Full-scale war, mass displacement and the destruction of infrastructure, coupled with accelerated European integration, have created new challenges for local self-government reform. In response, the Ministry for Development has drafted a document entitled ‘Specifics of Implementing the Concept of Local Self-Government and Territorial Organisation of Power Reform in the Context of Military Challenges and Preparation for EU Accession’. In an interview with the Decentralisation Portal, Deputy Minister Oleksii Riabykin explained why the 2014 Concept remains unchanged, what practical proposals have been received from communities and why local self-government does not require complete restructuring.

Not a new course, but rather the rules for implementing it in new conditions

The Deputy Minister emphasised that the 2014 Basic Concept remains the strategic foundation and that the new document is a tool for adapting it to modern challenges.

‘It does not change the basic concept of 2014 and does not deviate from the priority of decentralisation, but rather details the specifics of its implementation in new conditions,’ he explained.

The document sets out the ‘rules of the game’ for different levels of authority to respond effectively to the challenges of war and prepare the system for European integration.

Ninety per cent of proposals have already been taken into account: how communities influence the document

Regional consultations on this draft document are currently underway. According to Oleksii Riabykin, the majority of comments focus on practical steps and procedures rather than conceptual issues.

‘During regional consultations, we have heard more about the specific, practical steps that communities consider necessary for implementing reforms in their work. These proposals will form the basis of further regulatory documents,’ stated Mr Riabykin.

The document had previously been discussed at an international level in Strasbourg, where it was backed by experts and local government associations. Around 90 per cent of the proposals were taken into account.

Why local self-government does not need to be ‘restored’

Oleksii Riabykin emphasised that local governments in Ukraine have demonstrated their effectiveness and capability, particularly in the context of war.

‘I believe that local self-government in Ukraine has already proven itself capable and effective... Therefore, I firmly believe that there is no need to ‘restore’ local self-government in the full sense of the word – it is fully capable of performing its functions,’ assured the Deputy Minister.

He emphasised the heroic role of local governments during the war, as evidenced by their designation as hero cities. According to the Deputy Minister, the role of the state is not to rebuild, but to create conditions that enable communities to function in challenging circumstances.

Next is the roadmap

Following the adoption of the document ‘Specifics of Implementing the Concept...’, the Ministry for Development will proceed to the practical implementation stage by developing an Implementation Plan.

‘This will provide a clear roadmap, determining which specific documents need to be developed and adopted to launch the implementation of the specifics and the Concept itself.’

Thus, the process is shifting from a strategic framework to specific tools that will empower communities and the state to implement the reform effectively in wartime and on the path to EU accession.

Read the full interview with Oleksii Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories, on the Decentralisation portal at the following link: https://decentralization.ua/news/20006