Ruslan ZAPARANIUK, during his first official visit to Romania: “Cross-border cooperation is a priority for the development of the Chernivtsi Region”

Cross-Border Cooperation, a Strategic Priority for Regional Development

The Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration is strengthening its relations with local authorities in Romania and plans to expand its cooperation with the Republic of Moldova in the near future. Infrastructure development, the modernization of public services, the attraction of European funding, and support for communities affected by the war represent the main priorities promoted by the regional authorities.

During recent official visits to the Romanian counties of Timiș and Bihor, the Ukrainian delegation held meetings with representatives of local public administrations to identify new opportunities for cooperation and launch joint projects with regional impact.

New Cooperation Agreements with Romanian Authorities

The participation of the Governor of the Chernivtsi Region, Ruslan Zaparaniuk, in the Assembly of European Regions meeting held in Timiș County laid the groundwork for the development of new institutional partnerships between the two countries.

“This was my first official visit to Romania. I had constructive discussions with the President of the Timiș County Council, during which we identified several areas of common interest and agreed to initiate cooperation agreements,” Governor Ruslan Zaparaniuk stated.

According to the Governor, the dialogue between the two parties aims to develop projects that will enhance the resilience of local communities and strengthen cooperation between border regions.

Support for Communities Affected by the War

A key topic on the agenda was support for vulnerable groups in Ukraine. The authorities of the Chernivtsi Region proposed the organization of recreational programs for the children of war veterans, fallen service members, and internally displaced persons.

“The Romanian side welcomed this initiative and expressed its willingness to support the organization of these programs for children affected by the consequences of the war,” the Governor noted.

As preparations for the winter season continue, the regional administration has also requested support for equipping hospitals, schools, and kindergartens with power generators, inverters, and photovoltaic panels to ensure that essential public services can continue operating uninterrupted in the event of power supply disruptions.

Modernization of Cross-Border Infrastructure

Cooperation between Romania and Ukraine also focuses on the development of cross-border infrastructure. During meetings held in Oradea and Chernivtsi, the parties discussed projects aimed at modernizing border crossing points, facilitating freight transport, and improving tourism connectivity between the two countries.

Vitalii Balta, Adviser to the Head of the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration, emphasized the importance of expanding the capacity of the Diakivtsi–Racovăț border crossing point.

“We discussed with the President of the Botoșani County Council the expansion of the Diakivtsi–Racovăț border crossing so that coaches will be able to use this route during the summer season. Such a measure would help ease traffic congestion and improve cross-border mobility,” the official stated.

European Funding and Investments at the Core of Cooperation

The Chernivtsi Regional Administration intends to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the Interreg NEXT Romania–Ukraine 2021–2027 Programme by implementing joint projects in areas such as infrastructure, energy efficiency, public services, and local development.

At the same time, the Ukrainian authorities are preparing to launch their first cooperation initiatives with the Republic of Moldova, with the objective of attracting investments and accessing European funding dedicated to regional development.

By strengthening its partnerships with Romania and expanding cooperation with the Republic of Moldova, the Chernivtsi Region aims to transform cross-border cooperation into a strategic instrument for economic development, enhanced resilience, and accelerated reconstruction in the face of the challenges created by the ongoing war.