The recently released U-LEAD Concept Paper offers guidelines for Ukraine towards better regional policy alignment with the EU requirements.

As Ukraine is progressing on its EU accession journey, aligning with the EU’s legal and institutional frameworks is imperative. Among the most significant steps in this process is the development and implementation of effective regional policy, particularly under Chapter 22: Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments of the EU acquis. The recently published paper (the Paper), prepared by U-LEAD, is a significant tool to enhance the regional policy alignment efforts. It offers both a strategic view and a practical guidance to meet the European Commission’s recommendations and the broader demands of EU membership. 

The Concept Paper provides a framework for strengthening Ukraine’s capacity to align with the EU cohesion policy principles and ensure readiness for the EU funds’ absorption. Specifically, it is useful for:

• efficient implementation of the State Regional Development Strategy 20242027;
• enhancing coordination, institutional capacity and stakeholders’ engagement;
• addressing recommendations in the EU Enlargement Report 2024, especially around action planning, financing subnational authorities and improving regional governance.

The Paper highlights the core EU values – subsidiarity, partnership, sustainability and territorial focus – and advocates for their integration into every facet of Ukraine’s public policy, not only regional development policy.

It proposes key reforms to establish a solid legal and institutional framework for effective regional development. These include finalisation of decentralisation reform with clearly defined responsibilities between different levels of government; enhancement of transparency and encouraging active citizens’ engagement in local governance; and ensuring that regional and local development strategies are aligned with post-war reconstruction priorities.

Local governments, particularly municipalities and oblast authorities, are central institutions in regional development. Their role is both strategic and operational, and the document consistently emphasizes the importance of decentralized, inclusive and territorially sensitive policy approach as a cornerstone for Ukraine’s EU accession under Chapter 22.

This Concept Paper is more than a technical document. It is a strategic tool that bridges Ukraine’s current governance systems with the complex demands of the EU membership by setting out clear actions and timelines (2024–2027 short-term and post-2027 medium-term).

It underscores the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to regional policy – one that reflects European standards, supports local governance and addresses the unique post-war challenges.  

As a future EU member state, Ukraine needs a recovery and development process that is sustainable, locally driven and equitable.