conference, he met with German politicians and government officials and thanked the mayors and communities of Karlsruhe and Münster, Frank Mentrup and Markus Lewe, for the cooperation and assistance that the German cities have provided to Vinnytsia.

"In addition to the twinning with Karlsruhe, we have officially signed a partnership agreement with Münster. Our German friends have become a real support for us in these difficult times. We are grateful for their support and are ready to continue fighting for the Victory and our European integration," said Andrii Ocheretnyi. "We are currently looking for grant programs and donor assistance available in the European Union and are striving to attract international partners and extra-budgetary funds to implement projects that our community needs. These include the construction of a waste processing plant, reconstruction of sewage treatment facilities, and modernization of other infrastructure facilities that will provide residents of Vinnytsia Municipal Territorial Community with access to quality services."

During the discussion panels, he told his foreign colleagues about Vinnytsia's experience in the context of integrated development and engagement tools, as well as the need to maintain resilience both during the war and in the post-war reconstruction period.