Mykola KUTSAK (Chernivtsi District Council) and Ion ȘTEFANOVICI (CAPDR) at FERM 2025: “Romania – Ukraine: more than neighbors, partners in rebuilding a United Europe”

During Panel 11 – Regional and International Cooperation at the Moldova 2025 Regional Economic Forum, held from July 9–13 in Vatra Dornei, the dialogue between Mykola Kutsak, Chairman of the Chernivtsi District Council, and Ion Ștefanovici, President of the Center for Analysis and Planning of Regional Development (CAPDR), brought to the forefront one of the key issues of the current geopolitical context: “Romania – Ukraine: a partnership for regional development, reconstruction, and European integration.”

In the face of direct threats stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, regional cooperation is no longer perceived merely as a strategic opportunity but as an immediate and vital necessity. The message conveyed by both parties was clear: solidarity must be translated into concrete projects capable of supporting affected communities, strengthening existing ties, and actively contributing to the European integration of the region.

International cooperation in times of war: “It is not just a question, it is a necessity”

At the opening of his intervention, Mykola Kutsak thanked the organizers for the invitation and highlighted the special context in which the Chernivtsi region finds itself – an area where international projects and local development are profoundly affected by the reality of war.

“Under such conditions, international relations are not just a question, they are a necessity.”

Kutsak emphasized the urgent priorities of his administration: constructing bomb shelters in schools, ensuring access to quality medical aid, and rehabilitation programs for civilians and military personnel. He expressed full openness to any format of international cooperation, as long as it provides real and mutual support.

Recent collaborations with districts from the Republic of Moldova – Sângerei, Strășeni, and Drochia – were presented as concrete examples of this cross-border solidarity effort.

A conflict that touches Bukovina: “One Shahed can destroy everything”

Although the Chernivtsi region had been spared from bombings during the early years of the war, the reality has recently changed. Mykola Kutsak recounted emotionally how, just a day before his intervention, three Russian “Shahed” drones struck the Bukovina territory.

“All the work we do with our international partners… one Shahed can destroy everything. I think we are showing you how you should act in any case, if something like this were to happen in your country.”

Under these circumstances, the regional leader’s message was clear: efforts for sustainable development and European integration must continue despite the risks.

Ion Ștefanovici: “I am determined to visit Ukraine”

In turn, Ion Ștefanovici expressed his appreciation for the invitation and confirmed his intention to visit Ukraine in August, at the suggestion of the Romanian consul. The discussion evolved into a structured analysis of the cooperation points that are already functional or under development:

• collaborations in the health sector, exemplified by the Chernivtsi Children’s Hospital;

• partnerships in education, such as those carried out by “Ștefan cel Mare” University in Suceava;

• development of road and rail infrastructure, with emphasis on border crossings and transport corridors;

• the potential of a free economic zone and the strategic role of Suceava Airport;

• connections with operators such as GRAMPET–GFR, including the establishment of a transshipment center in Dornești.

“Chernivtsi is our responsibility. Many things connect us, and it is truly an honor.”

Tourism and cultural perspectives: “3-minute film, a lifetime of reality”

Beyond the strategic dimension, the discussion also included a cultural and tourism component. The presentation film of Chernivtsi shown at the forum impressed Ion Ștefanovici, who stated:

“You’ve won me over. Your film is like ours, but even more beautiful.”

Kutsak added with humor and realism: “A two-to-three-minute film, but we have plenty to show for days and years.” The two agreed that the city of Chernivtsi should be included in the upcoming “Via Moldavia” tourism platform, designed to interconnect historical and natural destinations from the Carpathians to the Black Sea.

Conclusion: active solidarity and European vision

The dialogue concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen multilateral cooperation, particularly in the context of post-conflict reconstruction and European integration.

“Rest assured, I will visit Chernivtsi very soon. We work very well with our common partners, and the effort becomes joint and immediate, as concrete as possible,” emphasized Ștefanovici.

Mykola Kutsak reaffirmed the support of local authorities for any initiative aimed at developing Bukovina and the Chernivtsi region and reiterated that “being part of a European family” is a shared goal.

Romania – Ukraine: more than neighbors, partners in rebuilding a united Europe

The dialogue between the two regional leaders provided a vivid illustration of how international relations gain depth in challenging times, and how cooperation becomes the natural response to historical challenges. FERM 2025 demonstrated that, beyond borders, languages, and institutions, the shared will to build can create bridges of enduring solidarity.