1 On December 1, 2025, during the General Assembly of the international organization ORU Fogar, the Lviv Agglomeration was unanimously admitted as a member. Roman Kizyma, Executive Director of the “Lviv Agglomeration” Association, presented the activities of the union and participated in the session, after which the decision was approved by all members present.
Consequently, the Lviv Agglomeration has become the first regional association, and the first representative from Ukraine in general, to be granted the status of a full member of ORU Fogar. This marks a significant step for the international integration of our agglomeration and its recognition as an active player in multi-level governance, regional development, and inter-municipal cooperation.
Members of the General Assembly also expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle for independence, freedom, and territorial integrity. Representatives of regions from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America emphasized the importance of solidarity with Ukrainian communities during the full-scale war and praised the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
What is ORU Fogar?
ORU Fogar (United Regions Organization) is an influential international network uniting regions from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It works to strengthen the role of regional governments, promoting decentralization, exchange of expertise, innovative approaches to public administration, and sustainable territorial development. The organization is a partner of the UN, the EU, and various global institutions. It actively develops cooperation networks focused on resilience, economic development, infrastructure recovery, inclusion, and social policy.
Why is membership important for the Lviv Agglomeration?
- Global Presence: Participation in ORU Fogar elevates the Lviv Agglomeration to the level of the world’s leading regional associations, providing direct access to international partners, projects, and networks.
- Advocacy Platform: The Association can represent the interests of Lviv region communities on the international stage, particularly regarding recovery, green transformation, infrastructure development, and the reform of multi-level governance.
- Knowledge Exchange: We gain the opportunity to study and adapt the best practices of regions such as Catalonia, the Basque Country, Quebec, Bavaria, and Flanders, as well as metropolitan structures dealing with transport, ecology, water resources, economy, and social policy.
- Strengthening International Partnerships: Membership opens new avenues for joint projects, securing international funding, and participating in global initiatives and forums.
- Promoting the Ukrainian Metropolitan Model: The Lviv Agglomeration now has a platform to share its own experience in building inter-municipal cooperation during wartime, supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), and developing environmental and infrastructure projects.
Joining ORU Fogar is a recognition that the Lviv Agglomeration is already an established, active, and influential member of the international community of regions moving towards innovative and sustainable development. It provides a new impetus for advancing our strategic priorities, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing the role of Ukrainian local self-government on the global stage.
