Cornwall Council has formalized an economic partnership with Ukraine’s Zakarpattia Oblast, strengthening ties between the two regions.

Situated in southwestern Ukraine, Zakarpattia shares borders with four EU nations—Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania—offering strategic trade opportunities. The collaboration was cemented through a Memorandum of Intent, signed virtually at New County Hall in Truro, with a focus on fostering mutual economic interests.

Sophie Hosking, Cornwall Council’s strategic director for neighbourhoods, expressed enthusiasm for the agreement, highlighting shared sectors such as agriculture, tourism, China clay, and wine production. Additionally, Zakarpattia is eager to draw on Cornwall’s expertise in waste management, recycling, and resource recovery.

“With approximately 1,000 Ukrainians now calling Cornwall home, this partnership reinforces our commitment to deepening connections and improving quality of life for all,” Hosking stated.

Representing Zakarpattia, Myroslav Biletskyy, head of the region’s Administrative State, welcomed the collaboration, calling it a “historic moment” and expressing hope for a “fruitful partnership” with Cornwall.