Mayor Vadym Boichenko has taken part in the debate of the EU Committee of the Regions with a working visit to Brussels. Speaking on the topic: ‘Eastern Partnership’, the Mayor spoke about Mariupol and its strategic development. According to Vadym Boichenko, Mariupol, being the most Eastern city in Europe, has become a symbol of hope and new opportunities.
‘Mariupol is heard around the world. It is discussed and it is held up as an example. The city, which is located 20 km from the demarcation line, is one of the safest in Ukraine and a symbol of development. Large-scale projects are being introduced here, which have no analogues at the national level of our state,’ the Mayor said.
Vadym Boichenko spoke about the stages of development of Mariupol since the beginning of the conflict in the region. The city has more than 100 thousand IDPs. They were socialized, adapted and integrated into society. Mariupol helped people starting from basic needs and basic necessities to employment and housing.
A striking example of cooperation with the European Union was the first social dormitory in Ukraine. This project gave housing to 75 new Mariupol residents. In just three years, Mariupol provided housing for more than 600 IDPs.
According to the Mayor, the city is on the path to creating new opportunities. On this way, Mariupol opened the door to international investment. Collaboration with European partners has already enabled the renovation of the central library and the opening of a cardiology center. It will also allow to turn into reality the overhaul of ‘Ukrainian House’ Palace of Culture, schools, kindergartens etc. In addition, cooperation with the EU provided not only financial support for socially important projects, but also helped to strengthen democratic values and principles.
‘Cooperation with the European Union has allowed us to develop the social sphere. The main thing is that every project has special people whose life has become or will become better. A person is in focus. That is the philosophy that we have invested in all of our projects. I appreciate our European partners for making the lives of Mariupol residents better with us. Through the development of Mariupol, we show the way how Ukraine can develop,’ Vadym Boichenko said.
