Round Tables on Intermunicipal Cooperation Conducted for Rivne and Volyn Oblasts

June 16-17, 2011 — Round tables on intermunicipal cooperation were conducted in Rivne on June 16 and in Lutsk on June 17.

USAID LINC in conjunction with the Council of Europe Program “Strengthening Local Democracy and Support for Local Government Reforms in Ukraine” and the State Foundation for Support of Local Self-Government in Ukraine organized the event attended by representatives from oblast state administrations, local governments, and scientific and educational institutions.

The round table discussions focused on institutional and legal premises required for intermunicipal cooperation development in Ukraine, relevant European experience and recommendations of the Council of Europe, initiating intermunicipal cooperation development projects, and prospects for intermunicipal cooperation development in the Central Volyn Sub-Region.

The Central Volyn Sub-Region comprises the cities of Rivne and Lutsk as well as the Rivne Oblast’s raions of Zdolbuniv and Rivne and the Volyn Oblast’s raions of Kivertsi and Lutsk. The sub-region was formed in July 2010, when leaders of these communities and USAID LINC signed a Protocol of Intentions to develop and implement a common sub-regional competitiveness and economic development strategy.

The draft strategic plan was finalized in late May – early June 2011, and is now pending formal adoption by the sub-region’s member communities.

The sub-regional strategy focuses on four critical issues, including attraction of investments; innovation and development of human potential; common projects in agribusiness, transport and logistics; and SME and business infrastructure.