Panel XIIb. Recovering Ukraine: Opportunities in Zakarpattia and Ivano-Frankivsk Region

The panel was chaired by Ms. Ecaterina Dadiverina, Coordinator of the Ukraine Projects Department at the New Strategy Center and President of New Strategy Center Ukraine. The discussion brought together senior Ukrainian officials, including Mr. Andriy Sheketa, First Deputy Head of the Zakarpattia Regional Council; Ms. Ganna Tsymbolynets, Director of the Regional Development Agency Zakarpattia; and Mr. Ihor Popadyuk, Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the city of Ivano-Frankivsk.

During the panel discussion, the Transcarpathian region was highlighted as one of the safest areas in Ukraine, ranking second after the Lviv region in terms of the number of businesses relocated as a result of the war. The region is also attracting increasing interest in the context of European integration, particularly due to the strategic geographic location of its regional capital, Uzhhorod, which is situated closer to the capitals of eight or nine European countries than to Kyiv. Relations with Romania remain underdeveloped, despite Transcarpathia sharing the longest common border with Romania. Nevertheless, communication with Romanian authorities is positive, and there are growing expectations for Romania to strengthen its presence in the region. One of the main challenges identified at the regional level is the lack of coherent institutional strategic planning—an area where Romania could play a meaningful role by sharing experience and expertise across key sectors.