The participants of the event discussed the prospects of good democratic governance reforms in Ukraine and the search for consensus on further steps to improve the legislative framework in the field of multi-level governance and elections in the context of European standards.
"We are not discussing holding elections tomorrow, during martial law. We are holding a more strategic discussion on finding solutions to post-war challenges," said Oleksandr Korniienko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He added that it is important to find answers to them now, in particular, the issue of voting in the de-occupied territories, the implementation of the right to vote for the entire population: the military, internally displaced persons and citizens abroad.
The participants also focused on the topic of a roadmap for good democratic governance in Ukraine in terms of local self-government. "We have to focus on raising the standards of governance, improving the legislative framework and implementing careful supervision over the activities of communities," said the First Vice Speaker.
"Today's meeting is once again a very important step for Ukraine's free, democratic and peaceful future. The Council of Europe remains committed to supporting the country for sustainable recovery and transformation," said Mathieu Mori, the Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.
"Ukraine faces many challenges in defining the conditions and criteria for post-war elections. The Assembly is ready to assist in this process and support the Ukrainian authorities in improving and strengthening the legislative framework, as well as laying the foundations that meet the democratic and electoral standards of our Organisation," said Louise Barton, the Director of the Directorate for Human Dignity and Sustainable Development of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
"Working together with our Ukrainian partners on democratic reforms is part of the Council of Europe's mission and a valuable experience for us. By doing so, we are strengthening our European community based on values," said Claudia Luciani, the Director of the Directorate-General for Human Dignity, Equality and Governance of the Council of Europe.
In conclusion, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko stressed that this is our common task on the way to joining the European Union.
For reference. The event was held within the framework of and with the support of the Council of Europe projects "Strengthening Good Democratic Governance and Resilience in Ukraine" and "Supporting Democratic Post-War Elections in Ukraine", which are being implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine "Resilience, Recovery and Rebuilding" for 2023-2026.
The High-Level Dialogue was launched by the Council of Europe in November 2022 at the initiative of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Government, and the Central Election Commission of Ukraine. Its final document, the Joint Declaration, was signed by the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Bjørn Berge, and the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Korniienko.