by InTrieste
A comprehensive cooperation agreement between Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Ukrainian region of Odessa will be signed on Wednesday in Trieste, marking the beginning of a partnership that, while modest in scale for now, is intended to grow in significance as Ukraine looks to its postwar future.
Odessa, a historically strategic port city in southwestern Ukraine, remains one of the country’s few active maritime outlets. Since the Russian invasion began, the city has faced relentless assaults both by land and sea, with attacks in recent months increasingly targeting civilian infrastructure and energy networks.
Regional President Massimiliano Fedriga, who will sign the agreement on behalf of Friuli Venezia Giulia, described the initiative as an act of solidarity and foresight. “We want to begin cooperating to help Odessa with an agreement that can continue to evolve after the conflict—which I hope ends as soon as possible,” Fedriga said. “It is essential to strengthen these ties, which will span several sectors—from culture to economics, including logistics, where Friuli Venezia Giulia can play a vital role, and in education, through collaboration between our universities.”
The memorandum of understanding will include cultural exchanges, support for agricultural development, economic cooperation, and academic partnerships. Authorities view it not only as a gesture of support in a time of crisis but also as a forward-looking move to deepen European ties at the regional level.
With Trieste’s longstanding role as a logistical and academic hub, local officials see the potential for meaningful contributions to Odessa’s eventual recovery. While the agreement does not involve direct financial aid or military assistance, it reflects a broader European trend of regional diplomacy supplementing national efforts.
“This is just the beginning,” Fedriga said. “It’s a small step now, but one that could become something truly significant in the years ahead.”
