Today in Satu Mare took place the opening event of the Planning4U project, a cross-border cooperation initiative aimed at the integrated development of the Hungary–Romania–Ukraine border region. The project is coordinated by the Institute for National Strategy Research and brings together partners from all three countries: the Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association, the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County Council, the Tisza European Territorial Association, and the Association of Local Authorities of the Border Region of Transcarpathia.
The Planning4U project has a total budget of EUR 600,327.63 and will be implemented between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026. It is funded through the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine 2021–2027 Programme.
The main goal of the Planning4U project is to address the challenges faced by the border region, generated by the Ukrainian administrative reform, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russian–Ukrainian conflict. By preparing development plans and impact studies, the project contributes to strengthening economic and social relations between the three countries and to preparing Ukraine for the European Union accession process.
The Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association plays an essential role in the project, being responsible for updating the development strategies of three border localities in Satu Mare County. These strategies aim at the sustainable development of local communities, strengthening economic and institutional relations with Hungarian and Ukrainian partners, and supporting local authorities in accessing European funds for future projects. The association will also prepare a report on the impact of the war on the border regions and will organize training courses in project management and public procurement.
Through its active involvement in this project, the Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association contributes to the development of the region, providing support to local communities in building sustainable partnerships and making the most of the opportunities offered by cross-border cooperation.
