Wartime challenges and the European integration process present both obstacles and opportunities for Ukraine. As the country rebuilds, it has the opportunity to adopt EU best practices by embracing democratic values, public participation through the partnership principle, and financial transparency.
Vladlena Martsynkevych, Ukraine Reconstruction project leader | 12 February 2025
Ukraine and Interreg
Interreg programmes, key components of the EU’s regional development policy, offer vital financial and technical support for Ukraine’s recovery and integration into European structures. We have previously discussed European approaches to public fund management, emphasising the significance of the European partnership principle and the role of monitoring committees in these processes.
Ukraine currently participates in several Interreg programmes focused on cross-border cooperation and regional development. In May 2024, the Ukrainian parliament ratified five international agreements, which will see the country secure financing through the EU’s Interreg and Interreg NEXT programmes, aimed at supporting broader cross-border and transnational cooperation.
The Interreg NEXT programmes involving Ukraine include the Poland–Ukraine Programme, the Romania–Ukraine Programme, the Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine Programme, the Black Sea Basin Programme, and the Danube Region Programme. Additionally, in January 2025, Ukraine officially joined Interreg Europe, an interregional cooperation programme that seeks to help regions across the EU improve their public policies.
Programme focus and impact
Each programme supports projects that address shared priorities, including environmental protection, healthcare, sustainable tourism, and cultural cooperation. For instance, the Interreg NEXT Poland–Ukraine Programme funds initiatives in six Ukrainian regions, while the Romania–Ukraine Programme fosters environmental sustainability and social development across borders.
Indeed, the outcomes of these programmes have been encouraging. As of October 2024, Ukrainian participants have implemented 167 projects, totalling over EUR 91 million in funding. These projects not only improve local infrastructure and services, but also equip Ukraine with valuable experience in managing EU funds in alignment with European standards. As noted in the European Commission’s 2024 Enlargement Package report on Ukraine, this adherence is a critical step towards securing future EU membership.
Governance and oversight
A key feature of Interreg programmes is the role of monitoring committees, which oversee project selection and implementation. The regulatory framework for these committees is primarily governed by the Interreg Regulation and the Common Provisions Regulation, which outline the roles, responsibilities, and operational procedures for these committees.
In November 2024, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers formally approved the management and control procedures for implementing the Interreg and Interreg NEXT programmes.
Importantly, this new resolution contains provisions for monitoring committees, which can include representatives from national, regional, and local authorities, as well as civil society and academic institutions.
This balanced representation ensures that all participating parties have an equal say in decision-making. By including monitoring committees in these procedures, Ukraine will gain invaluable experience in EU governance practices, including sound financial management and transparent project oversight.
Challenges and future directions
Despite these successes, however, challenges remain. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have complicated cross-border cooperation efforts. Consequently, the need for enhanced coordination among stakeholders has become more pronounced as political contexts shift.
For example, some projects have experienced delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and insufficient coordination among partners, impacting their effectiveness and sustainability. Against this backdrop, it is essential that Ukrainian programme participants recognise the need to attract sustainable financing while acknowledging their own capacity to implement projects. Ensuring projects account for these realities is key to long-term success.
Interreg programmes offer valuable opportunities for Ukraine to engage with European partners and secure funding for development initiatives. However, the country must first navigate significant challenges related to funding stability, infrastructure recovery, project management capacity, institutional reform, regional disparities, environmental issues, and integration. Overcoming these obstacles will be crucial for maximising the benefits of participation in these programmes.
Interreg programmes offer Ukraine a robust platform to further develop its monitoring committees, providing a practical example of EU regional policy in action. As Ukraine continues on its path towards European integration, these new learnings will help to strengthen institutional capacity and bring the nation closer to its EU accession goal.
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