In facing the challenge of rallying distant countries like France and Spain to support Ukraine, the leadership of U-LEAD with Europe, the prominent EU development support action in Ukraine, knew that a unique approach was necessary. In countries where awareness of Ukraine's precise location and the details of its local governance might have been limited before the Russian aggression, and thus the initiative required a more personalised, grassroots strategy.
To effectively engage local leaders, the initiative drew from historical precedents of community partnerships, reminiscent of the town-twinning tradition that brought French and German towns together in the wake of World War II. This approach, which once symbolised a deep friendship and reconciliation, had by the 2020s faded to more formalised relationships between towns. For the Bridges of Trust initiative, it was crucial to reignite the underlying spirit of those bonds to foster new connections with Ukrainian 'hromadas'—a term referring to local communities and councils in Ukraine.
Direct outreach was vital, particularly in France where mayors hold substantial sway in their communities. For Philippe Buisson, Mayor of Libourne in the wine-rich Bordeaux region, the decision to participate in the initiative was instantaneous. Upon being contacted, his response was immediate and enthusiastic, prompting swift action from his team. Similarly, Arnaud Robinet, the mayor of the historic city of Reims, known for its iconic Champagne and the coronation site of French kings, quickly agreed to engage, sending a delegation to the struggling Ukrainian city of Chernihiv.
In the picturesque town of Porto-Vecchio (Portivechju), Corsica, Mayor Jean-Christophe Angelini saw the opportunity to extend a hand of solidarity by inviting representatives of Kamianske, small Carpathian town, to a sustainable tourism event, recognizing the value of shared learning and support.
In Spain, the focus initially turned to regions with a robust sense of identity and autonomy, such as the Basque Country. Its history of resilience and prosperity made it an ideal partner in the initiative. Leaders like Mikel Barzako of the Basque National Party and Mar Zabala of the Basque Association of Municipalities played instrumental roles in establishing connections with Ukrainian towns such as Novomoskovsk, Kremenchuk, and Nikopol.
The courage and commitment of Ukrainian local officials, dedicated in their vision for a European future for their country, resonated deeply with Mar Zabala, who helped facilitate their visits to the Basque Country.
This "guerrilla" strategy—characterised by its unconventional and deeply human approach—has unfolded as an inspiring narrative of individual initiative and communal spirit. It's a story of how personal dedication and swift actions by local leaders can bridge the gaps between nations, demonstrating the enduring power of solidarity in times of need.
Resilience in adversity
In the face of Russian military aggression, the resilience of Ukraine's local municipalities became utterly evident. Within the turmoil of the early stage of the war, these local bodies remarkably sustained operations, even under occupation. This dedication was crucial as regions like Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson Oblast were retaken during the counteroffensives of 2022. The mayors of these liberated areas proactively sought international support, with an immediate concern for the impending winter of 2022-2023, a season that brought significant energy challenges due to targeted power outages.
Despite these difficulties, by December 2023, the Ukrainian energy sector had managed to stay operational. Requests for aid poured into the U-LEAD program, seeking vital energy equipment and materials for “winterization” – blankets, insulation, and warm clothing became as precious as any currency. The Bridges of Trust initiative, known for facilitating robust partnerships between European and Ukrainian municipalities, served as the channel through which these requests for aid were directed, especially to partners in France.
Selected for pilot aid were municipalities like Kaharlyk from the Kyiv Oblast, and the strategically important Chernihiv, bordering Russia. French municipalities responded with tangible acts of solidarity. Philippe Buisson, the Mayor of Libourne, notably dispatched three generators to Kaharlyk when their power infrastructure came under attack. Meanwhile, other French towns, including Reims and Cannes, sent lorries laden with equipment and medical supplies, providing a lifeline during the severe winter months.
The initiative also saw spirited participation from the Basque cities of Bilbao and Vitoria, which organised collections for Ukrainian aid, demonstrating the wide-spanning network of support fostered by Bridges of Trust.
In a testament to the coverage of the initiative's impact, cities across France and Spain opened their communities to Ukrainian refugees. Women and children, in search of safety and asylum, were welcomed with open arms, finding refuge and solace in places like Lorient and various Spanish Basque localities. The Bridges of Trust initiative played an active role in these efforts, embodying the very essence of the programme's name by building not just partnerships but also sanctuaries and hope across Europe for those most affected by the Russian aggression.
Youth engagement: Cultivating long-term bonds of peace
The bridges built between France and Ukraine have a youthful keystone: the younger generation's involvement is at the forefront of these growing partnerships. In an encouraging display of unity, Ukrainian teenagers have visited cities like Reims, Lorient, and Cannes, with plans for more cultural exchanges in the future.
Mayor Fabrice Loher of Lorient summarised the sentiment:
"When we connect the youth of our cities, we're not just fostering friendships. We're nurturing the groundwork for a Europe at peace, envisioning Ukraine as an integral part of the European family."
