Katlabuh Community Joins Interreg NEXT Romania–Ukraine Project

The Katlabuh Settlement Territorial Community of Odesa region has officially become a partner in the international project ROUA00501, funded under the Interreg NEXT Romania–Ukraine Programme 2021–2027.

The project is led by the municipality of Luncavița (Romania), while the Ukrainian partner is the Association “EU Strategy for the Danube Region”. The Katlabuh community joins the initiative as a partner from Odesa region, responsible for implementing key activities at the local level.

According to the community representatives, participation in the project includes practical cooperation with Romanian municipalities, exchange of expertise, and the implementation of joint cross-border development measures. The initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity of the community, expand international partnerships, and attract additional resources for local development.

Comment from the Institute of Danube Research

Experts of the Institute of Danube Research emphasize that the involvement of border communities in Interreg programmes has long-term strategic significance.

“For communities in the Odesa region, cross-border projects are not only about additional funding, but about integration into European partnership networks. Such initiatives build administrative capacity, foster trust between municipalities, and create foundations for sustainable development,” IDR experts noted.

Analysts underline that increased participation of Ukrainian communities in the Interreg NEXT Romania–Ukraine 2021–2027 programme enhances the region’s positioning within the Danube area and supports deeper integration into European cooperation mechanisms.