Editorial: Fixing Foundations, Building Resilience, Developing Capacity – Ukrainian Recovery Planning as a Part of the Common European Project

Abstract

Ukraine faces extreme wartime conditions, including destruction of housing, landscapes, infrastructure, and basic services. These challenges require coordinated recovery efforts comparable to Europe’s post-WWII reconstruction. Despite extensive debate on Ukraine’s rebuilding, the spatial planning dimension has received limited attention, though it is crucial for governance, land management, and EU alignment. This editorial introduces the themes of the 2024 symposium “Rebuilding a Place to Call Home,” highlighting governance for recovery, planning tools and digital instruments, and knowledge and learning. The contributions in this special issue examine urban resilience, spatial policy, landscape planning, planning education, and participation. Together, they outline key messages about the importance of integrated planning, environmental considerations, digitalisation, institutional capacity, coordination, public engagement, standardisation, legal reform, hybrid governance, and transferable lessons for post-conflict recovery.