For the first time, Kyiv hosted an EU–Ukraine Progressive High-Level Conference, bringing together progressive parties, local and regional leaders, civil society and trade unions from Ukraine and across the European Union. The PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), represented by its President Luca Menesini, took part to reaffirm a clear political message: we stand with Ukraine, and we will do so for as long as it takes.
At a moment when Russia’s war of aggression is still targeting civilians and infrastructure, the conference adopted a Declaration that restates progressive support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and European future, and calls for continued political, military, humanitarian, economic and financial assistance. The text also underlines that Ukraine’s struggle is not only national: it is a defence of European peace, democracy and the rules-based order.
Local and regional authorities at the heart of Ukraine’s recovery
In Kyiv, President Luca Menesini underlined what the PES Group repeats in the CoR: democracy is built in our cities and regions - in the EU and in Ukraine. That is why the PES Group has consistently promoted city-to-city and region-to-region partnerships between EU members and Ukrainian municipalities, including through the CoR’s “matchmaking” efforts that allowed Ukrainian municipalities to establish concrete cooperations with European partners . These partnerships turn political solidarity into practical support: reconstruction of local services, exchanges of expertise, and stronger democratic institutions at local level.
This cooperation aligns directly with the Kyiv Declaration, which states that Ukraine’s reconstruction must include cities and regions at its centre and follow a human-centred, gender-responsive approach, with women and young people actively involved.
Decentralisation: participation, transparency, and an antidote to corruption
One of the key political points brought by the PES Group to the conference is the role of decentralisation. As Luca Menesini stressed in Kyiv, when local and regional authorities have real competences - including administrative and fiscal ones - citizens participate more, transparency is higher, and trust in public institutions grows. This is crucial for Ukraine’s EU path.
This is not just a technical reform: decentralisation is an antidote to corruption. When decisions and services are brought closer to people, scrutiny is easier, media can follow local projects, and citizens see where money goes. The Declaration calls for a reconstruction that is democratic, socially fair, and inclusive, which is only possible if local authorities are empowered and properly resourced.
A permanent framework: the CoR Working Group on Ukraine
The PES family in the CoR does not limit its engagement to high-level events. Within the European Committee of the Regions, a Working Group on Ukraine, chaired by PES 1st Vice-President Antje Grotheer, already monitors developments in Ukraine with a focus on European integration, decentralisation reform, capacity building for local and regional authorities, and alignment with the EU acquis. PES Group President Luca Menesini recalled in Kyiv that this work will continue “for as long as it is needed”, matching the wording of the Declaration which calls for sustained EU support until a just and lasting peace is achieved.
Rebuilding also means investing in people
A strong part of the Declaration is dedicated to young people, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, widows, veterans, orphans and all those in need, insisting that they require sustained and well-funded support throughout the recovery process. The PES Group’s own work mirrors this priority.
Through the CoR’s Young Elected Politicians (YEPs) programme - in which Ukrainian young local leaders have already taken part - the EU’s local and regional level offers real political inclusion, exchanges of best practices and a space to prepare the next generation of democratic leaders. This responds directly to the Declaration’s call to support young generations so they can “develop personal, educational, social, cultural, and entrepreneurial projects” and be ready to rebuild their country once the war ends.
The PES Group also welcomed the reference to education, labour rights and strong social dialogue in the Declaration. A fair reconstruction must go hand in hand with workers’ rights, equal opportunities and the inclusion of women - all long-standing priorities of Europe’s progressive local and regional leaders.
A progressive partnership to shape Ukraine’s European future
The Kyiv Declaration calls on all progressive forces in Ukraine and across the EU to join in a renewed partnership to end the war on the best possible terms, to ensure accountability for Russia’s aggression, and to build “a more united, democratic, and social Europe.” The PES Group fully shares this ambition: our members - mayors, regional presidents, local and regional councillors - are often the most trusted level of government and therefore a natural partner for Ukrainian authorities seeking to modernise, democratise and deliver for their citizens.
By taking part in the 1st EU–Ukraine Progressive High-Level Conference, the PES Group in the CoR brought a very concrete message to Kyiv:
- Ukraine belongs in the European family and progressives will support its accession path.
- Local and regional authorities must be at the centre of reconstruction because they make democracy visible and credible.
- Support must be long-term, social and people-centred not just about infrastructure, but about rights, education and inclusion.
- This was a first step, work will continue and we are ready to “translate words into action”.
