The Lutsk Community Presents Its Experience in Implementing Smart Transport Solutions at the 8th German-Ukrainian Conference of Municipal Partnerships
From 7 to 9 October 2026, the 8th German-Ukrainian Conference of Municipal Partnerships was held in Berlin, bringing together representatives of local self-government bodies, state institutions and international organisations to develop partnerships, exchange experience and seek joint solutions to strengthen community resilience.
The Lutsk City Territorial Community was represented at the conference by Yurii Bezpiatko, Adviser to the Mayor, and Iurii Hordiichuk, Head of the Project Activities Division of the Department of International Cooperation and Project Activities.
During the opening session, Reem Alabali-Radovan, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, emphasised Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine and the important role of municipal partnerships in this cooperation. In her address, the Minister stressed that partnerships between communities involve concrete action to support people, from rebuilding schools and hospitals to providing electricity, water supply and essential equipment. At the same time, such cooperation is mutual: German municipalities also learn from Ukrainian experience in civil protection, digitalisation and crisis response. Particular attention was paid to the importance of strong communities for Ukraine's recovery, the development of local democracy and European integration. The German-Ukrainian municipal partnership network currently includes 300 links between communities.
Yurii Bezpiatko took part in a thematic forum on mobility. He presented the experience of implementing the project "Use of Environmental and Smart Technologies in the Public Transport System of the City of Lutsk". The project was implemented jointly with the Lippe District under the programme "Sustainable Municipal Development through Partnership Projects", funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany and administered by the non-profit limited liability company Engagement Global.
Within the framework of the conference, working meetings were held with representatives of the administrations of Lutsk's partner cities, Schweinfurt and Würzburg, Robin Wagener, a Member of the Bundestag of the Federal Republic of Germany, and representatives of German public organisations. Following the meetings, agreements were reached on deepening cooperation in municipal services, support for children and young people, and energy resilience.
Another potential area for further cooperation is the exchange of experience in crisis response. Representatives of the Lutsk community proposed organising exchange visits to learn about their partners' practical approaches, discuss effective coordination mechanisms and strengthen communities' preparedness for emergency situations.
Lutsk City Council expresses its sincere gratitude to the organisers of the 8th German-Ukrainian Conference of Municipal Partnerships for the invitation, in particular to Engagement Global and its Service Agency "Municipalities in One World" (Servicestelle Kommunen in der Einen Welt), for the successful organisation of the event and for providing a platform for professional dialogue and the exchange of experience.
Special thanks go to the partners from Schweinfurt, Würzburg and the Lippe District for their support for the Lutsk community, their trust and their joint efforts, which contributed to the successful implementation of projects and the strengthening of Ukrainian-German partnerships. We are confident that the contacts established, the exchange of experience and the agreements reached will provide a basis for new joint initiatives aimed at community development, strengthening its resilience and improving residents' well-being.
International Cooperation and Project Activities Department