On 1 April at 1:07 pm іn the Radio Ukraine broadcast, we will have a discussion about:

• What will the system of supervision of local government decisions be like – will it facilitate development?
• Draft Law №4298 – what mechanisms does it propose to ensure the legality of local government decisions?
• Balance between local government autonomy and responsibility – how to reach it?
• Experience of the regions – good practices and challenges for communities

Speakers:

• Vitalii Bezgin, Member of the Parliament of Ukraine, Chairman of the Parliamentary Subcommittee on Administrative and Territorial Structure and Local Self-Government
• Viacheslav Nehoda, Head of Ternopil Regional Military Administration
• Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, Head of Kharkiv Regional Council, President of the Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Councils
• Serhii Sharshov, Deputy Director of the All-Ukrainian Association of Territorial Communities

Why is the introduction of a system of supervision over the legality of local government decisions important for Ukraine?

Protection of citizens’ rights

Supervision helps prevent arbitrary or corrupt decisions that could harm residents. It is a guarantee that community budgets are spent efficiently and that quality services (healthcare, education, infrastructure) are provided.

Balance between freedom and responsibility

Decentralisation has given communities funds and more powers, but it has also increased their responsibilities. Supervision is not a top-down control, but a mechanism to prevent chaotic or illegal actions, while preserving the autonomy of local governments.

European integration

Compliance with European standards (for example, the European Charter of Local Self-Government) is a prerequisite for receiving financial support from the EU (Ukraine Facility). Transparency of local government decisions increases the trust of international partners.

Prevention of conflicts

Supervision helps settle disputes between communities and the state at an early stage, avoiding lengthy litigation and wasting resources.

Development of local self-government

The system of supervision is not only an ‘entangler’, but also a support tool: it can include consultations, assistance in rectifying mistakes, and sharing best practices.

NB! Supervision should not turn into bureaucratic pressure or restrictions of community initiatives. Its purpose is to help local authorities operate within the legal framework, while preserving their freedom of action.