Dialogue That Strengthens Communities: EUAM and the National Police Advance Community Safety Cooperation
May 07, 2026
Security in communities is shaped not only by the actions of law enforcement institutions, but also by the level of trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility between authorities and the people they serve. These issues were at the centre of the Forum “Implementation of the Community Safety Dialogue. Strengthening joint dialogue on security issues, joint initiatives, and veterans’ reintegration”, jointly organised by the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) and the National Police of Ukraine (NPU) in Kamianets-Podilskyi on 5–6 May.
The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police, regional authorities, civil society, the veterans’ community, and international partners to discuss how the Community Safety Dialogue (CSD) can help address local security challenges through cooperation and inclusive decision-making.
Opening the Forum, Head of EUAM Ukraine Rolf Holmboe stressed that sustainable security depends on strong relationships between institutions and communities. As he noted in remarks quoted by the National Police of Ukraine: “Today, security is no longer defined only by the work of institutions. It depends on the quality of interaction between state institutions and the communities they serve. A safe environment is created when law enforcement officers cooperate with communities, civil society organisations, and local authorities to jointly find solutions and reduce tensions.”
EUAM representatives Marija Kazanovič and Georgios Pokas presented the concept of the Community Safety Dialogue and demonstrated how it can support practical problem-solving at local level. Sharing the experience from Odesa region, Mr.
Pokas explained how cooperation between communities, local authorities, police, and state institutions contributed to improving road safety, leading to a 47% decrease in road traffic accidents within one year and a significant reduction in fatal accidents.
Discussions throughout the Forum focused on strengthening trust in law enforcement, improving cooperation with local self-government bodies, and promoting shared responsibility for security in communities. Participants also examined how the Dialogue can become an integral part of preventive police work and a practical management tool for responding to security challenges together with communities.
Another important focus of the Forum was veterans’ reintegration, inclusivity, and human rights within the National Police system. Participants discussed how to ensure equal access to police services and career opportunities, as well as how to create supportive environments for veteran colleagues returning to service after experiencing war.
The Forum also featured the presentation of the veterans’ support space “Nezlamni Dukhom” (“Unbroken in Spirit”), established within the police system to provide assistance, guidance, and peer support to veterans and service personnel affected by war.
On the second day, participants focused on coordination between state institutions, communities, and law enforcement agencies in implementing veterans’ policy and responding to local security needs. Discussions highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation and regular engagement with advisory bodies and working groups at regional level.
The Forum confirmed that the Community Safety Dialogue is already functioning as a practical mechanism for cooperation between police and communities. EUAM remains committed to supporting Ukraine in strengthening trust, accountability, and resilience in communities across the country.
