Hennadii Zubko: We expect the Parliament to support decentralization laws this autumn

We expect that the Parliament will support the laws on decentralization this autumn. This is a key reform carried out within the country. The approval of these laws is much expected by our European partners, experts, and most importantly – by ordinary Ukrainian citizens that demonstrate support for this reform by creating communities. Vice Prime Minister/ Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities of Ukraine Hennadii Zubko announced at a briefing on September 5.

"Now we have over 10 bills that are awaiting to be adopted in the first or second reading. They were elaborated to address such issues as the voluntary association of territorial communities; transferring payment for providing administrative services to the budgets of the united territorial communities (UTC); the empowerment of communities to dispose of the lands beyond the settlements; the elections of prefects and others. People need the parliamentary support of decentralization. We are looking forward to the productive session of the Verkhovna Rada", said Hennadii Zubko.

He reminded that apart from 159 communities that had been created the previous year, the current year there took place 25 elections. "Today, 80 united territorial communities are waiting for a decision of the CEC (Central Election Commission) regarding the announcement of first elections. Until the end of year we can have in general additional 180 communities that can go to the polls. We also hope that this week the Government will adopt a decree which envisages the funding planned for the election of MPs to be directed to the elections in the united communities", stressed Hennadii Zubko.