“The decentralisation reform in Ukraine should be continued and – in the future, when time allows – decentralised local self-government should be rooted in the country’s Constitution,” stated Cecilia Dalman Eek (Sweden, SOC/G/PD), Congress Vice-President and President of its Chamber of Regions, addressing local and regional authorities of Kharkiv Region, on 3 December 2025 in Kharkiv. Speaking during an official ceremony to mark the annual National Day of Local Self-Government (7 December), which was commemorated in Kharkiv on 3 December, the Congress Vice-President underlined that Ukrainian local authorities should be further strengthened with enhanced powers, resources and responsibilities.

The event was organised by the Kharkiv regional branch of the Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Authorities, in partnership with the Regional State Administration. The Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine also addressed the audience.

Since 2010, The Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress has co-operated with the Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Authorities since 2010. In 2024, the Congress and the Association signed a memorandum of understanding to further strengthen this partnership and support the development of resilient, inclusive and accountable local and regional authorities that are better able to meet citizens’ needs and expectations.