Ukraine manages to reach European standards in implementation of the local self-government reform under difficult conditions. In 2015 the Roadmap for the implementation of the reform was signed with the Council of Europe and its implementation schedule was formed. Europe is aware that it is not easy for Ukraine to implement it by 100% at once, but the state of implementation by over 80% is a good indicator. The Council of Europe is ready to continue supporting Ukraine on this path and in this work. This was stated by Gudrun Mosler-Törnström, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, during the meeting with Vice Prime Minister – Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Communal Services Hennadii Zubko.

Vice Prime Minister introduced the state of the decentralisation reform implementation to the delegation of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

“Every such meeting, informing of the Congress about the reform development, establishment of hromadas, introduction of high-quality services on the ground, development of a legislative framework – are significant for Ukraine. Above all, it is an exchange of experience, as far as the European practices of the decentralisation reform are enshrined in the Roadmap, signed by us and the Council of Europe in 2015. We have received practical recommendations that Ukraine will use next year before another monitoring,” said Hennadii Zubko.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the state of implementation of the Roadmap on local and regional democracy in Ukraine, possibility of introducing new powers, and strengthening the system of local self-government in accordance with the European standards.

Ms Gudrun Mosler-Törnström emphasised the tradition of successful cooperation and long-term plans for the implementation of the local self-government reform between the Government of Ukraine and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

The press service of the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine