The Association of Frontline Cities and Communities Becomes an Associated Partner of the Union of the Baltic Cities

The Association of Frontline Cities and Communities of Ukraine (AFCCU), which already brings together 330 communities from 11 regions of the country, continues to expand its international partnerships.

On 11 May, the AFCCU officially joined the Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC) as an Associated Partner.

The corresponding decision was approved by the Executive Board of the Union of the Baltic Cities. Through this step, the AFCCU became part of a large network of cities and municipalities across the Baltic region, uniting ten European countries.

For the Association and its member communities, this marks an important step toward local development in the context of European integration and Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

The partnership opens new opportunities for Ukrainian frontline communities in terms of access to European programmes and funding, development of joint projects with municipalities from the Baltic region, and the expansion of intermunicipal cooperation. The cooperation will also contribute to the integration of Ukrainian communities into European municipal networks and support the implementation of European standards of local self-government on Ukraine’s path toward EU membership.

In his video address to the participants of the Forum, the Head of the AFCCU and Mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, outlined the challenges faced daily by Ukraine’s frontline communities. He also expressed gratitude for the solidarity, partnership, and support demonstrated by the European Union and highlighted the special role of cities from the Baltic region.

“Today, Ukraine is fighting not only for itself. We are defending peace and security, as well as the values upon which modern Europe is built: freedom, democracy, respect for human dignity, and the right of every nation to determine its own future. Russia is attempting to destroy the security order in Europe, to spread chaos, fear, and distrust, and to undermine the values on which the European Union is founded. This is precisely why it is so important today to speak about a common security space stretching from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea. Our regions are connected by far more than geography. We share a common responsibility for peace, stability, and the future of Europe,” Ihor Terekhov stated.

The Head of the AFCCU also highlighted the prospects for Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

“The reconstruction of Ukraine will become the largest European project since the Second World War. We invite you to invest in our shared success story — in reconstruction projects, modern energy systems, critical infrastructure, community development, and the new European economy of Ukraine,” Ihor Terekhov added.

During the Executive Board meeting, the UBC Working Group presented its work plan for 2026. In particular, the group will expand cooperation with communities that are members of the AFCCU. Key areas of cooperation will include the exchange of practical solutions in crisis management, energy resilience, protection of critical infrastructure, and ensuring the continuity of municipal services under crisis and security-related conditions.

The meeting also announced a large-scale online conference that will bring together Ukrainian and European cities for the exchange of experience and best practices.