Transcarpathian experts studied the northern experience of cross-border cooperation during the visit to the Barents region

Transcarpathian experts studied the northern experience of cross-border cooperation during the visit to the Barents region

The aim of the project is: obtaining and analyzing authentic, high-quality and complete information on the forms, methods and results of the Barents Euro- Arctic Council and the Barents Regional Council activity; development for the managing authorities from Slovakia and Ukraine the practical recommendations on its implementation/application to improve the efficiency of cross-border cooperation between border regions of these countries, in particular, and in cross-border region of the Carpathians, in general.

The Barents Euro-Arctic Council and the Barenth Regional Council – are the institutions of northern states and the EU, designed to promote cross-border cooperation in the Barents region. To explore the experience of cross-border cooperation in the North of Europe, the Barents region visited a group of Ukrainian project experts. The delegation was: Serhii Ustych – Ambassador, head of the department of international studies and social communications of Uzhhorod National university, Director of CBC (head of delegation); Oleksandr Bilak – Deputy Mayor of Uzhhorod City Council; Volodymyr Prykhodko – Head of the Department of International Economic Relations of Uzhhorod National University, Dr. of Economics, professor; Radmila Ustych – manager of the NGO “FORZA”; Olesia Benchak – lecturer in the department of international studies and social communications of Uzhhorod National university, project manager.

First, the delegation took the head of Sor-Varanger municipality, a veteran cross-border movement Ryune Rafaelsen. He described the long experience of cross-border cooperation and the current problems of the borderland. Mr. Rafaelsen showed guests transboundary cooperation – a unique hospital that is being built jointly by the Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, Icelandic builders with finished modules coming from Germany ferry. The delegation also visited the modern multinational school, working on innovative teaching concept.

Ukrainian experts also met with the leaders of the Barents Institute – branch of the Norwegian Arctic University of Tromso city  – Mariann Solem and Sveym Orheym. The Barents Institute engaged in research  of transborder-cooperation. We talked about the joint development and publication of scientific Arctic Norwegian university, Uzhgorod National University and Safarik University of Kosice, exchange training of students and teachers.

The central activities of the program was the delegation in structures that provide activities Barents Euro- Arctic Council and the Barenth Regional Council – the International Barents Secretariat and the Barents Secretariat.

The was a conversation also about the informational cooperation on the meeting with the Head of the internet-publication “Independent Barents Observer” – Atle Staalesenom.
At all meetings of experts, also was introduced the interlocutors with a positive cross-border cooperation experience gained in Ukraine, particularly in cross-border region of the Carpathians.

In general, a visit of Ukrainian experts to Norway allowed to study the latest and most effective forms of cross-border cooperation practiced in Northern Europe. This is the key to achieve good project “Through innovation – to effective cooperation” objectives.