Cooperation of Local Authorities and Civil Society in Ukraine

1. Cooperation of Local Authorities and Civil Society in Ukraine MykhayloNAKHOD, Strasbourg, June 5, 2014 1

2. Main aspects that illustrate cooperation • 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

3. Background for cooperation of LGA and CS in post revolutionary Ukraine • 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

4. Positive examples of cooperation • 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

5. Barriers for active 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

6. Examples of joint projects and support of international donors 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

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

8. Thank you for your attention!