The participants of the meeting got acquainted with the potential and peculiarities of the Azov region communities, discussed key problems and areas of cooperation, taking into account all strengths and weaknesses of settlements.

Thus, the pre-war Northern Azov region included 33 communities, an area of more than 15,000 square kilometers, and a population of more than 1.1 million people. The territory contained 3 airports (unfortunately, not working) and 3 seaports. The main areas of production in these territories were mechanical engineering, agricultural and recreational spheres.  And the main areas of potential development was the need for processing and export, raw materials base, wind and solar bioenergy, recreation and maritime zone, green metallurgy and mechanical engineering.

With an outbreak of a full-scale war and the occupation of Ukraine's territories, the communities of the Azov Sea region faced new challenges.

"Currently, the main problem and task for us is water level in the Kakhovka reservoir. In order to provide the city with heating, we need to launch at least one NPP unit. To do this, we need to solve the problem with water level. The following problems (as for all others) are: demining, security in the territories, housing and communal services and the return of residents to the community," - Dmytro ORLOV, Enerhodar.

"The primary problem for us will be the restoration of power supply in first days after de-occupation. If we don't restore electricity as a matter of priority, we will lose both businesses and residents." - Oleksandr NAUMENKO, Malobilozerka.

"A psychological part after de-occupation will be difficult for us. And with regard to work under occupation, the main problems are personnel shortage, insufficient material and technical support, which negatively affects the preparation for de-occupation. Another important problem now and will remain is the problem of social tension between the population that remained and the one that returned, and this will require reconciliation methods and dialogue practices," - Olena CHMIL, Oleksandrivka rural TC.

The participants of the meeting concluded that in order to speed up a recovery of communities after de-occupation, it is necessary to join forces in common development areas and to work out joint development plans. They can be developed on the basis of previous ones, but with due regard for current issues and real needs. One of the main areas of development for the Azov region communities is agriculture and improving tourist attractiveness.

"The first priority for everyone is demining. Then it is the restoration of agriculture, entrepreneurship, personnel potential, etc. I believe that
taking into account the consequences of military actions on our territories, we cannot count on the same volumes of agricultural production as before the war, and therefore we need to look for new economic development zones," - Oleksiy DYACHENKO, Vasylivka community.

“Through our cooperation, we will have an opportunity to exchange best practices
on various issues and directions. The purpose of potential ideas for cooperation will primarily be security, housing, and work. Regarding my proposals, it is necessary to develop micro, small and medium-sized businesses that will help to fill the city's budget; to promote activities of agricultural enterprises for processing and splicing; to facilitate an introduction of private investment insurance by foreign organizations," - Serhiy ORLOV, Mariupol Military Administration.

"Proximity to the sea and estuary contributes to the development of a resort area. Moreover, there is a water with a mineral composition similar to Essentuki in one of the settlements of Oleksandrivska TC," - Olena CHMIL, Oleksandrivka rural TC.

Under conditions of a temporary occupation, funding sources for territorial communities are somewhat limited. Local budgets are unable to be filled, and an attraction of grant funds for implementation by occupied communities is significantly limited, and is often impossible. Relocated (re-registered) communities can only attract grants to cover needs in the state-controlled territory. Preparations for de-occupation and purchase of machinery, equipment, etc. are mainly carried out in cooperation with twin cities and charitable foundations.

As a result of military invasion and temporary occupation, communities are suffering enormous losses and destruction. In order to ensure high-quality and effective restoration of a territory, infrastructure, and economy of the Azov region, it is necessary to elaborate plans and strategies for future development right now. By uniting the recovery efforts of the Azov region communities, it is possible to reduce social tensions caused, among other things, by personnel shortages, and through a high-quality cooperation and an exchange of experience and best practices, to contribute to the rapid restoration of community life.