East Border Region sign a momentous Memorandum of Understanding with the Rivne Regional State Administration, Ukraine.
13th Jan, 2025
East Border Region sign a momentous Memorandum of Understanding with the Rivne Regional State Administration, Ukraine.
Established in 1976 EBR is one of the longest established local authority led cross border groups in Europe representing six Local Authorities, 3 in Ireland; Louth, Monaghan and Meath County Councils, and 3 in N Ireland; Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Armagh Banbridge Craigavon Borough Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council. Situated along the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor, and headquartered in Newry, EBR serves a population of just over one million people. EBR acts as an enabler and facilitator for cross border collaboration between the member authorities and has successfully implemented and managed over €150million of EU funded cross border projects across the region.
During a delegation to Brussels in October 2024 EBR met representatives from the Rivne Administration who were impressed with EBR’s track record of genuine cross border collaboration despite the challenges of a difficult political situation. Recognising the similarities in their own area Rivne initiated further discussions resulting in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which would be mutually beneficial for both regions in respect of capacity building activities, training, joint participation in funded projects and sharing best practice.
Welcoming the MOU Cllr Paddy Meade, Chairman of EBR stated “the worst case scenario is that we have made friends through this Partnership, the best case scenario is that we work together to assist each other in securing funding for our respective areas, sharing best practice, building and growing together.”
Ihor Pavlenko, Deputy Head of the Rivne Regional State Administration stated” I express my respect and sincere gratitude for the successful cooperation in establishing the partnership and hope to strengthen it in the future. Your support and trust motivate us to be better”
The MOU which has been endorsed by the NI Executive Office and the Irish Government was signed in two identical copies, Ukrainian and English during a live link at the East Border Region AGM held in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry on 17th December 2024.
Pictured is East Border Region Chair Cllr Paddy Meade signs Memorandum of Understanding with Rivne Regional State Administration Ukraine along with East Border Region Vice Chair Ald Alan McDowell and CEO Ms Pamela Arthurs.