Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv, and Jaume Collboni Cuadrado, Mayor of Barcelona, signed a Declaration of Intent to establish a partnership between Kharkiv City Council and Barcelona City Council (Spain).

The document marks a new stage in the partnership between the cities, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and the implementation of joint projects in key areas. These include the development of environmentally friendly public transport, the digitalisation of urban management, and the improvement of energy efficiency and water supply and sanitation systems. Particular attention is paid to joint initiatives in the fields of education, culture, youth policy and inclusive policies, as well as the protection of children’s rights.

During the signing ceremony, Ihor Terekhov thanked the European partners for their support, expressing his hope for continued fruitful cooperation:

‘The war continues and we are experiencing intense shelling. Our people are currently being terrorised by the Russian aggressor. However, I am confident that we will endure and achieve peace. We are receiving significant support from European countries and the United States. Today’s signing is very significant for us. I am very grateful for your clear position and consistent support for Kharkiv,’ said the Mayor.

Jaume Collboni Cuadrado, Mayor of Barcelona, emphasised that cooperation with Kharkiv presents an opportunity for a practical partnership between two European cities that share common values.

‘Although we have been cooperating with Ukraine for a long time, today we are signing a document on our first significant cooperation with a Ukrainian city since the outbreak of the full-scale war. This will be a valuable experience for both Barcelona and Kharkiv. We are ready to continue supporting your city and demonstrating our solidarity and confidence in our partnership,’ Jaume Collboni Cuadrado said.

Signing the declaration was an important step in strengthening international ties between Ukrainian communities and developing partnerships that contribute to the restoration and modernisation of Ukrainian cities.