Ukraine in the Spotlight of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

Within the framework of the 49th session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, two thematic meetings of the Chamber of Regions were held, dedicated to the role of Ukrainian regions in countering the war and developing effective governance.

The role of regional authorities in Ukraine in overcoming the challenges caused by the War

Participants in the meeting – Oleksandr Tolokonnikov (Deputy Head of the Kherson Regional State Administration), Yevhen Ivanov (Deputy Head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration), Mykola Lukashuk (Chairman of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council) and Yelyzaveta Kaidas (Ukrainian youth delegate to the Congress) shared impressive testimonies and practical experience of local government functioning in wartime.

Representatives of Ukrainian regions spoke about:

• crimes committed by the occupiers in the Kherson region and, at the same time, the strength of communities that remain manageable and provide services even under shelling;

• the model of interaction between the military and civil administrations of the Kharkiv region, which ensures the viability of the region and the restoration of liberated territories;

• the role of Dnipropetrovsk region as a humanitarian and industrial hub of Ukraine, which daily receives displaced persons, treats the wounded and supports the army.

Mykola Lukashuk called on the Congress to hold an off-site meeting of the Chamber of Regions in Dnipropetrovsk region to see first-hand the strength of local self-government, which continues to function even during the war.

Youth delegate Yelyzaveta Kaidas emphasised that Ukrainian youth are growing up in a reality of resilience and responsibility, and that they are the ones who will shape Ukraine’s democratic future.

Relations between regional and local authorities

This panel featured a presentation by Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, who shared the experience of the Lviv agglomeration – an example of effective cooperation between communities that allows them to pool resources, coordinate infrastructure development and provide quality services to the region’s residents.

The Lviv agglomeration has become one of the most successful examples of inter-municipal cooperation in Ukraine and proof of how decentralisation enhances the effectiveness of local governance.

Ukrainian speakers have once again proven that even in the most difficult conditions of war, democracy in Ukraine is not only preserved but also developing. Local and regional leaders are setting an example of courage, responsibility and openness to citizen participation in decision-making.

Ukrainian text and photos – Permanent Representation of Ukraine to the Council of Europe