PACE praised Ukraine's success in implementing reforms

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe appreciates Ukraine's success in implementing reforms. This was said by member of the Permanent delegation of the Parliament of the Czech Republic in PACE Kristýna Zelienková during the meeting with Vice Prime Minister – Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities of Ukraine Hennadii Zubko. Kristýna Zelienková is in Kyiv to prepare her report on the political consequences of the crisis in Ukraine.

"Only thanks to the political will of the President of Ukraine, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Government, we were able to reach this level in carrying out the key reform of the country – decentralization," Hennadii Zubko underlined.

"Decentralization reform does not stop for a moment. Regional offices on reform support operate constantly," he said.

"The Government will also decide on the introduction of an additional post of Deputy Chairman of regional state administration, who would be responsible solely for the implementation of decentralization reform, coordinate with local authorities and preparation of the development strategy and investment projects," Hennadii Zubko informed.

The Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine reminded that the Council of Europe supported the initiative of the Ministry of Regional Development as to opening a network of regional offices on local self-government reform in Ukraine. It was signed a Joint Declaration on cooperation in strengthening local self-government in Ukraine.