At the beginning of each month, the ‘Decentralisation’ Portal summarises the resolutions of the Government and the Parliament on regional policy, local self-government, and community development.

April 2026 was distinguished by active international cooperation, the advance of legislative reforms, the launch of new financial tools for communities, and discussions on budgetary policy. Here is a review of the most significant events and decisions.

International level: Strasbourg and the next steps in the reform

On 1–2 April, the 5th High-Level Dialogue was held in Strasbourg with the participation of the Council of Europe, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and the Venice Commission.

Representatives of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Government, the Central Election Commission, and local government associations attended on the Ukrainian side.

Key outcomes:

• the need to continue decentralisation reform was confirmed;
• the principle of proportionality between powers and resources was established;
• approaches to restoring local self-government in the de-occupied territories were defined;
• a framework for preparing post-war elections was outlined.

Following the meeting, a Joint Statement was adopted.

The Congress of the Council of Europe also called on member states to support Ukrainian communities in the recovery process.

Funding for recovery: Cooperation with the Polish BGK Bank

The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, jointly with the Polish State Development Bank Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), is developing mechanisms for financing community projects.

Provisions include:

• direct funding for infrastructure projects;
• combining BGK loans with EU grants;
• guarantees for local borrowing.

Projects are implemented, in particular, within the Ukraine Investment Framework with the support of the European Commission.

Energy: Preparing for winter

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine allocated UAH 732.5 million for the connection of cogeneration plants.

According to the Prime Minister, communities, in cooperation with regional military administrations, are expected to:

• ensure that the plants are brought into operation;
• prepare critical infrastructure facilities for the heating season.

Legislative changes: Delineation of powers

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Draft Law No. 14412 as a basis.

The document was developed with the participation of the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine and is aimed to:

• clearly define levels of public governance;
• delineate powers between the state, regions, and communities;
• set requirements for the financial provision of powers.

Budget Declaration 2027–2029: Position of communities

The All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities, in partnership with the UNICEF Office, the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre and the ‘Decentralisation’ portal, organised an open dialogue on the development of the budget declaration.

The communities focused on:

• the necessity of a stable personal income tax;
• aligning powers and resources;
• the transition to medium-term planning.

Coordination of aid: Coalition of partners

The All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities initiated the creation of the Coalition of Partners.

The discussion was joined by:

• international donors,
• technical assistance projects,
• representatives of communities.

Objectives:

• coordination of international support;
• alignment of priorities;
• improving the effectiveness of projects.

Self-afforested land: Prospects and obstacles

With the participation of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, a seminar was held as part of the World Bank’s EU4Environment project.

Key issues:

• simplifying procedures for transferring land to the forest fund;
• creating incentives for communities;
• using carbon credits.

Recognition for communities: State awards

Volodymyr Zelenskyy honoured community representatives with State awards and conferred the title of ‘Hero City of Ukraine’ during a session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.

Investment projects: Uniform rules

The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine approved methodological guidelines for the preparation of public investment projects.

The following measures are envisaged:

• uniform standards for preparation;
• a three-tier selection system;
• use of the DREAM system.

Community self-organisation bodies: Legislative updates

Draft Law No. 15165 on the activities of community self-organisation bodies was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

The document aims to:

• strengthen residents’ participation;
• develop tools for local democracy.

International programmes: Interreg and the role of regions

Ternopil hosted the kick-off conference of the Small Projects Fund.

The Fund (EUR 5.1 million) is aimed to support community environmental initiatives.

Monitoring reform: Dynamics and challenges

The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine published a report on the monitoring of reform as of 1 April 2026.

Key trends include:

• an increase in inter-municipal cooperation;
• the expansion of the network of Administrative Service Centres;
• the continuation of international activity;
• uneven development of communities.

To stay informed about important news, follow updates on the Decentralisation portal, our online calendar, and social media accounts on Facebook and Telegram.

Read all the most important news from the previous months in our newsletters