Denmark is satisfied with the way Mykolaiv is moving: «We are entering a new phase of partnership»

The head of the office of the Embassy of Denmark in Mykolaiv, Jacob Torrild Hansen, the deputy head of the mission of the Embassy of Denmark in Ukraine, Jens Alsbirk, and the mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Sienkevych, photo NikVesti

The representatives of Denmark are satisfied with the «positive developments» in Mykolaiv and announced a new phase of the partnership, which involves the economic and social recovery of the city.

This was said by Jens Alsbirk, deputy head of the mission of the Embassy of Denmark in Ukraine, the Embassy reported.

«We are entering a new phase of partnership, where the emphasis will be on economic and social recovery for the sake of long-term cooperation between Mykolaiv and Denmark,» Jens Alsbirk said.

At the same time, the head of the office of the Embassy of Denmark in Mykolaiv, Jacob Torrild Hansen, called on Mykolaiv residents to share their vision of the city's future, and «Denmark will help turn these visions into reality.»

«Denmark representatives expressed their joy at the positive changes that have become visible in the city, and confirmed their determination to support future development in the post-war period as well,» the Embassy of Denmark in Ukraine added.

Denmark's cooperation with Mykolaiv

Back in March 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking before the Danish parliament, called on the country to take «chiefship» over Mykolaiv after the end of a full-scale war.

And already at the end of August 2022, the mayor of Mykolaiv Oleksandr Sienkevych and the Minister of International Development of Denmark Flemming Møller Mortensen signed a memorandum of cooperation. It envisages joint work on the formation of reconstruction projects and the involvement of investors from different countries in the restoration of Mykolaiv.

In January 2023 , a meeting of representatives of Denmark and Ukraine took place in Mykolaiv regarding the planning of further restoration of the city. And in July, the Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark announced a package of aid for the Mykolaiv region for special equipment, medical equipment and repair of shelters.

Last September, after a meeting with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the opening of the office of the Danish Embassy in Ukraine in Mykolaiv.

And at the beginning of November, Denmark announced a new large-scale aid package to Ukraine for 40.2 million euros. At that time, it was reported that the main focus of the aid package was on Mykolaiv and the region.

In January 2024, the Kingdom of Denmark allocated another 21 million dollars to the reconstruction of the Mykolaiv region. In May — 17.2 million dollars for the reconstruction of destroyed educational institutions in the region, and in June — 33.5 million euros for the restoration of infrastructure and improving access to water and electricity supply.

In general, about 60% of the aid that Denmark sends to Ukraine goes to Mykolaiv and the Mykolaiv region, said the ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Ukraine Ole Egberg Mikkelsen. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Denmark has provided 118 million dollars in aid to the Mykolaiv region. He also stated his vision of the post-war reconstruction of Mykolaiv with friendly conditions for pedestrians and bicycle infrastructure.

While in Mykolaiv, the ambassador explained that after the end of the full-scale war, Denmark would help Mykolaiv to restore and modernize its shipbuilding capacity.

In particular, the country will rebuild the Lyceum named after Mykola Arkas while preserving its authentic appearance. As of September 2023, Ukrainian architects presented Ole Egberg Mikkelsen with reconstruction options.

The ambassador also supported the idea of creating a Danish quarter or park in Mykolaiv, but today this issue remains at the idea stage.

Denmark also expressed interest in the privatization of the Mykolaiv Alumina Plant.

Also recently, in Mykolaiv, they finished painting a mural in honor of friendship and partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark. It was opened on the anniversary of the founding of Mykolaiv.