‘Reforms. Decentralisation. European Integration' forum held in Bucha
On 6 December 2024, the forum ‘Reforms. Decentralisation. European Integration was held in Bucha. It has become an important platform to discuss the achievements and challenges of the decentralisation reform, as well as plans for further development of local democracy in the context of European integration. The forum was attended by MPs, representatives of the Government, local authorities, international organisations and the civil society.
The forum discussed the Council of Europe's report on the status of implementation of the “Concept of the reform of local self-government and territorial organisation of power in Ukraine”, which contains an analysis of the status of implementation of the Concept and general recommendations for its possible update. The Concept update is scheduled to be completed by spring 2025.
Felix Baumann, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Ukraine, noted that Switzerland has been a reliable partner in the reform for over 18 years:
“Local self-government bodies have become the foundation of resilience for the whole of Ukraine. Immediately after the de-occupation of communities, they are proactively reaching out to humanitarian and development partners, municipalities and the private sector abroad to establish partnerships and start the recovery process. This all proves the importance of continuing decentralisation, empowering and strengthening local self-government bodies as the authorities closest to citizens and their needs, as well as nurturing the spirit of local democracy.”
The specialised secondary education reform, which requires support at all levels, is among the issues currently facing communities. Valentyna Poltorak, DECIDE Project Manager, spoke about the essence of the specialised secondary education reform, its challenges and prospects for communities.
The Bucha Forum has once again demonstrated that decentralisation is the basis of Ukraine's sustainability and its European future. Thanks to the hard work of the state authorities, communities and international partners, the reform has become a symbol of resilience and the pursuit of a better life.