To complete the process of amalgamation of communities, to implement sector reforms, to ensure economic development in the regions and to involve citizens in decision making constitute the list of topmost priorities while pursuing the decentralization reform, considered one of the most successful reforms in the country. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman said during the Forum "Decentralization as the basis for the formation of an effective governance system and local development" in Ternopil.

Speaking about the results of devolving power having launched as part of the reform three years ago, Volodymyr Groysman highlighted that local budget revenues had soared by UAH 100 billion, that served an incentive for community consolidation. According to the Head of Government, more than 400 communities have amalgamated in Ukraine, hence they are engaged in forming unsubsidized budgets and in transferring to direct intergovernmental fiscal relations with the state budget.

"This is just the beginning, however we can observe that despite the difficulties, we demonstrate success. The idea (of decentralization) is recognized as one of the most far-reaching reforms in the country”, said the Prime Minister. “But this is not the time to dwell on. We proceed to a new stage of the reform."

The Head of Government stressed that it is crucial to complete the process of consolidation of territorial communities - through a constant dialogue and contact with people, to determine an optimal model of distribution of powers and to form a model of the system designed to represent central executive authorities in the regions. "We should streamline processes and raise the efficiency of local governments. The reform we are pursuing in synergy is never a reform for officials. This is a reform for people’s benefits, it provides an opportunity to get new quality, a chance for success", said the Head of Government.

Next in line is the introduction of sector reforms, in particular in education and healthcare, the improvement of investment climate. Separate direction is the development of land relations and targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas. In this regard, Volodymyr Groysman told that the Government would plan at least UAH 1 billion in the draft budget for 2018 to finance farm support program.  

At that, the role of local authorities in the implementation of reforms should enhance, emphasized Volodymyr Groysman. "The resource you have in your local budgets will empower you to have an extremely different quality of education, healthcare, community environment. All this brings you a real feeling of change. The community means the environment where people live. There should be high-quality education, health care, infrastructure, culture. And the most important thing is local economic development and involvement of the citizens in decision-making. This will improve the effectiveness of your activity. If the authorities and the community collaborate and understand they should develop synergy, they will always find single solutions. If you think differently - the gap will only grow", the Head of Government noted.

He stressed that Ukrainians should unite behind the idea of having a wealthy Ukraine with strong economy. "We have absolutely everything for this: human capital, resources, if we start to use it, we, in the medium term, I consider within 10 years, will have a country with sound economy and socially justice", the Prime Minister assures.