On 6 March 2026, during a study visit by a Ukrainian delegation to Sweden, the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Stockholm.

This document marks the continuation of a long-standing partnership between the associations, which began in 2018. Back then, the first memorandum was signed, under which the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) became a strategic partner of the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities. The new memorandum deepens the existing cooperation and sets out priority areas for collaboration in the coming years.

The document is an important step in the development of international cooperation between local governments and confirms the parties’ shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, supporting decentralisation reform and promoting Ukraine’s integration into the European Union.

Oleksandr Korinnyi, Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities, emphasised, ‘Sweden has traditionally been one of Ukraine’s most consistent partners in supporting democratic reforms. Cooperation with SALAR opens up opportunities for our communities – ranging from the exchange of experience to the implementation of joint international initiatives and the adoption of best European governance practices.’

The document formalises the intention of the parties to cooperate in order to strengthen the system of local self-government in Ukraine, support associations as democratic institutions, and develop effective governance at the local level.

Key areas of cooperation include:

• support for decentralisation reform in Ukraine;
• exchange of experience between Ukrainian and Swedish communities;
• expert and methodological support for the development of local self-government;
• organisation of training programmes and professional networks for communities;
• development of international inter-municipal cooperation;
• support for strategic planning and management of public investment in Ukraine’s recovery process.

The cooperation also aims to shape a strategic vision for the development of communities during the country’s post-war recovery and to strengthen their role in the process of European integration.

‘In the current context of war and Ukraine’s simultaneous progress towards European Union accession, the support of international partners is of particular importance. We have the opportunity to deepen our cooperation with one of Europe’s most authoritative municipal associations, to draw on its experience for the development of local self-government and to strengthen the role of communities in the country’s recovery,’ noted Oleksandr Korinnyi.

 

 

The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions is one of the key partners in Europe, with extensive experience in the development of local self-government and municipal governance. Therefore, deepening cooperation between SALAR and the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities is an important step towards strengthening democratic governance, developing communities, and enhancing their resilience.

The signed Memorandum creates a solid foundation for a long-term partnership that will contribute to the development of Ukrainian communities, the implementation of European governance standards, and the creation of new opportunities for international cooperation at the local self-government level.

As previously reported, from 2 to 6 March 2026, representatives of the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities are taking part in a study visit organised by partners of the Swedish-Ukrainian Polaris programme in Stockholm.