The All-Ukrainian Forum "Ukraine 30. Decentralization" started on July 28 with the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

The Head of State noted that the reform of local self-government is one of the most successful reforms that continues to be implemented in Ukraine.

"In my opinion, after the second stage of decentralization completes, we just need to conduct a detailed audit, and before moving on to the next stage, we need to correct mistakes and miscalculations," said the President.

For his part, the Prime Minister commended the support for decentralization reform by both Ukrainian society and international partners. He noted that Ukraine has abandoned the Soviet system of administrative-territorial organization and switched to the model enshrined in the European Charter of Local Self-Government.

"Along with the resources that communities have received, they have been devolved responsibility for their development and success. From now on, local authorities have all the necessary levers and opportunities to solve all problems on the ground. At that, the influence of citizens on decision-making is growing," said Denys Shmyhal.

The Head of Government stressed that from January 1, communities switched to direct inter-budgetary relations with the state. According to him, if the capital expenditures of local budgets 5 years ago amounted to a little more than 30 billion hryvnias, in 2020 they amounted to almost 100 billion hryvnias.

"The general picture by regions shows that after the formation of the CCs, both the practice of tax administration and relations with business have significantly improved. There is a mutual interest of the Government and business to invest in the welfare of the community," said the Prime Minister.

Denys Shmyhal noted that the ultimate goal of decentralization reform is to improve the quality of life for Ukrainians.