What is the link between decentralization in Ukraine and EU integration and how can EU assist in promoting  decentralization – that was in focus of the research, conducted by the New Europe Center (Ukraine) with the assistance of ZOiS (Germany).

The first phase of the project consisted of regional analysis, produced by various experts in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Lviv, and Odesa oblasts. In the second phase, analysts from the New Europe Center and ZOiS prepared a comparative analysis, including interviews with key regional actors involved in the decentralization process in Ukraine (regional policymakers, NGOs, media experts).

As far as decentralization is considered one of the most successful reforms implemented in Ukraine after its “Revolution of Dignity” of 2013-14, it has generated numerous pleasant surprises. Our report takes stock of  these success stories, but also spells out the remaining obstacles and challenges for the reform. On this basis it becomes clearer where and how external actors can assist in the process.

You may find the PDF-version of the comparative analysis here.

The research was published within the framework of the Think Tank Development Initiative for Ukraine, implemented by the International Renaissance Foundation in partnership with the Open Society Initiative for Europe (OSIFE) with the financial support of the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine. 

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, the International Renaissance Foundation and the Open Society Initiative for Europe (OSIFE).