1. What can be done to implement a successful decentralisation process in Ukraine?

Decentralization is one of the priorities of the new Ukrainian administration. The decentralization of the budget has already been launched and the relevant bill has had its first reading in the Parliament. The President and the Government are united today regarding devolution of powers to the local authorities by the central government. They actively consult the municipal and regional authorities on implementing the concepts of the local government reform. It is important for people representing the local authorities to meet the strict requirements the Ukrainian society advances today. But, having acquired real financial and other competences, it is equally important that they should not be corrupt. On the 18th of September, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law of Ukraine on Lustration. This was an important illustration of the new approach to government-building at any level. Under the conditions of foreign military intervention, there is also a law that prescribes special procedures for the functioning of local governments in areas where counter-terrorist operations are carried out. In my opinion, peace in Ukraine is to be the main condition for successful decentralization.

2. How to create a new political elite in Ukraine? How to engage the youth in the public activities of the local authorities?

The fall of Yanukovych’s regime has triggered the process of forming a new national elite in Ukraine. Young people play an important role in this process. The average age of the members of the Government has dropped noticeably and, looking at the list of candidates, the Parliament of Ukraine will also be housing considerably younger representatives. I hope that this tendency continues at the local elections in 2015. Today we have Volodymyr Hroysman, a young Deputy Prime Minister for Regional Policy. He is one of the most active reformers in the Government. By involving young people in public policy at the regional and local levels, we are taking a step towards the society of new ideas and creative political solutions. The Local Government Week to be held in Ukraine will attract many young people to promote European values in Ukraine.

3. What additional value can the Congress contribute to help Ukraine in the current situation?

I am grateful to the Congress for the attention given to Ukraine. A post-monitoring program is actively running in Ukraine today to support the development of democratic values in the society and to introduce our local politicians to the best practices of the Council of Europe. The workshops for young politicians offer them opportunities to absorb European standards. The High Level Visit of 17th and 18th of July gave the Congressmen and Ukrainian central and regional government officials an opportunity to share their views on the development of Ukraine. The international conference held in Kyiv on the 25th and 26th of September did synchronize the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities and the Council of Europe member-nations in reforming the local government in Ukraine.

4. Could you share with us your impressions and main achievements after almost two years of chairing the Chamber of Regions of the Congress?

First, it is a great honor for Ukraine that I, as its representative, have been chairing the Chamber of Regions of the Congress for two years. This does not only show trust in my country, but it is also an opportunity to acquire experience in an international environment. We have worked on the problems of cross-border cooperation and on regions with a special status; we have considered the complicated processes of regionalization that are now taking place in Europe. We have produced a lot of topical reports and have had many interesting discussions. Human rights issues, questions regarding the provision of education and health care services, participation of youth in public affairs and their social protection have always been in the spotlight of the Chamber. During this period we have become active partners with such organizations as the AER, AEPR, СALRE. In particular, an agreement with the AER has been signed and a joint action plan has been developed. This means that the regions of Europe, both in Western Europe and Eastern Europe, are joining their efforts in understanding the meaning of a united platform to strengthen their own countries and intergovernmental relations.