The distribution of powers and competences between local authorities of different levels in Ukraine, based on the principle of subsidiarity, was discussed in a series of online meetings supported by the Council of Europe.
These exchanges were initiated and facilitated by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and involved more than 70 participants representing sectoral ministries, “all-Ukrainian” local government associations, the expert community, and working groups under the Decentralization Donor Board in Ukraine.
Among the participants were experts from the following sectoral ministries:
- Ministry of Finance;
- Ministry of Youth and Sports;
- Ministry of Internal Affairs;
- State Emergency Service;
- Ministry of Education and Science;
- Ministry of Health;
- Ministry of Culture and Information policy;
- Ministry of Digital Transformation;
- Ministry of Social Policy;
- Ministry of Infrastructure.
These meetings were organised in the context of preparations for a new legal framework related to the distribution of powers and competences in Ukraine. A new version of the Law "On Local Self-Government in Ukraine" is being finalised, while additional draft laws propose amendments to the Budget and Tax Codes of Ukraine regarding the principles for funding local powers and competences.
These consultations sought to help define the optimal balance of powers between local authorities of different tiers. There will be further discussions on these questions with all stakeholders and the outputs should help inform further work on sectoral legislation.
The updated draft law "On Local Self-Government in Ukraine" should be finalised by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine by late June 2020 and subsequently submitted to the Council of Europe for a further expert analysis on compliance with the European Charter of Local Self-Government.
The events were organised with the support of the “Decentralisation and local government reform in Ukraine” Programme implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance of the Council of Europe (Good Governance Division, Democratic Governance Department).
