Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe continues cooperation with Ukraine in reforming local government

On 20 May, 2015, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and the Ukrainian national authorities signed a roadmap for implementation of the decentralisation reform in Ukraine. The signing of this roadmap follows the adoption by the Congress of a recommendation on the situation of local democracy in Ukraine and constructive post-monitoring dialogue on the European Charter of Local Self-Government.

"Steps towards decentralization of power in Ukraine undertaken by the Government are a clear indication that the country is changing for the better, getting stronger, despite all the difficulties. Authorities have chosen the right vector in carrying out this reform, which will be further supported by the European community. The main thing now is not to stop and to enlist the support and trust of the people. This can be reached through sending proper, understandable legislative messages to the citizens, and the most important – to hold free, fair, open, democratic local elections," said Jean-Claude Frécon, President of the Congress.

In his turn, Deputy Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities of Ukraine Viacheslav Nehoda noted: "We will continue to build a modern democratic society in Ukraine. In this process, your support is very necessary, it gives a special spirit to reform and not allow us to turn off the chosen path."

 "We are expecting that these changes will open up new opportunities for us, and we will be able to proceed to the adoption of a second package of legislative reforms that will transform the whole system of local government, decentralize powers and create competent local communities", the Deputy Minister added.