‘A strong community begins with the active participation of every resident. When people see that their opinions are heard and that decisions are made transparently, they begin to believe in change and become real creators of their future. Another important aspect is that young people are the future of our communities. If we give them the opportunity to participate in decision-making, we will not only develop communities, but also raise a new generation of responsible citizens,’ said Serhii Sharshov, Deputy Executive Director of the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities.

 

 

On 14 March 2025, the Interregional Thematic Forum ‘On the Laws of People’s Power’ was held near Odesa, bringing together more than 50 heads of communities in Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions. The event was organised by the Odesa regional branch of the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities (AAATC) with the support of the Swedish-Ukrainian Polaris Programme.

The main topic of the discussion was the new legislation adopted in 2024, which significantly strengthens the participation of citizen in solving local issues and increases the transparency and accountability of local authorities.

 

What has changed?

 

In 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a number of important laws that are already in force or will take effect after the end of martial law. These include:

• Law No. 3703-IX ‘On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on People’s Power at the Level of Local Self-Government’;
• Law No. 3841-IX ‘On Public Consultations’;
• Law No. 3590-IX ‘On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Local Self-Government in Ukraine” on Ensuring Transparency of Local Self-Government’.

These laws aim to make local self-government more open, to involve citizens in decision-making, and to improve the mechanisms of accountability of the authorities to their citizens.

 

 

Key innovations

 

1. Charters of communities

From 1 January 2027, all territorial communities will be required to approve their charters. They must clearly state:

• general characteristics, features and symbols of the community;
• peculiarities of the organisation of the work of local governments;
• forms and procedures for the participation of residents in solving community problems;
• principles of community development, openness and transparency of local governments;
• the procedure for reporting to the residents by community heads, local councillors and starostas.

2. Youth participation

Young people over the age of 14 now have the right to participate in local initiatives, public hearings, public consultations and advisory bodies. This allows the new generation to be involved in community development.

3. Integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs)

IDPs living in communities have been given the right to influence decision-making on an equal footing with other residents. This is an important step towards their social integration.

4. Transparency and accountability

Community heads and local councillors are now required to report regularly to their residents. Reports are made at open meetings where anyone can ask questions or make suggestions. Written reports are published on the council’s official website at least 7 calendar days before the meeting.

5. Participatory budget planning

Residents have the right to participate in the planning and allocation of local budgets. This allows the real needs of the community to be taken into account and increases trust in the authorities.

6. Public hearings and local initiatives

Local councils now determine the procedure for holding general meetings, public hearings, public evaluations and local initiatives. These include:

• list of initiators and participants;
• details of the procedure for initiating and conducting events;
• mechanisms to assist local authorities with organisational support.

7. Public consultations

Residents may participate in public consultations organised by local governments, the procedure for which is laid down by law.

8. Consultative and advisory bodies

Residents may participate in the work of advisory bodies at local governments, the tasks, composition and organisation of which shall be determined by the relevant decision of the local government.

 

 

The role of the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities

 

The All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities plays a key role in implementing these changes. Serhii Sharshov, AAATC Deputy Executive Director, said: ‘Our mission is to unite communities around common goals. We help them not only to understand the new laws, but also to put them into practice so that each community can become stronger and more self-sufficient. I would like to emphasise that transparency and openness are not just legal requirements. It is the basis for the trust that makes communities resilient to all challenges. And we can already see how it works in practice.’

As well as advising communities, the Association provides practical support by organising training, forums and exchanges of experience. This enables local authorities to work more effectively and build trust with their citizens.

Why is it important?

New laws are not just formal changes. They create real opportunities for citizens to influence the life of their cities and villages. Now every resident can:

• make proposals for community development;
• participate in budget planning;
• control the activities of local authorities.

This is an important step towards European standards of democracy and transparency.

What comes next?

By 1 January 2027, all communities will have to bring their charters into line with the new requirements. During this time, the AAATC will continue to support communities by providing them with the necessary knowledge and resources.

The new laws are an opportunity for each community to become stronger, more transparent and more open to its residents.