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Cooperation of Local Authorities and Civil Society in Ukraine

Mykhaylo NAKHOD,

Strasbourg, June 5, 2014

Background for cooperation of local authorities and civil society in post revolutionary Ukraine

Positive examples of cooperation

Barriers for active cooperation

Examples of joint projects and support of international donors

Recommendations and perspectives for international community on LGA and CSO cooperation development of in Ukraine

Main aspects that illustrate cooperation

Ukrainian legislation provides the right of local communities to participate in the decision-making process

Inability to implement legally defined tools of local democracy

As a result of winter protests 2013-2014, local activists understood that only active people can influence on the development of their communities. Expectation for more active use of participation tools

Decentralization and local government reform became one of the main topics of national agenda

Lack of real powers of regional authorities was one of the reasons of separatist protests in the East of Ukraine

Background for cooperation of LGA and CS in post

revolutionary Ukraine

establishment of public councils of state and local authorities

projects contests of local governments for NGOs and municipalities

development and adoption of the regional programs of civil society development

participation CSO in local development strategies preparation

joint projects implementation

establishment and support of local governments associations

Reanimation Package of Reforms public initiative

Positive examples of cooperation

Lack of powers and resources in local governments

Fear and misunderstanding of cooperation by local authorities

Politicization of local governments, conflicts along the lines “Chairperson – Council members”

Lack of resources in civil society organizations

Low level of the culture of people’s participation in decision-making process

Underdeveloped philanthropy and fundraising abilities in local communities

Barriers for active cooperation

National projects:

Community Based Approach to Local Development Project Open City: Strengthening Citizens’ Participation in the Local

Community Development

Local projects:

Monitoring of Citizens’ Access to the Cities General Plans Monitoring of Local Councils and Councilors’ Activity Establishment and Support of Peoples’ Self-Organization Authorities Strategic Planning and Promoting Economic Development

Examples of joint projects and support of international donors

Establishing LDA in Dnepropetrovsk by ALDA will give the opportunity to overcome to the higher level of local governments and civil society cooperation

In the context of signed EU-Ukraine Association Agreement to start more standing programs of cooperation between Ukrainian and EU member states’ local authorities and civil society organizations

Expertise assistance and resources support for decentralization and territorial reform implementation

Establishment and support of the network of NGOs (that are working on local democracy) for strengthening active cooperation and information exchange

Recommendations and perspectives for international community on LGA and CSO cooperation development

of in Ukraine

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Thank you for your attention!