The path to Brussels lies through Strasbourg, through embracing the values upheld by the Council of Europe – democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, which are essential for Ukraine’s integration into the European Union, stressed Daniel Popescu of the Congress Secretariat addressing an international seminar “United by Values: A Conversation about Ukraine and the EU”, hosted by the National Agency on Civil Service on 9 May 2025 in Kyiv. “Ukraine’s public service reform corresponds to the spirit of the European Charter of Local Self-Government and the “Reykjavik Principles for Democracy,” noted Mr Popescu.

The event, which brought together more than 350 participants, highlighted Ukraine’s unwavering political determination to pursue European future, stressing the country’s commitment to common values. Discussions during the event focused on the transition from candidacy to membership highlighting the importance of good governance amongst fundamental pillars for structural reforms. Strengthening local democracy and multilevel governance was pointed out as vital to ensuring that Ukraine’s integration journey remains transparent, inclusive, and aligned with European standards.

The Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress has cooperated with the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service for more than a decade and contributed to planning the public service reform at local level. A new law, adopted in May 2023, integrated many of the Council of Europe recommendations. It will come into force six months after withdrawal of martial law.

This cooperation with be continued within a new Project “Strengthening multilevel governance and local democracy to support Ukraine's recovery”, which is implemented by the CEMG at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction”.