On 25 June 2024, the city of Chernivtsi in Ukraine hosted the inauguration of the second mural painting of the „Message for Ukraine” project, a powerful symbol of European solidarity and cross-border cooperation between Romania and Ukraine. The event was organised by the Joint Technical Secretariat of the Regional Office for Cross-Border Cooperation (BRCT) Suceava, in collaboration with the Managing Authority of the Romanian Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration.

A symbol of cross-border co-operation

The new mural on the facade of the Municipal Creation Centre for Children and Youth in Chernivtsi is a replica of the one on the facade of the „Mihai Eminescu” National College in Suceava. It is part of the „Message for Ukraine” campaign, launched in the summer of 2022 on European Co-operation Day #Interreg. The project emphasises European commitment and solidarity, promoting values and friendship through contemporary mural art.

In a festive atmosphere, the official inauguration brought together local authorities from Chernivtsi, collaborators and beneficiaries of the cooperation programme funding. Mr Iurii Lesiuk, Deputy Mayor of Chernivtsi, received an award of appreciation from the Managing Authority of the Interreg NEXT Romania-Ukraine programme, acknowledging the valuable partnership created.

The event was attended by representatives of the Chernivtsi State Military Administration, the Consulate General of Romania in Chernivtsi and the Education Department of the Chernivtsi City Hall. The moderators of the event, representatives of the Joint Technical Secretariat (BRCT Suceava), emphasised the importance of cross-border cooperation projects in the development of border communities.

The contribution of young talent and cultural links

The author of „Birds of Victory and Freedom”, Tetyana Lebedenko, a talented 17-year-old from the Odessa region, was present at the opening. Her presence highlighted the potential of the young generation to contribute to a better future. Tetyana spoke about the inspiration behind her creation and emphasised the importance of European values for her generation.

The artistic group from the Bucovina Art Centre in Chernivtsi added to the festive atmosphere with musical performances in Romanian and Ukrainian, underlining the cultural links between the communities of Suceava and Chernivtsi.

Background and importance of the cooperation programme

In the period 2014-2020, the Romania-Ukraine programme, with a total budget of €66 million, financed 66 cooperation projects carried out in partnership by public authorities, non-governmental organisations and public institutions from both countries. These projects have brought investment and benefits to communities in the border area, aimed at rehabilitating transport infrastructure, modernising and equipping medical facilities, schools and universities, restoring tourist attractions and preparing authorities and the population for emergencies.

The programme area covers the counties of Suceava, Botoșani, Tulcea, Maramureș, Satu Mare in Romania and the regions of Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattya and Odessa in Ukraine.

Sources and more information

For more details about this initiative and other activities of the Romania - Ukraine Programme 2014-2020, please visit the official website www.ro-ua.net and Facebook page Interreg NEXT Romania-Ukraine.