Zelenskyy unveils Carpathian Initiative linking eight countries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the launch of a new regional framework, the Carpathian Initiative, aimed at strengthening cooperation among eight European countries across economic, security and humanitarian domains.

Speaking to Ukrainian ambassadors, Zelenskyy said the initiative is designed to bring together countries linked by shared interests and geography, particularly those connected by the Carpathian mountain region.

“We have launched the Carpathian Initiative. This is a new initiative. Why did this idea arise? Because not all countries are ready to strengthen us with weapons, but they want to cooperate in the humanitarian sphere, in security and in the economy. They are thinking about the reconstruction of Ukraine. This is also important,” he said.

Zelenskyy added that engagement by neighbouring countries in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts reflects broader confidence in the country’s future.

“The Carpathian Initiative is about countries connected not only geopolitically, not only by good-neighbourly relations. These are countries that have economic interests and security interests, united by the beautiful Carpathians. We are talking about logistics, the economy and security. We also see culture and tourism prospects in this,” he added.

The Ukrainian leader said he had discussed the proposal with António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, both of whom he said reacted positively.

The format of the initiative is expected to be formally presented in the autumn, with preparations ongoing.

“We have seen a positive signal from the European Union. In the future, we will need programmes for the Carpathians — in finance, tourism, the economy and security. And again, not only for the Ukrainian Carpathians,” Zelenskyy said.

The initiative is set to include Ukraine, Romania, Austria, Serbia, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Zelenskyy described the initiative as a platform “around which we can all unite,” underscoring its role in fostering regional cooperation beyond military support.

By Tamilla Hasanova