The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has urged international partners to provide predictable multi-year funding for the reconstruction of Ukraine’s frontline regions and communities.
The declaration was adopted at the 51st session of the Congress in Strasbourg, Ukrinform reports.
The document states that the funds should be channelled directly to regional and local authorities. The Congress appealed to Council of Europe member states, the Council of Europe Development Bank and other partners to take into account the specific needs of frontline and border communities, which suffer daily from artillery shelling and missile and drone attacks.
Local authorities in these areas keep infrastructure and humanitarian, education and healthcare services running amid a constant risk to life. The declaration also highlighted the critical strain on the energy system ahead of winter due to targeted Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure.
International partners are advised to develop direct links with Ukrainian communities through the Cities4Cities platform, the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, and interregional co-operation agreements.
Separately, the Congress condemned Russia’s holding of so-called elections in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, stressing their complete illegitimacy. Session participants reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
In addition, the declaration underscored the importance of holding Russia to account, supporting the work of the Register of Damage and establishing a Special Tribunal. Participants also drew attention to the need to rehabilitate children affected by the war and welcomed the launch of the Carpathian Integration Initiative to develop cross-border partnership.