The Association of Ukrainian Regions “EU Strategy for the Danube Region” has become a partner in the international cross-border project ROUA00501 (EcoCLUSTER), which received funding under the Interreg NEXT Romania–Ukraine Programme 2021–2027.
The project is implemented in partnership between municipalities and organizations from Ukraine and Romania. The lead partner is the Municipality of Luncavița (Romania). The Ukrainian side is represented by the Association of Ukrainian Regions “EU Strategy for the Danube Region”, which coordinates the participation of communities and ensures the implementation of project activities on the territory of Ukraine. In addition, within the project the Association is responsible for preparing a joint territorial diagnostic report and conducting a study of the requests and needs of communities in border areas regarding infrastructure development.
One of the project partners from Odesa Oblast is the Katlabuh Settlement Territorial Community, which joins the initiative aimed at improving the energy efficiency of municipal infrastructure.
Within the framework of the project, a number of practical measures are planned to be implemented in the community. In particular, the installation of a 20 kW solar power plant on one of the administrative buildings is planned.
The implementation of the solar power plant will allow the administrative building to be partially supplied with its own electricity, increase its level of energy independence, and reduce the financial burden on the community budget. Such solutions correspond to modern European approaches to community development, where energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources are important elements of sustainable territorial development.
Currently, the signing of the grant contract with the project’s lead partner is expected. After this procedure is completed, the practical phase of implementing the planned activities will begin.
The implementation of such initiatives contributes to strengthening cross-border cooperation in the Danube region and opens new opportunities for Ukrainian communities to modernize infrastructure, implement energy-efficient solutions, and attract European investment for territorial development.