On 24 November 2023, Maciej Janczak, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, met with Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv Mayor, Chairman of the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC). Maryna Khonda, Deputy mayor of Kyiv, Oksana Prodan, Advisor to the Chairman of the AUC, and Svitlana Gryshchenko, Project Manager of the project “Strengthening multi-level governance, democracy and human rights at local level in Ukraine”, participated in the meeting.

The needs of local and regional authorities and support them in building resilience to multiple challenges provoked by the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine and the role of local authorities and the AUC in addressing challenges faced by local self-government under martial law were in the focus of discussion.

“Local authorities are considered as pillars of the Ukrainian resilience and recovery. A strong and efficient local democracy is a cornerstone of the democratic system. In the harsh conditions of Russian aggression, local authorities face many challenges and problems. The Council of Europe, including the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities will continue to support local authorities and their associations by providing expertise and other assistance within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026,” said Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine.

Parties agreed that the decentralisation and reform of local self-government remains a priority for local authorities and the AUC, and further support by the Council of Europe and its Congress is needed. They also agreed to continue long-term cooperation.

The Mayor of Kyiv appreciated the continuous support provided by the Council of Europe and its Congress in advocating the interests of the local self-government, which also includes reviews of draft laws under discussion at the Ukrainian Parliament.