The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a document entitled Specifics of Implementing the Concept of Reforming Local Self-Government and Territorial Organisation of Power in the Context of Military Challenges and European Integration. This document updates the approach to implementing the 2014 Concept in light of new challenges, such as full-scale war, the strategic path towards EU membership and the progress already made in decentralisation.

As Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, emphasised, ‘The Concept of Local Self-Government remains the basic ideological document for reforming local self-government and the territorial organisation of power in Ukraine. It has defined goals, principles and a vision for change that have strengthened, empowered, and made communities more resilient, particularly in the context of a full-scale invasion. However, new challenges require updated tools and approaches, as decentralisation reform continues to be one of the key areas of development for the state.’

Throughout 2025, the Ministry for Development team worked closely with Members of Parliament, professional experts, local government associations, and Council of Europe representatives to develop the document. Regional consultations were held in Odesa, Poltava, Lviv, and Kyiv, with over 600 representatives from all regions participating – mostly from local government at all levels and their associations.

The updated document is divided into four sections, covering the history of the reform’s implementation since 2014, the key challenges faced, the proposed solutions, and the tasks to be completed in the near future. Priorities include preparing legislative changes, strengthening community capacity, aligning local self-government with European law and integrating decentralisation into the country’s recovery process. These areas have been organised into eight key vectors: territorial basis; institutional capacity; resident participation; delineation of powers and resources; quality of services; legality; European integration; and post-war reconstruction.

Oleksii Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, noted, ‘The reform has given communities more powers and resources, and helped them withstand full-scale aggression. At the same time, new challenges require updated tools and solutions. This document sets out the key priorities for the next period, which include legislative changes, strengthening community capacity, adhering to European standards and combining decentralisation with the country’s recovery. The next step is to prepare an implementation plan with clear actions and deadlines.’

The approved document is expected to form the basis of an implementation action plan, including specific steps, deadlines, and responsible parties. The preparation of this plan is also expected to involve representatives of local self-government, relevant associations, the expert community, and international partners.