On 28 February, the Polaris Programme team held a working meeting with representatives of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration. Participants included Ihor Tsekhanovskyi, Director of the Department for International Cooperation and Regional Development, Andrii Hrachov, Director of the Department of Veteran Policy, and Svitlana Yarmolenko, Director of the Department of Social and Youth Policy.
Representing Polaris were Susanna Dellans, Team Leader of the Polaris Programme in Ukraine and representative of SALAR International, alongside Denys Chechel, Senior Expert on Veteran Integration in Ukrainian Municipalities, Yuliia Savelieva, Senior Gender Expert, and Alla Kovalchuk, Senior Expert on Administrative Services.
During the meeting, participants emphasised the importance of maintaining reforms even during wartime. Discussions focused on applying European best practices in hromadas, implementing modern approaches to public service delivery, and creating favourable conditions for attracting international support and investment.
A particular focus was given to veteran policy at the hromada level. Vinnytsia oblast has already developed systematic and comprehensive approaches in this area, providing a strong foundation for professional discussions. Andrii Hrachov presented the current state and future prospects for veteran policy development in the region.
Participants discussed how hromadas can develop effective social support and rehabilitation programmes, promote local employment initiatives for veterans, and encourage their active participation in hromada life. The discussion also explored how local governments can incorporate veterans' needs into their daily operations, from planning local programmes and budgeting to enhancing service development.
The development of multilevel governance tailored to the real needs of hromadas remains a key priority for the Polaris Programme. The programme focuses on supporting hromadas at the local level—from enhancing public services and strengthening the institution of starostas to advancing financial decentralisation. Additionally, Polaris facilitates opportunities to expand international partnerships between hromadas.
The Vinnytsia meeting marked another step towards strengthening cooperation between Polaris and Ukrainian regions. Each dialogue contributes to better understanding hromada needs and adapting support to the real challenges they face.
Photo: Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration
