On 9 May, Ukraine and the European Union celebrated Europe Day

To mark the occasion, U-LEAD with Europe — the EU’s flagship programme for decentralisation and local governance — hosted a special event in Kyiv, highlighting a powerful yet often overlooked link between Ukrainian and European civic traditions: the legacy of Magdeburg Law.

Originating in Central Europe, Magdeburg Law established the foundations of local self-governance in many Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Lviv and Poltava. Long before modern nation-states emerged, it shaped community identities and embedded principles of democracy and the rule of law.

As part of the celebration, U-LEAD and the Centre for Medieval Exhibitions (ZMA) unveiled a new publication, The Magdeburg Law in Ukraine: Building Block of a Better Future. The brochure explores how this shared legal heritage continues to influence Ukraine’s modern democratic development and decentralisation.

Addressing representatives from municipalities, academia and civil society, Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, noted: “Ukraine has long been part of the European legal and civic space, and this foundation continues to guide its institutions today.”

ULEAD з Європою / ULEAD with Europe