The project aims to strengthen the resilience of Ukrainian local and regional authorities and their national associations on the path towards a successful recovery of Ukraine. The project supports dialogue, partnership and consultation between different levels of government; enhances collaborative governance and citizen engagement in line with the principles of local democracy and open government; and promotes the right to equality and non-discrimination at the local level.

The project is implemented in the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026.

Developed as a multi-stakeholder co-operation project, it entails three lines of action:

• Dialogue, partnership and consultation between different levels of government are strengthened for effective co-ordination of recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
• Collaborative governance mechanisms are introduced between local stakeholders to strengthen local democracy and open government.
• The right to equality and non-discrimination is promoted and protected by local authorities, integrating a human-rights based approach in local strategies.

The project aims to strengthen local democracy and accompany new processes to meet the ambitions of Ukraine and support the country in its European commitments. The methodology, in support of multi-level governance, encompasses peer-to-peer exchanges, including with members of the Congress, sharing of knowledge, know-how and practices across Europe, as well as expert and financial support. 

Continuous political dialogue between local and national authorities will be ensured through a Platform for national-local dialogue on open government, established under the Cabinet of Ministers, with the aim of improving local resilience and enhancing open government practices.

The Congress provides expert assistance in the preparation of new draft legislative proposals developed under the Martial law and after, to ensure their alignment with the principles of the European Charter of Local Self Government.

Local authorities are provided with direct support in the design and implementation of innovative mechanisms of democratic participation and enhance co-creation with citizens for meaningful change at local level.

• Local/regional authorities, and their national associations, strengthen their capacities to engage in dialogue and contribute to the development of relevant legislative frameworks and recovery plans.
• Local/regional authorities, and their national associations, develop tools to increase resilience and manage risks, implement innovative open government actions and introduce innovative approaches to participatory democracy through citizens deliberations.
• Local/regional authorities foster youth participation, establish multi-stakeholder advisory councils and promote equality and non-discriminatory policy-making at local level.
• Local/regional authorities integrate a human-rights approach to local policy-making fostering social cohesion and inclusion of IDPs and under-represented groups.

In Ukraine:

• National associations of local and regional authorities
• Government of Ukraine
• Parliament of Ukraine

International:

• Open Government Partnership (OGP)
• Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS)

• Local and regional authorities, mayors and councillors
• National associations of local and regional authorities
• Representatives of the Government and the Parliament of Ukraine
• Media and civil society organisations
• Citizens of Ukraine