Introduction of changes to the Constitution in the part of decentralisation is a necessary step that will ensure the full implementation of the reform of local self-government and territorial organisation of power.

This is stated in the Address of the Ukrainian Association of Rayon and Oblast Councils to the heads of central authorities. The document is based on the results of the round table meeting held on 4 December within the framework of the Association Management Board with the participation of Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman.

Thus, the updated Fundamental Law, according to the proposals, must enshrine five key provisions.

1. The administrative-territorial structure is divided into three links: hromada, rayon, region. This will provide the basis for the organisation of power..
2. The right of rayon and oblast councils to establish their own executive bodies. This will ensure the institutional capacity of the subregional and regional levels.
3. Change of the status of local administrations. This will ensure a balanced redistribution of powers.
4. Enshrining of the material and financial basis of local self-government activities. This will provide guaranteed resources.
5. Introduction of the Prefect Institute. This will ensure state control over the councils’ activity.

According to the Appeal, only such actions will allow to fulfill the tasks of the local self-government reform, that are defined by the namesake Concept and also comply with the European Charter of Local Self-Government.

The text of the Appeal is available here: Appeal of the Ukrainian Association of Rayon and Oblast Councils on the necessity to introduce amendments on the decentralisation of power to the Constitution of Ukraine