INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND AND UKRAINE (BASED ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COUNCIL FOR COOPERATION WITH UKRAINE)

Abstract

The article explores the institutional aspects of cooperation between Poland and Ukraine through the example of the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine, operating under the Government of the Republic of Poland. The Council serves as an innovative mechanism for coordinating political, economic, humanitarian, and regional initiatives – its role becoming particularly relevant in the context of war and growing security instability in Eastern Europe. The study provides a detailed analysis of the Council’s structure, its thematic working groups, and the role of key political and administrative actors shaping the bilateral agenda between the two states.Special attention is given to the practical dimension of the Council’s activity, particularly the operations of its regional office in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship and the implementation of the “Carpathian Reconstruction” project, which aims to strengthen cross-border partnership and support the joint reconstruction of war-affected areas. The paper highlights the experience of coordinating actions among Polish governmental bodies, Ukrainian partners, and international institutions, particularly in the areas of humanitarian aid, military support, economic cooperation, and innovative technologies.The Council is presented as an effective political institution capable not only of performing consultative functions but also of directly influencing the process of formulating and implementing strategic decisions regarding support for Ukraine during wartime and in the post-war period. The role of the Council’s Chairman, Professor Paweł Kowal, is emphasized, as his expertise and political experience contribute significantly to the institution’s competence and legitimacy on the international stage.Based on the collected empirical data, the article evaluates the Council’s effectiveness as a model of inter-institutional coordination and outlines its long-term potential in cross-border partnership and regional security recovery. It also stresses the importance of developing new, flexible, and multi-actor cooperation platforms that go beyond traditional diplomacy, especially in the context of global crises and regional conflicts.