Ukraine’s ambition for enhancing decentralisation and local self-government reforms is supported by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe in the framework of the project “Strengthening multi-level governance, democracy and human rights at local level in Ukraine”, launched in January 2023.
The project aims to strengthen Ukrainian local and regional authorities and their national associations on the path towards a successful recovery of Ukraine. Local and regional authorities in Ukraine have a significant role in addressing the multiple challenges provoked by the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, proving to be key actors in Ukraine’s survival and resilience.
The project contributes to building inclusive, sustainable, and transparent communities, fostering innovative and co-operative approaches, and integrating a human-rights based approach as the necessary foundation for a post-war transformation grounded on good local governance and democratic values.
The Congress has reinforced the multi-level dialogue and co-operation with the Ukrainian Government and Parliament, Ukrainian local and regional authorities and their national associations, as well as a wide range of stakeholders including European institutions and associations.
Strengthening multi-level governance, democracy and human rights at local level in Ukraine
Project summary
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.
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.
Methodology
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.
Expected results
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.
Partners
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)
Beneficiaries
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
CONTRIBUTION TO the SDGS
By having an impact on democratic sustainability and promoting ethical decision-making and more citizen-oriented, inclusive, responsive and transparent local governance, the project “Strengthening multi-level governance, democracy and human rights at local level in Ukraine” contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender equality), 10 (Reduced inequalities), 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), 16 (Peace, justice and strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnership for the goals) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Co-operation activities in Ukraine
These projects follow on the Roadmap agreed between the Congress and the Ukrainian authorities in May 2015 for the implementation of Recommendation 348 (2013) on Local and regional democracy in Ukraine and regular political dialogue. The projects developed in Ukraine are built upon the results of the Congress co-operation activities carried out in Ukraine since 2014. They are based on the needs and recommendations voiced by relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries during their implementation, and grounded on the Council of Europe Action Plans for the country.
“Promoting Local Democracy in Ukraine” Period: 01.07.2015 – 28.02.2018
Partners: Government of Ukraine, local authorities and their associations
“Strengthening the capacity of local authorities in Ukraine” Period: 1.04.2014 – 31.05.2015 Partners: Government of Ukraine, local authorities and their associations.
“Co-operation with Ukraine – Immediate measures package” Period: 15.04.2014 – 31.12.2014 Partners: Government of Ukraine, local authorities and their associations.
Partners
National associations of local and regional authorities
Government and Parliament of Ukr
Open Government Partnership (OGP)
Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS)
The results of the 2022 survey confirm the resilience of Ukrainian local authorities and their national associations, as well as their readiness to actively contribute to a sustainable recovery.
Helping Ukraine - Cities4Cities
marite.moras@coe.int