On 27 May 2025, Ukrainian teams took part in a consultation focused on the meaning of cooperation during and after the war, discussing both the opportunities of living near the European Union border and the urgent need for international partnerships in rebuilding the country.
Participants spoke mostly about life near the EU border, which they viewed as a clear advantage. They noted that proximity to a friendly and developed country allows people to travel more easily, work abroad, and experience greater mobility than those living further inland. This closeness to Europe was seen as an important connection to stability, opportunity, and future growth.
When identifying the main areas where cooperation is needed, teams highlighted two priorities:
- The army, stressing that Ukrainian soldiers could benefit from NATO experience and standards, and that military cooperation is vital for improving defense capacity;
- The education system, where stronger partnerships could bring modernization and exchange of knowledge.
Teams also mentioned that they found all Interreg NEXT projects currently active in Ukraine to be highly useful, recognizing their contribution to regional development, cross-border collaboration, and integration with European partners.
The group identified two major challenges for Ukraine today: the ongoing war and the human factor. They explained that many Ukrainians are still unfamiliar with large-scale cooperation projects and might need time, experience, and support to understand their importance and participate effectively in them.
When imagining their dream project, all teams agreed on one shared goal: the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war. They emphasized that rebuilding the country’s infrastructure will require strong international cooperation, with the support and expertise of partner countries helping to restore cities, schools, and essential services.
The consultation concluded with a unifying belief among participants: that Ukraine’s future depends on cooperation—not only for recovery, but also for creating a stronger, more connected, and resilient nation.