Project "Strengthening democracy and building trust at local level in Ukraine"
Meeting Ukraine’s ambition for genuine decentralisation and local self-government reforms, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe pursues its co-operation on the ground with the project "Strengthening democracy and building trust at local level in Ukraine". The aim is to provide a framework for regular consultation and dialogue between local authorities, their national associations, and central government, while supporting local elected representatives in their efforts to promote ethical decision making and more citizen-oriented, inclusive, responsive and transparent local governance.
This project follows on the Roadmap agreed between the Congress and the Ukrainian authorities in May 2015 for the implementation of Recommendation 348 (2013) on Local and regional democracy in Ukraine. The project builds upon the results of Congress co-operation activities carried out in Ukraine since 2014 and is based on the needs and recommendations voiced by relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries during the implementation of the project "Promoting local democracy in Ukraine" (2015-2017).
To date, over 220 mayors, 300 local councillors and 350 young local leaders representing all regions of Ukraine have benefited from the Congress activities in the field. Partnerships with national associations of local and regional authorities have also been reinforced, so as to accompany the change and to scale up the results achieved over the past years.
Consultation and advocacy
The Congress provides expert support and capacity building to strengthen institutional frameworks for local self-government and advocacy in Ukraine.
The Congress promotes ethical, transparent and participatory decision-making as a means to increase citizens' trust in local elected officials and representatives.
The Congress supports local authorities and their national associations in their efforts to promote inclusiveness and to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.
The project "Strengthening democracy and building trust at local level in Ukraine" aims 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.
The project is implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine 2018-2021, and in line with the principles enshrined in the European Charter of Local Self-Government (ETS No. 122) and its Additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority (CETS No. 207).
Outcomes
The following outcomes are expected to be reached:
Genuine decentralisation and local self-government reforms are implemented through regular and effective consultation mechanisms between local authorities, their associations, and the national authorities
Local elected representatives implement ethical, innovative and inclusive policies and practices in their municipalities
Methodology
The project supports decentralisation and the implementation of good practices on local democracy through local and international expertise and capacity-building activities, including trainings, workshops, study visits, and peer-to-peer exchanges with the participation of members of the Congress, both from Ukraine and other member states of the Council of Europe.
Expected results
The national associations of local and regional authorities, and in particular the Association of Ukrainian Cities, strengthen their capacities to advocate and enhance services to their members
Local and regional authorities and their associations strengthen their leadership and institutional capacities to enable a rich dialogue between all stakeholders towards the establishment of a sustainable multilevel governance system
Local authorities adopt policies and practices to promote ethical, transparent and participatory decision-making as a means to increase citizens’ trust in local political actors and institutions
Local authorities adopt and implement legal and policy frameworks to promote a gender perspective in local political action and equal opportunities for women and men to participate in local political life
Local authorities adopt policies and practices to foster human rights and the engagement of under-represented groups (in particular Roma, national and ethnic minorities, and internally displaced persons) in local affairs, and introduce positive measures to enhance resilience at local level
Partners and beneficiaries
Local and regional authorities, mayors and councillors
National associations of local and regional authorities
Civil society organisations and media
Representatives of the Government and the Parliament of Ukraine
13 local authorities in Ukraine have been selected to receive expert support from the Congress in the implementation of ethical, innovative and inclusive policies and practices in their municipalities. Special attention is given to open, transparent and participatory local decision-making, the engagement of under-represented groups and gender equality, thereby building public trust and resilient communities.
By having an impact on democratic sustainability and promoting ethical decision-making and more citizen-oriented, inclusive, responsive and transparent local governance, the project “Strengthening democracy and building trust at local level in Ukraine” contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender equality), 10 (Reduced inequalities), 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), 16 (Peace, justice and strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnership for the goals) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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.
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.
Genuine decentralisation and local self-government reforms are implemented through regular and effective consultation mechanisms between local authorities, their associations, and the national authorities
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