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Mukachevo Territorial Community
Zakarpattia
Population:
The Mukachevo Community is situated in Mukachevo Raion, Zakarpattia Oblast.
Total area: 266.9 sq km.
Population: 99,310
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): 15,999
It consists of 18 settlements. The administrative centre of the community is located in the city of Mukachevo.
History
The centre of the Mukachevo Community, the city of Mukachevo, is located in the southwestern part of the Zakarpattia Oblast on the banks of the picturesque Latorytsia River.
The city has a compact footprint and is surrounded by low mountains that protect it from cold air masses. Mukachevo has long been famous for its multi-ethnic and multi-confessional population.
As for the name of the city of Mukachevo, there are several versions of its origin, including the words “muka”, “muky”, and the Hungarian “munka” (work). Mukachevo has always been an important trade hub between the West and the East, the South and the North. It is known that in the early first millennium BC there were fortified settlements on this territory. In the fourth and third centuries BC, Celtic tribes lived in this area.
The first written mention of Mukachevo appears in the Hungarian chronicle Gesta Hungarorum in the late 12th century.
Throughout its history, the city has been attacked by various invaders, including the Polovtsians in 1086 and the Mongol-Tatars in 1241. Despite this, the city kept building and developing.
An important event for the city took place on 22 May 1376. On this day, Queen Elizabeth of Hungary and Poland (Erzsébet), who owned the Mukachevo dominion, presented the city with a charter for the right to use its own seal, which granted it the status of a royal city.
An important page in the city’s development is associated with the name of Fedir Koriatovych. During his reign, Mukachevo became a significant trade and craft centre.
In the mid-nineteenth century, Mukachevo became the scene of revolutionary events. In 1849, the city took an active part in the battles with Austrian troops, supporting the Hungarian revolutionary army.
The Revolution of 1848-1849, despite its defeat, left a deep mark on the minds of the masses of Zakarpattia, including Mukachevo. It freed the peasants from serfdom and paved the way for further capitalist development.
On 29 June 1945, an agreement was signed on the reunification of Transcarpathian Ukraine with Soviet Ukraine.
Over the centuries, the Mukachevo community has been formed as an important cultural, economic and defence centre of Zakarpattia. One of its main gems is the Palanok Castle, which stands on a hill above the city. This medieval fortress, built in the 14th century, has withstood numerous sieges and was the residence of many prominent rulers. At the same time, crafts and trade were actively developing, which laid the foundation for the community’s prosperity.
Mukachevo became known to Europe not only for its medieval castle, but also for its equally famous representatives of the creative intelligentsia – artists, musicians, and writers. Among them, first and foremost, is the world-famous artist Mihály Munkácsy, who was awarded the Order of the Iron Crown, Third Class.
Artists and scientists who were born or worked in the territory of the modern community made a significant contribution to cultural life.
The famous artist Mihály Munkácsy was born here, and his paintings are now in the most prestigious museums in Europe. In the 19th century, the elegant Schönborn Palace in the village of Karpaty was built on the community’s territory, an elegant architectural monument that still attracts tourists. An equally important spiritual centre was the St Nicholas Convent, which has existed since the 11th century, preserving the traditions and shrines of the region.
Today, the Mukachevo Community not only carefully protects its historical heritage, but also confidently steps into the future. Consisting of 18 settlements, it remains the centre of cultural and economic life in Zakarpattia, where the past is harmoniously combined with the present.
Economy and Welfare
The economy of the Mukachevo Community is developing dynamically due to a combination of industrial production, agriculture, tourism and small business.
One of the main industrial centres of the community is the Ukrainian-Austrian company Fischer-Mukachevo, which has been specialising in the production of winter sports goods since 1995. The factory is one of the largest manufacturers of alpine and cross-country skis in the world and also produces hockey sticks and sports shoes.
No less important is the Flextronics plant, which is engaged in OEM manufacturing of electronic components for international companies.
Andrii Riabych, CEO of Fisher-Mukachevo, is an important representative of the community. During the war, he actively supported the military and volunteers by providing significant financial assistance. The enterprise has become not only a hallmark of the city but also a vital supporter of the army, providing our defenders with essential equipment and supplies.
The Mriia knitting factory is also important for the community, producing textile products, much of which is exported to European countries.
In addition to industry, tourism plays a significant role. The Mukachevo Community attracts visitors with its historical monuments, including the Palanok Castle, which is a real landmark of the region. Wine festivals, gastronomic events and cultural events add a special flavour and contribute to the development of the service sector. Local hotels, restaurants and wineries offer a high level of service, making the community attractive not only to tourists but also to investors. Modern infrastructure and support for small businesses contribute to further economic growth, creating new jobs and ensuring sustainable community development.
The Community and the War
From the very first days of the war, the Mukachevo Community became a refuge for those who were forced to leave their homes. Residents, volunteers and local authorities have joined forces to help thousands of displaced people by organising housing, food and humanitarian support.
The volunteer movement has become a true symbol of solidarity, and the city council has introduced an accreditation system for coordinators to ensure transparency and effectiveness of assistance.
At the same time, derussification is actively underway in the community—street names are being changed, and Soviet monuments are being dismantled, which is an important step toward strengthening national identity.
The Mukachevo Community has also become an important centre for relocated businesses. About 30 companies from different parts of Ukraine have moved here, finding new opportunities for work and development. Among them are companies from Kharkiv, Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhzhia, operating in the fields of trade, manufacturing, and technology. But despite the war, the city is not only surviving, but continues to develop, adapt and support the economy.
The community also honours its heroes, including:
Officer Andrii Litun, who, while covering his colleagues, drew fire on himself;
Pilot Andrii Liutashyn, who sacrificed his life to stop the enemy;
Reconnaissance Operative Artur Pashkuliak, who fought in the hottest spots.
Their deeds are forever engraved in the memory of the community and the state, as they were posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine for defending Ukraine’s independence.
The Mukachevo Community has become a symbol of resilience and steadfastness in the fight against the growing challenges and threats that arose with the outbreak of war. The joint efforts of local residents, volunteers and authorities provided effective support, marked by efficiency and cohesion.
The Mukachevo Community constantly provides financial support to the country’s defenders, contributing to their efforts at the front. In addition, since the beginning of the war, the community has become a refuge for 15,999 internally displaced persons, providing them with the necessary assistance and support. And it continues to actively support IDPs and defenders, maintaining its resilience in these difficult times.
Community People
Andrii Baloha, the Head of the Mukachevo Community, has become an important leader who is actively working to improve the lives of community members both before and during the war. He became the head of the community in 2015 and, thanks to his professionalism, won the support of the community during his second re-election in 2020. Under his leadership, the community has become an example of effective management and development.
One of the key projects under Andrii Baloha’s leadership is to attract investment to develop infrastructure, social services and support local entrepreneurs. An important part of this process is the organisation of events that help strengthen the economic and cultural atmosphere of the community. In particular, annual initiatives included festivals, exhibitions and other cultural events that have become important for community residents and tourists.
However, the biggest challenge for the community came with the outbreak of war. Andrii Baloha not only ensured the safety of local residents, but also initiated many social and humanitarian projects.
During the war, the Mukachevo Community continued to support its cultural and social development. Numerous charity initiatives, including the organisation of charity concerts, exhibitions and sporting events, with proceeds going to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, were important events.
There are also many people in the community who made a great contribution to the development of the city and support for the country during the war. Iryna Halai, the first Ukrainian climber to climb the world’s highest peaks – Everest and K2 – is not only famous for her sporting achievements, but also an inspiration to other Ukrainians. She drew international attention to Mukachevo, showing the world that the city can educate outstanding people. Iryna has become an example of the courage, determination and resilience that are so necessary in times of war.
Maksym Adamenko, a tourist guide from Mukachevo, not only introduces tourists to the history of the city, but also actively supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine through charity tours. His tours have become not only popular among locals, but also a way to raise funds for the army. In addition, he actively runs a YouTube channel where you can take virtual tours of the city and learn more about its history and culture.
Oleh Bihari, a surgeon who did not abandon his profession even during the war, became an important figure for the community. As the head of the medical team of the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, he saves the lives of our defenders at the front. Since the beginning of the war, Oleh has been on the frontline, putting his life in danger to help those fighting for our freedom. His experience and courage saved many lives.
These people are an example of how citizens can come together to make a great contribution to the development of their city and support the country in times of war.
Mukachevo Community is also famous for its rich cultural heritage and tradition of holding numerous festivals and events that attract tourists and locals alike.
Every year in mid-January, on the Old New Year’s Eve, Mukachevo becomes a centre of wine culture during the Chervone Vyno Festival. This event brings together more than a hundred winemakers from Zakarpattia to present a variety of young wines. Visitors have the opportunity to taste wines, enjoy performances by folk groups and take part in various competitions and entertainment.
In May, Mukachevo hosts the Ogyn and Mniaso gastronomic festival, dedicated to cooking on fire. In Peremohy Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of meat and vegetable dishes cooked on an open fire, as well as concerts, quizzes and free tasting of Zakarpattia wine and craft beer.
Mukachevo also hosts the Vechory nad Latorytseiu festival and competition of pop art, which brings together talented performers from all over Ukraine. This event contributes to the development of the city’s cultural life and the popularisation of Ukrainian pop music.
These festivals not only enrich the cultural life of Mukachevo, but also contribute to the development of tourism and the city’s economy, attracting numerous visitors from different regions of Ukraine and abroad.
Development Strategy
The Development Strategy of the Mukachevo Community for the period up to 2027 is focused on a comprehensive approach to improving the lives of residents and ensuring sustainable development of the territory.
The strategic vision for the development of the Mukachevo Community will be achieved through the implementation of several strategic goals.
First, the community should become an international logistics and innovation centre for economic development and partnerships. This involves the implementation of spatial planning that transforms human living spaces into high-quality and modern development systems, the creation of knowledge economy infrastructure, support for the innovative business ecosystem, the development of an effective support system and the digitalisation of business services, as well as investment attraction and support.
Second, it is important to create a European community of technological transformation of infrastructure and rethink the human impact on the environment. This includes the creation of sustainable mobility in the community, modernisation of communal infrastructure focused on the needs of residents, implementation of energy management and energy monitoring, and the formation of an environmentally friendly community space where people and nature are organically combined.
The third area is the development of the community as a SMART community, which will provide quality social services and effective management. This means ensuring the security and civil protection of the population, effective governance and management, creating an inclusive health-preserving space and forming a modern educational and sports infrastructure for personal development.
The fourth area is the development of the community as a tourist historical and cultural centre, which will actively promote tourism, cultural development and preservation of cultural heritage, as well as provide active recreation and leisure.
These measures will provide a comfortable living environment for citizens, help attract investment and improve the competitiveness of the Mukachevo Community.