THE REFORM OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT IN UKRAINE: ANALYSIS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROBLEMS

Abstract

At the present stage in Ukraine the first priority is the preservation of the unitary state of the country with a simultaneous decentralization of power – an important component of optimization of the system of bodies of state power and local self-government. In determining the conditions of democratization of Ukrainian society and European integration is its implementation according to existing international standards and human needs, transformation of the government system and territorial organization.

The purpose and objectives of the study are to determine the role of decentralization in carrying out the reform of the territorial organization of power. The article analyzes the current process of local government reform in Ukraine, identified achievements, challenges and prospects for regional development in the context of decentralization reform, the proposals for improving the efficiency and development of local self-government in Ukraine.

The following methods were used in the research: systems approach, dialectical, causal-investigatory, theoretical generalization and comparison.

The General trends that influenced the modern regional development of Ukraine in general and the implementation of local government reform in particular, were these: the continuation of the war in the East of the country, its destabilizing impact on the rest of Ukraine, both economic and political and social nature; the stabilization of the economic situation, some increase in GDP and a recovery of individual industries of economy of Ukraine on the background of the shock of the situation 2014; the continuation of the process of voluntary unification of territorial communities – has been created 728, the appearance of new features in these processes; the number of events at national level dedicated to regional development and decentralization.

When writing this article various approaches to the concept of decentralization were described, its suitability for contemporary Ukrainian realities was assessed and the most balanced approach to local self-government reform in Ukraine was found. Proved that the reform of decentralization and state regional policy have one goal – human development.

Thus, regional development policy in Ukraine will not be effective if to ensure that: clear lines of authority and responsibility between the regions and the center and between intra-regional levels of government; the financial autonomy or the sufficiency of local budgets for implementation by local authorities of their powers; encourage the development of weak regions and regions with difficult natural conditions through fiscal and investment assistance.