V4RIT-SUARR – V4 Regions in Transition Supporting Ukraine Redevelopment and Reconstruction

Although the Russian invasion of Ukraine is still ongoing, the Ukrainian authorities and society are preparing for the reconstruction of the country from war damage and the overall transformation of the country and its economy. Early planning of the necessary measures will enable Ukraine's partners, including Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, to co-operate and support in various ways, including the development of an assistance plan that meets the needs of the Ukrainian economy, society and environment and takes into account the adjustment to EU accession. Various activities are taking place in Ukraine to meet EU requirements, but local communities need support.

Partners from Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia - IETU, IURS, SPECTRA together with one partner from Ukraine - NGO LEDA NET want to support the reconstruction of Ukrainian regions devastated by the Russian invasion. The project partners have planned activities to transfer knowledge on various aspects of transformation (social, economic and environmental) in the most effective way. Issues related to the future development of the regions, adaptation to climate change, change of use of brownfield sites (including post-mining sites), especially in relation to the environment and the quality of life of the citizens, will be important. The sites of mining and other industries can also have good potential for the development of, for example, post-industrial tourism, as has been the case in the V4 countries (examples in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia). The project aims to help Ukrainian cities and regions to plan and implement regionally equitable redevelopment and transformation with the involvement of informed Ukrainian citizens.

The project includes study tours for Ukrainian stakeholders to Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as well as virtual schools for representatives of local administrations, NGOs, academics, students and businesses, in order to transfer knowledge and experience of the V4 regions during the transition period, which will be important for the reconstruction of Ukraine. A video compendium with examples of regional transformation solutions is also planned.