The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Organisation of State Power, Local Self-Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning is launching a parliamentary analysis of the effectiveness of the Law of Ukraine ‘On International Territorial Cooperation’. The study will examine the impact of the new legislation on the development of international relations within communities, particularly in the context of martial law, and will seek to identify ways to enhance its effectiveness. The analysis will be conducted primarily through a nationwide survey, which will run until 26 December 2025.

The purpose of the analysis and the British PLS methodology

According to the Committee, the official purpose of the study is to assess comprehensively whether Law No. 3668-IX achieves its key objective of activating, promoting, and developing international territorial cooperation. The analysis will focus on the law’s impact on communities, regions, authorities, associations and all other stakeholders, particularly with regard to opportunities for project implementation during wartime.

To achieve this, a modern parliamentary post-legislative scrutiny (PLS) methodology adapted from the UK Parliament’s experience will be employed. This tool enables a systematic evaluation of the effectiveness, economic viability and relevance of the law, as well as the identification of any unforeseen consequences of its implementation.

Oleksandr Aliksiichuk, Member of Parliament, Chair of the Subcommittee on Cooperation between Local Communities and Regions, emphasises the practical focus of this work, ‘When we were working on this law, we understood perfectly well that its success would depend on how it worked in communities. Your experience is the basis for real improvements.’

Who can participate in the survey and how

All parties directly involved in international cooperation are invited to participate in the survey:

• Representatives of local governments.
• Representatives of local state administrations.
• Associations and unions of local governments.
• Non-governmental organisations.
• Experts, academics and specialists in international territorial cooperation (ITC).

The main details of participation:

• Deadline: The questionnaire must be completed by 26 December 2025, including this date.
• Questionnaire: The survey is available at the following link: https://forms.gle/pwK1SJGwA9PQFCYQ6
• Instructions: Detailed information about the survey conditions and PLS methodology is available HERE
• Contact details: For further clarification, please call +38 (044) 255 24 82 or email matsenko@rada.com.ua.

The research is conducted with the support of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.

Findings and next steps

Based on the obtained data, the Committee will conduct an in-depth analysis and, if necessary, develop specific legislative initiatives. The aim of these changes is to strengthen support for communities, remove identified obstacles, and create more effective conditions for developing international partnerships.

Once the findings have been processed, there will be public discussions involving representatives of the regions, the relevant ministry, experts, and Members of Parliament, where the conclusions will be presented and proposals discussed.

‘I would like to sincerely invite all interested parties to participate in this important survey,’ said Oleksandr Aliksiichuk. ‘It is your participation that will determine whether international cooperation works for communities in practice, not just in theory.’

Each respondent's participation will provide valuable input for creating a realistic picture and improving Ukrainian legislation for community development.