On 23 May 2024, the first Manual “Novelties of the Law on Local Public Service in Ukraine of 2 May 2023: commentary and comparative analysis” was presented at a hybrid meeting in Kyiv, with the online participation of more than 540 representatives of local authorities of all levels from 24 Ukrainian regions. The presentation was organised by the Programme “Strengthening Good Democratic Governance and Resilience in Ukraine”, implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

The Manual was developed by the Programme in co-operation with the Association of Ukrainian Cities and in co-ordination with the National Agency of Ukraine on Public Service. It became first comprehensive commentary on the novelties of the new law including drawing parallels to the previous one which is still in force until the end of the martial law.

As outlined by Congress Director Claudia Luciani in the introduction to the manual, reform of public service at local level is a significant component of the legal basis of multi-level governance. It corresponds to the spirit of the European Charter of Local Self-Government and the “Reykjavik Principles for Democracy”, adopted by Heads of State and Government of the organisation’s 46 member states at the 4th Summit on 16-17 May 2023.

The Centre of Expertise will continue providing recommendations on amendments to other legislation on local public service, relevant by-laws, and methodological guidance to local authorities in Ukraine.

The Programme “Strengthening Good Democratic Governance and Resilience in Ukraine” is implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026.