Panel XIIIb, titled “Cross-border Cooperation: Business Sector, Local Communities and the Support of EU Financial Instruments,” was chaired by Ms. Svitlana KOVALCHUK, Executive Director of Yalta European Strategy, Ukraine, and brought together Ms. Aliona SHKRUM, First Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine (via VTC); Ms. Cristina CHIRIAC, President of the National Confederation for Women’s Entrepreneurship, Romania; Mr. Vitaliy BEZGIN, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Administrative and Territorial Structure and Local Self-Government of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine; and Ms. Svitlana BLINOVA, Manager of the Cities4cities/United4Ukraine project, Ukraine.

The panel highlighted the crucial importance of cross-border and municipal cooperation in strengthening Ukraine’s resilience, supporting reconstruction, and advancing its progress toward EU integration. It underscored the need to develop practical partnerships—both among Ukrainian communities and with European counterparts—to implement joint projects, improve access to EU financial instruments, and encourage local economic development. Addressing integration challenges faced by Ukrainians abroad, including persistent language barriers, was noted as essential for adequate support. The discussion also emphasized that experiencing the war in Ukraine firsthand is fundamentally different from merely reading about it in the news, highlighting the real impact on those on the ground. Overall, enhanced communication and sustained collaboration at municipal and community levels were identified as key to mobilizing resources and fostering sustainable development.