The advantages of the decentralization reform - the transfer of powers and financial resources to the regions - should be used by 100% of Ukrainians, as the key difference between the consolidated communities and the rest of the territories is the opportunity for the residents to make decisions independently that promote development, provision of high-quality services, change in the quality of life. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman.

"What do amalgamated communities obtain? These communities have 5-7 times larger budgets. These are communities that can provide quality services to everyone. Now only 70% of Ukrainians enjoy the benefits of decentralization. And they have leadership and responsibility", said Volodymyr Groysman.

The PM stressed that it is critical nowadays to complete the reform, complete the amalgamation of communities and eliminate administrations that impede the reform and the desire of people to live better.

"I know that certain politicians express the desire to "straighten" the reform. I disagree. I stand against any attempts to inactivate the reform", the Head of Government said.

Background

Since the introduction of the reform - starting 2014 - local budgets have grown from UAH 70 billion to almost UAH 270 billion. Agricultural land with a total of 1.5 million hectares has been transferred to the communities’ ownership.

The structure of budgets and the decision-making system have also altered. As the Head of Government emphasized, the next step in the reform is to involve people in the processes of management of the resources and to influence the development. According to him, the whole map of Ukraine in 2020 should be covered by the boundaries of the consolidated communities - with new opportunities and a governance system.

In January this year, in the framework of the continuation of the reform the Cabinet of Ministers presented its vision of the further territorial structure of Ukraine. The plan foresees the establishment of 100 sustainable areas and 1600-1800 capable communities, strengthening of financial sustainability of local governments, the formation of an effective governance system, and the organization of a system of public control to avoid duplication of functions.