The process of power decentralization lies in the delegation of considerable powers and resources necessary for their exercising to local self-government bodies, as opposed to the concentration of powers in government bodies. In fact, this reform enables associations of local communities to solve problems in the field, without waiting for an order from above.
Since the reform launch in Apr. 2014, 367 amalgamated territorial communities were formed of 1500 to be created. The communities are provided with the educational and medical subventions from the state budget, as well as with basic subsidies. UAH 1.5 billion is included in the state budget for 2017 to support the amalgamated territorial communities.
Government bodies responsible for the reform: the Ministry for Regional Development, Building and Housing of Ukraine. A separate web-site was created by the Ministry to demonstrate the reform progress: http://decentralization.gov.ua
Reform expert – Anatoliy Tkachuk, director of science and development of the Civil Society Institute.
Measures taken:
➤ Creation of 367 amalgamated territorial communities (ATCs).
➤ Creation of a new staff system in ATCs. Including of experts in education, medicine, economics, physical education, social workers and others in the staff of ATCs’ in addition to traditional managers.
➤ Creation of regional reform offices funded by donors in every region. Establishment of centers rendering administrative services in ATCs of Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskiy, Ternopil regions.
Measures to be taken:
➤ Further amalgamation of communities. Bringing a total number of ATCs to 1500.
➤ Clear separation of powers between ATCs and executive authorities.
➤ Establishment of another 28 centers rendering administrative services.
➤ Drafting a scheme of educational districts in ATCs.
Key laws adopted under the reform:
➤ The Order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine On approval of the Concept of reforming the local self-government and territorial organization of power in Ukraine”.
➤ The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers “On approval of the State Regional Development Strategy for the period 2020”.
➤ The Law of Ukraine “On Local Elections”.
➤ The Law of Ukraine “On Cooperation of Territorial Communities”.
➤ The Law of Ukraine “On Voluntary Amalgamation of Territorial Communities”.
➤ The Law of Ukraine “On the Principles of Regional Policy”.
➤ The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine “On Approval of the Methodology for the Formation of Capable Territorial Communities”.
➤ The Law of Ukraine “On amendments to the Budget Code of Ukraine concerning the transfer of certain administrative duties to local budgets”.
Laws to be adopted:
➤ The Draft Law “On prefects”.
➤ The Law “On Local Self-Government in Ukraine”.
➤ The Draft Law “On Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine concerning the Decentralization of Power”.
➤ The Draft Law “On Amendments to Some Legislative Acts of Ukraine concerning the Conditions changing district boundaries under the process of voluntary amalgamation of communities”.
➤ The Draft Law “On Amendments to Some Legislative Acts of Ukraine concerning the Status of a Village and Town Headman”.