On 5 June 2025, Ukrainian participants engaged in a consultation exploring the advantages and disadvantages of living near a border, the main issues requiring cooperation, and their vision for future collaboration projects. The discussion reflected a wide range of perspectives—from economic optimism to deep concern about governance, infrastructure, and cultural challenges.
When asked whether living near a border is an opportunity or a disadvantage, participants presented a balanced yet critical view.
Several saw advantages, such as:
- Cultural integration in areas like language, art, and politics;
- Expanded economic and trade opportunities, given the proximity of different tax and business zones; and
- Broader possibilities for growth through cross-border cooperation.
However, others emphasized the disadvantages, including:
- Territorial insecurity and the threat of smuggling;
- Weak cultural connections between individuals and the broader nation;
- Rising emigration and social tension caused by mixed nationalities; and
- Disturbance to local life from increased transport activity.
Overall, participants concluded that border life offers both opportunity and risk, depending largely on the political and economic relationships between neighboring countries.
When discussing key areas where cooperation is needed, participants identified numerous pressing issues:
- Urban neglect and stagnation of privatized spaces that could otherwise serve community needs;
- Severe air pollution, particularly in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv;
- Poor public transport connections, dominated by railway monopolies and a lack of alternative options;
- Illegal construction and overloaded infrastructure;
- Destruction of historical monuments and ineffective city governance;
- Obsolete education systems and unequal school funding;
- Insufficient greenery, inefficient drainage systems, and polluted rivers such as the Dnieper;
- and a need for anti-corruption measures and urban modernization.
Participants also proposed creating a cultural space or museum dedicated to EU initiatives in Ukraine, helping citizens understand the tangible benefits of European cooperation in their daily lives.
Although specific Interreg projects were not discussed, the teams shared a wide array of innovative cooperation ideas, including:
- Exchange programs for high school students, integrating Ukraine more closely into Erasmus+ for teens;
- A Ukrainian–Polish youth discussion club aimed at overcoming interethnic disputes and promoting mutual understanding;
- Financial assistance programs for students from disadvantaged regions to enroll in EU universities;
- Adapting Ukrainian cities to be more foreigner-friendly through English signage, menus, and public transport announcements;
- Attracting Western investors to upgrade Ukrainian railways to European standards;
- Joint Ukrainian–Polish cooperation projects addressing historical reconciliation, such as the Volyn tragedy;
- Digitalization of historical monuments through 3D modeling and increased funding;
- and restoring the “Tampere” Cinema in Kyiv as a symbol of cultural revival.
One particularly striking proposal focused on foreign financial support for museums damaged during the war. Participants cited the Museum on Poshtova in Kyiv, which requires reconstruction and investment to realize its full potential. They noted that the museum’s revival could boost tourism and attract international attention, comparing its potential to the Casa Padellàs Museum (Barcelona History Museum) in Spain.
The consultation ended with a shared message: Ukraine’s future cooperation must bridge culture, education, and infrastructure—transforming post-war recovery into an opportunity for sustainable development, heritage preservation, and deeper European integration.