A new Ukrainian law on local democracy (law No. 3703), prepared with the support of the Council of Europe and its Congress, came into force on 8 January 2025.
The law broadens opportunities for citizens’ meaningful and direct engagement in policy and decision-making processes in their communities even under martial law. In particular, the new law foresees:
- mandatory approval of communities’ charters/statutes;
- integration of internally displaced persons into affairs at local level in their hosting communities;
- engagement of youth into local decision-making processes (starting from the age of 14);
- citizens participation in local budgets planning;
- detailed procedure for holding general meetings, public hearings, introduction of local initiatives;
- detailed procedure for participation of inhabitants (the definition is stipulated by the draft law) in public consultations, consultative and advisory bodies under local authorities;
- detailed reporting procedure for mayors and local councillors.
Welcoming the new law, Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori underlined that “it strives to strengthen effective, accountable, and transparent local self-government and thus contributes to Ukraine’s resilience”. “Novelties of the law are clearly linked to the Congress recommendations and resolutions, and we stand ready to further support Ukrainian partners in pursuing their democratic aspirations”, stressed Mathieu Mori.
The Council of Europe has been engaged since 2021 in elaborating this law through the projects of the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.
