“Decentralisation cannot be achieved only through legislation, or through administrative and territorial reforms. It needs continuous political support and endorsement by, and empowerment of, all stakeholders, including local authorities and citizens, which leads to a change of culture and behaviour” stated Congress Secretary General Andreas Kiefer at the meeting on Decentralisation in Ukraine, achievements and perspectives, organised on 2 February 2017. The Congress Secretary General welcomed the positive results achieved by the Ukrainian government since 2014. “A better and clearer distribution of powers and responsibilities between all levels of government will benefit the Ukrainian society as a whole” he added underlining that the Congress will further contribute to the Council of Europe Action Plan in Ukraine, in particular, to strengthen the capacities of local authorities. Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland stressed the importance to answer the clear expectations of Ukrainian citizens, who consider decentralisation as a mean to reduce corruption and to benefit from better services. Addressing the participants, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Zubko confirmed that “promoting local self-government reform was one of the most important issues for the current government of Ukraine”. 

Statement by Andreas Kiefer
Photos [Flickr]
Decentralisation in Ukraine: political settlement needed for building lasting peace, says Council of Europe Secretary General
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