This perspective isn't just aspirational—it's rooted in actions that have enabled young people from Chornomorsk to experience firsthand the vibrancy of Lorient. The Breton town's resilience, having risen from the ashes of World War II destruction to become a symbol of revival, echoes Ukraine's current resolve.
The friendship between these port cities goes beyond mere geography; it's a demonstration of a shared spirit, one that's embodied by the energy and optimism of their youth. Through these visits, the people of Lorient have felt a close connection with their Ukrainian counterparts. This bond transcends borders and speaks to a collective hope for a prosperous, united Europe.
Young people from Chornomorsk, Ukraine visiting Lorient, France
Practical partnerships for infrastructure renewal
In response to the urgent need for reconstruction in Ukraine, leaders in the Basque Country, like Mikel Barzako, have prioritised projects with tangible outcomes. The focus has been on restoring essential infrastructure in towns that have borne the brunt of the conflict. Municipalities such as Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Donostia-San Sebastian have quickly brought their water management expertise to the table, recognizing the dire situation in places like Nikopol, South Ukraine. The destruction of a dam on the Dnieper by Russian forces left parts of Nikopol without running water, a critical situation demanding immediate action.
In a proactive move, these Basque municipalities have engaged their water supply and wastewater treatment specialists in the partnerships, setting up meetings with their Ukrainian counterparts. These sessions have not just been about sharing expertise but have paved the way for concrete modernization and reconstruction efforts. The anticipated projects are set to address the significant challenges faced by Ukrainian towns, aiming to restore and improve their water infrastructure, which is vital for the health and well-being of the local population.
These collaborations are a testament to the commitment of European regions like the Basque Country to support Ukraine's recovery and resilience. The efforts are expected to yield significant improvements, as the expertise of Basque technicians contributes to the redevelopment of Ukrainian towns, ensuring that the critical infrastructure is not just rebuilt but modernised for a sustainable future.
Fostering future cities: The Nantes-Zaporizhzhia sustainable initiative
In the wake of war in Ukraine, the pursuit of sustainability has taken centre stage in the partnership between Nantes, a city known for its green initiatives, and Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region. This collaboration is rooted in a vision for the future where urban habitats are not only reconstructed but are also designed to be resilient against climate change.
This Franco-Ukrainian partnership is setting its sights on investing in renewable energy sources and reimagining urban transportation. The aim is to move away from the reliance on private vehicles, reducing pollution and promoting non-polluting public transport alternatives. Both regions are committed to sharing and adopting best practices that will foster a new paradigm in urban planning, one that places human development, soft mobility, and environmental stewardship at the forefront.
Nantes and Zaporizhzhia are not alone in this endeavour. Similar partnerships are flourishing, such as those between Zelenodolsk and Sceaux, Lorient and Chornomorsk, as well as Donostia-San Sebastian and Kremenchuk. These partnerships all share a strategic theme: sustainable development, an area that has become a cornerstone of the extended Urbact.eu program, which now also embraces cities from Ukraine and Moldova.
Through these collaborative efforts, these cities are not just rebuilding—they are redefining what it means to live in a city that is fit for the future, harmonising the needs of people with those of the planet.
Cultivating a united Europe: the new chapter of inter-city alliances
Reflecting the inspirational vision of Jean Monnet, one of Europe's founding fathers,
"We are not bringing states together, we are uniting people,"
the emergent partnerships between cities in France, Spain, and Ukraine are fostering a Europe anchored in peace and liberty. These collaborations transcend geographical boundaries and political differences, focusing on a common European ethos and the pursuit of shared values.
These inter-city alliances are redefining the concept of twinning. They are not just about ceremonial connections; they are dynamic, with a clear focus on actions that concretely embody the "common good" at the heart of European integration. These partnerships are where Europeans are rediscovering what unites them – a commitment to the foundational principles of freedom, democracy, and solidarity.
From Porto-Vecchio (Portivechju) to Nikopol, from Reims to Chornomorsk, the fabric of a true European community is being woven. Citizens themselves are the architects of this new Europe, moulding it through exchanges that are shaping the continent's future. The enduring connections formed between these cities are laying the groundwork for a Europe that cherishes unity over division, and cooperation over isolation.
The initial collaborations between French, Spanish, and Ukrainian municipalities are spearheading a broader movement. It's a movement dedicated to unifying European citizens around the principles of local democracy, liberty, and the relentless pursuit of the collective well-being.
Convinced of the transformative power of these partnerships, we see them as indications of a united Europe. A Europe where the spirit of solidarity reaches across mountains and seas, where local initiatives ignite continental change, and where the aspirations for a sustainable, peaceful future become shared missions. These are the bonds that will fortify a Europe of the people, by the people, for the people.