On 12 September 2024, on the margin of the Conference of National Associations of Local and Regional Authorities, the Congress signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Councils (UAROR) to increase co-operation and contribute to building resilient, inclusive and accountable local and regional authorities that better respond to citizen’s needs and expectations.
“Amid the Russian Federation’s large-scale war against Ukraine, I find it particularly important to reaffirm the resilience demonstrated by local and regional authorities. This memorandum will establish a framework for co-operation on local democracy, human rights and open government to bolster resilience, recovery and reconstruction efforts,” said Congress President Marc Cools during the signing ceremony.
UAROR President Tetiana Yehorova–Lutsenko underlined the importance of the memorandum in the context of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023–2026, and conveyed the association’s eagerness to enhance its institutional capacities, promote human rights, and advance local democracy.
Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori pointed out that this first memorandum of understanding with the UAROR was proof of the Congress’ good track record in working with national associations of local and regional authorities in Ukraine, and a testimony of their importance in a multilevel governance system.
The signing ceremony was organised as part of the project “Strengthening multilevel governance, democracy and human rights at local level in Ukraine” implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023–2026. The project aims to strengthen the dialogue, partnership, and consultation between different levels of government; enhance collaborative governance and citizen participation in line with the principles of local democracy and open government; and promote and guarantee the right to equality and non-discrimination at local level, for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
Mediabox interview with Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko (in Ukrainian)
