Executive Vice-President for An Economy that Works for People of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis

Today, Executive Vice-President for An Economy that Works for People of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis and the Ambassador of the EU in Ukraine Matti Maasikas visited the House of Decentralisation and discussed with U-LEAD’s management the progress of decentralisation reform, U-LEAD with Europe’s achievements as well as the road that lies ahead.

Ambassador of the EU in Ukraine Matti Maasikas

Accompanied by the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Mr. Dombrovskis visited the House of Decentralisation – the U-LEAD with Europe Programme office, supported by the European Union and its member states Germany, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia and Slovenia to accompany the Ukrainian government in implementing the decentralisation reform. GIZ Programme Director Bastian Veigel and Team Leader Helge Arends presented background on the decentralisation reform, U-LEAD’s main contributions since 2016, and the steps ahead in programme implementation.

The Vice President of the European Commission learned about U-LEAD’s support to municipalities, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, also about the cooperation with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and other relevant ministries, as well as about the Programme’s activities at the local level through its regional offices in all 24 regions of Ukraine.

“The EU contribution is significant for the successful implementation of Ukraine’s decentralisation reform. Being a multi-donor action of the EU and its member states Germany, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia and Slovenia, we are closely cooperating with all Ukrainian government agencies and donors involved in establishing capable local-self-government in Ukraine”, - said Bastian Veigel, GIZ Programme Director of U-LEAD with Europe.

Bastian Veigel, GIZ Programme Director of U-LEAD with Europe