The Association of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region has officially launched the practical implementation of the international EcoCLUSTER project. This initiative is a consistent step in building a fully functional partnership between Ukrainian and Romanian communities, where cross-border cooperation serves as a joint investment in the development of infrastructure, circular economy systems, and energy independence.
The project “Capacity building of local self-government authorities in the border region of Tulcea–Odesa through the development of circular economy systems, green energy, and the creation of a cross-border innovation cluster for administrative cooperation” (ID ROUA00501) is implemented by a consortium of partners: Luncavița Commune (Romania, lead partner), the town of Isaccea (Romania), Katalabuzhka settlement council (Ukraine), and our Association (Ukraine).
The initiative is implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania–Ukraine 2021–2027 programme (https://ro-ua.net). The Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania–Ukraine 2021–2027 programme is funded by the European Union and co-financed by the participating countries.
The total project budget amounts to EUR 878,959.50, of which EU funding is EUR 791,063.55. Implementation period: 18 months (10.04.2026 – 09.10.2027).
Within the project, the Association is responsible for developing a joint territorial diagnostic report and conducting a study of infrastructure needs across 10 border communities. The goal is to create a viable investment strategy that transforms challenges into opportunities for the region.
In addition to analytical work, the project has a clear infrastructure component. In particular, at the site of our partner—the Katalabuzhka community—a pilot project will be implemented to install a 20 kW solar power plant on one of the administrative buildings. This is a concrete step toward reducing pressure on the local budget and introducing European energy efficiency practices.
We invite colleagues and partners to follow project updates: on 5 June 2026 at 12:00, the official Kick-off Conference will take place in Luncavița (Romania).
We continue working to ensure that Ukrainian regions become strong and capable actors within the EU macro-regional strategy.
This publication is supported by the European Union. The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the Association of Local Self-Government Bodies “EU Strategy for the Danube Region,” and it does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the management structures of the Interreg VI-A NEXT 2021–2027 Programme.