Ukrainian Communities at the Heart of EU Accession: Insights from the Münster Conference

On June 18, 2025 the German-Ukrainian Bureau (DUB) co-hosted a vibrant expert panel on the role of Ukrainian local communities in the country’s EU accession journey. The event took place during the Seventh German-Ukrainian Municipal Partnerships Conference in Münster and was moderated by DUB’s CEO, Mattia Nelles.

Panelists Included:

• Iryna Mykulych, Grants and Partnership Manager, Agency for Restoration and Development

• Ivan Dyriv, Mayor of Dolyna

• Thomas Schmidt, Mayor of Teltow

• Andrej Horvat, Deputy Program Director, ULEAD with Europe

• Khrystyna Kvartsiana, Ukraine Representative, ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy

  
  

Key Takeaways:

1. Building Bridges, Not Just Bonds

   Partnerships between Ukrainian and European municipalities are more than humanitarian lifelines—they foster firsthand understanding of the EU’s frameworks, the funding ecosystem, and the challenges at the grassroots level.

   
   

2. Capacity Gaps Are Real

   Many smaller Ukrainian communities struggle to access and manage grant-based funding. Tailored capacity-building—supporting specific local needs—must be prioritized by European partners, NGOs, and experts.

   
   

3. Seizing the Moment

   Ukraine is still in the early stages of its EU accession process. Yet, numerous funding windows for reconstruction and community development already exist. As highlighted in the conference materials, many communities have already tapped into them. The message is clear: act now—align with EU standards, scale up international cooperation, and build capacity.

   
   

4. Local Communities as EU Anchors

   Successful accession means strong, informed local actors who can translate negotiations into action on the ground. Inclusive processes that empower municipalities and their associations will deliver sustainable integration.

   
   

5. EU: A Future Rooted in History

   For communities in war-torn regions of eastern, northern, and southern Ukraine, the EU may feel distant—but it is the future. As panelists emphasized, Ukraine’s European identity is age-old, and its accession represents a return to deeply held roots following decades of foreign domination.

   
   

As the German-Ukrainian Bureau, we are honored to support Ukrainian municipalities in their EU integration journey. These local partnerships are strategic building blocks—not just for reconstruction, but for democratic revitalization and sustainable development.

Photos by DUB