The Association of Local Governments “Lviv Agglomeration” was established in April and has been officially operating since June 2024. In addition to Lviv, it includes 9 surrounding communities. During the first six months of its activity, these communities organized joint work, established international cooperation and even managed to implement several successful initiatives. The agglomeration is already planning large-scale projects for the development of infrastructure, transport, and ecology and hopes that the state and international partners will support them in this. We talked about the creation, activities and plans of the “Lviv Agglomeration” association with its head, Lviv City Mayor Andriy Sadovy.
- Please tell us what prompted you to join forces in creating the “Lviv Agglomeration” association?
The Lviv agglomeration emerged as a response to common challenges faced by communities around Lviv. The main reason for uniting into an association was the need to solve infrastructure, transport and environmental problems that cannot be effectively solved by individual communities.
Lviv is the economic and logistical center of the region, and therefore many residents of neighboring communities travel to the city every day for work, study or services. This creates an additional burden on the transport system and urban infrastructure and inconveniences for residents of neighboring communities. Together, communities can develop comprehensive solutions to improve the road network, introduce modern public transport routes and develop infrastructure outside Lviv.
Another important factor was our desire to create a common strategy for the development of territories, which will allow us to more effectively attract investments and international support. We have already prepared such a strategy with the support of the Council of Europe. Coordination of efforts opens up new opportunities for attracting grants, developing industrial parks and developing businesses, which ultimately improves people’s living standards.
International partners who have experience in effectively managing such structures in Europe also played a significant role in creating the agglomeration. We analyzed the experience of Polish, French, and German cities and adapted best practices to Ukrainian realities.
Thus, the Lviv agglomeration is not just a formal unification of the efforts of communities, but a real tool for improving the lives of residents of the entire region, based on common interests, equal partnership, and long-term planning.
- What has been done in more than six months since the establishment of the Association?
During 2024, the Lviv Agglomeration Association actively worked in the field of intermunicipal cooperation, sustainable development and international cooperation. They registered a legal entity, signed a grant agreement with the Council of Europe and implemented a number of key projects. Among them are the “Summer Camps of the Lviv Agglomeration” for 498 children, the publication of the “Local History Atlas”, the organization of the Community Fair and the holding of the First International Forum of Agglomerations of Ukraine.
They also managed to significantly expand their digital presence: an official website and a series of promotional videos were created. The Association began to establish close international cooperation with such organizations as the Council of Europe, U-LEAD, UNDP, USAID, Metrex, Metropolis, which contributed to the integration of the Lviv Agglomeration into the international network of metropolises.
In the field of transport and infrastructure strategy, the Association has applied for international funding to develop environmental initiatives, public transport and create a logistics hub. These results confirm the effectiveness of joint efforts and open up new prospects for the future development of the agglomeration.
- Why have not all communities become members of the Association, and how is interaction with them planned?
Some communities are not yet ready to join due to various circumstances: financial constraints, political considerations or the need for additional consultations. It is important that the agglomeration remains open to new participants.
We maintain a dialogue with communities that have not yet joined, demonstrating successful examples of cooperation. We are also working to involve them in joint initiatives in the transport, environmental and economic spheres.
Over time, communities that observe the results of the Association’s work will be able to make a decision to join when they see real benefits.
- How to ensure a balance of interests between Greater Lviv and neighboring communities in the agglomeration?
Balanced development implies an equal partnership between all communities. Lviv is ready to share its resources, expertise and infrastructure, while receiving support in spatial planning, expanding residential areas and improving the environmental situation. Joint decision-making, transparency in financing and implementation of projects allow avoiding the dominance of a large city over smaller communities. Creating mechanisms for mutually beneficial cooperation and investment is the key to a successful agglomeration. We have laid down some mechanisms at the statutory level – the principle of a double majority, when Lviv cannot make a decision without the support of the majority of communities, but communities cannot ignore Lviv’s position, as well as the institution of co-chairs, which provides that representatives of each community take turns becoming co-chairs of the Association.
- What problems should be solved in the agglomeration format?
As I have already said, the main problems facing the agglomeration relate to infrastructure, ecology and spatial planning. It is necessary to develop efficient public transport, improve the road network and create conditions for the balanced development of residential and industrial zones in the interests of residents of all communities. Another important task is to address environmental challenges, in particular waste management, high-quality water supply and preservation of green areas.
In addition, it is necessary to develop the economic potential of communities through attracting investment and business development. Close cooperation between communities allows for more efficient use of available resources and planning long-term projects.
- Why do communities currently cooperate little with each other, and can this be changed?
The low level of cooperation between communities is associated with insufficient communication, the lack of traditions of intermunicipal partnership, and fears of losing autonomy. Some communities do not yet see concrete benefits from cooperation or do not have sufficient experience in such projects. We are trying to change this situation. We have already created the first precedent in Ukraine for cooperation between a large urban community and a smaller neighboring community – we signed an agreement with Bibrka on inclusive education, and we are currently preparing some more agreements.
To change the situation, it is necessary to more actively demonstrate successful examples of cooperation, organize joint events, and introduce mechanisms for mutually beneficial support. It is also important to stimulate dialogue between communities, develop joint projects, and attract external funding for their implementation.
- Why is Ukraine lagging behind the EU countries in the development of agglomerations, and what, in your opinion, needs to be done to correct the situation?
The main reasons for Ukraine’s lagging behind are the lack of legislative regulation of agglomerations, the low level of intermunicipal cooperation and insufficient funding for such initiatives. In Europe, agglomerations are supported by the state and have legally established mechanisms for functioning, which gives them stability.
To correct the situation, it is necessary to adopt legislation that will clearly define the status of agglomerations, their powers and funding mechanisms. It is also worth stimulating communities to cooperate through state support programs, grant funding and the implementation of joint infrastructure projects. In addition, an important role is played by the exchange of experience with European countries, the adaptation of successful practices and the involvement of international institutions in the process of development of Ukrainian agglomerations.
- So, does the development of agglomerations depend to a large extent on state support?
State support is important for the successful development of agglomerations. First, it allows communities to implement large-scale projects that require significant financial resources. Second, state assistance can help resolve legal issues, in particular, regarding coordination between different levels of government.
Support mechanisms can include state co-financing of infrastructure projects, simplification of legislative procedures for intermunicipal cooperation, and the creation of special funds for the development of agglomerations. In addition, the state can help attract international partners and donors who are ready to invest in the development of regional associations.
It is important that agglomerations develop not only on the initiative of communities, but also receive comprehensive support at the state level, which will allow the implementation of long-term strategic initiatives.
The state’s interest in the development of agglomerations should be based on the fact that agglomerations play a very important role in post-war reconstruction. After all, European and world experience shows that the main part of national GDP is created precisely in agglomerations or metropolises, as they are called in many countries.
- Are you ready to share the experience of the Lviv agglomeration with other communities?
We are open to cooperation and ready to share experience with communities that want to create similar agglomeration associations. The Lviv agglomeration already has practical experience that can be useful for other regions.
We are ready to organize training events, exchange strategic planning methods and provide consulting support on organizing intermunicipal cooperation. An important direction is the establishment of international relations, so we can help other cities in establishing contacts with European partners and attracting grant funding.
Cooperation between communities will allow to accelerate the reform of local self-government, create more effective governance mechanisms and improve the quality of life of residents.
SOURCE – https://decentralization.ua
