Ukraine
Ukraine joined the Council of Europe in 1995 and ratified the European Charter of Local Self-Government in 1997, with its Additional Protocol in 2014. Launched in 2014, Ukraine’s decentralisation reform, especially in territorial amalgamation and fiscal decentralisation, has become one of its most successful initiatives. The last Congress monitoring report was adopted in 2013, and a next visit is scheduled in 2025 or 2026. The Centre of Expertise has provided key legal and methodological support, later adopted by Ukrainian partners nationwide.
Since February 2022, as local authorities have become pivotal in resisting the Russian Federation’s war of aggression, the need and demand for targeted support has grown. Despite ongoing challenges, the Council of Europe remains a trusted adviser to the government, the parliament, local and regional authorities and their associations. The CEMG’s assistance aims to reinforce Ukraine’s multilevel governance system in line with Charter principles and other European standards.
Ongoing projects in Ukraine
Strengthening multilevel governance and local democracy to support Ukraine's recovery (2025-2026)
The project seeks to strengthen Ukraine's multilevel governance and local democracy during the war and post-war period by improving legal and institutional frameworks, enhancing the quality of local and regional governance, and promoting democratic innovations based on human rights and open government principles.
Completed projects in Ukraine
Strengthening multilevel governance, democracy and human rights at local level in Ukraine (2023-2025)
The project supported dialogue, partnership and consultation between different levels of government; enhanced collaborative governance and citizen engagement in line with the principles of local democracy and open government; and promoted the right to equality and non-discrimination at the local level.
Strengthening Good Democratic Governance and Resilience in Ukraine (2023-2025)
The project contributed to strengthening good democratic governance and public administration in Ukraine at all levels through legislative reforms, delivery of quality public services (with the focus on metropolitan areas) and increased awareness of general public and demand for good governance at all levels.
Strengthening local democratic governance in Ukraine (2021-2022)
The project helped improve the rebuilding capacities of local authorities to address the unprecedented crisis caused by the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine. It also addressed the humanitarian and social needs of Ukraine under the war and post-war situation.
Strengthening democracy and building trust at local level in Ukraine (2019-2022)
The project aimed to improve the quality of local democracy in Ukraine by strengthening institutional frameworks and by supporting local authorities and their national associations in their efforts to promote ethical decision making and more citizen-oriented, inclusive, responsive and transparent local governance.
Promoting Local Democracy in Ukraine (2015-2018)
The project aimed to improve the implementation of democratic principles in Ukraine, by enhancing the institutional and leadership capacities of local elected authorities and disseminating best practices in local democracy nation-wide.
Helping Ukraine - Cities4CitiesContact Marité MORAS
Head of the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance