Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Association of Coal Communities of Ukraine and the Association of Mining Municipalities of Poland

In many European countries, associations that unite coal communities have been operating for decades. And many of these communities have successfully completed or are currently undergoing a just transition. One of the tasks of the Association of Coal Communities of Ukraine today is to learn from the experience of Western colleagues and apply it within Ukraine.

During the Forum "Just Transition of Coal Communities of Ukraine", the Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Association of Mining Municipalities of Poland (Stowarzyszenie Gmin Górniczych w Polsce) and the Association of Coal Communities of Ukraine.

"The long-term activity of the Association of Mining Municipalities of Poland serve as a good example of how to advocate for the interests of coal communities at all levels, as well as how to implement projects and changes that contribute to their comprehensive development. The signing of the Memorandum with our Polish colleagues opens opportunities for further close cooperation, systematic communication, and experience sharing," stated Andriy Tabinskyy, Executive Director of the Association of Coal Communities of Ukraine.

"When we created the Association in Poland in 1999, we were inspired by similar organizations operating in Western Europe, especially in the coal regions of France. The early 2000s were a period of preparation for Poland's accession to the European Union, a stage similar to what Ukraine is experiencing today. We are pleased to share with you the experience, best practices, and knowledge we have accumulated over the years. Cooperation between our associations has existed before, but with the signing of the Memorandum, it is reaching a new level," said Michał Urgoł, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Mining Municipalities of Poland.