“The first year of renewed relations with the European Union is a year of first impressions, in particular, we have already demonstrated a political one,” said the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko, adding that the next step is to show the presence of capable hromadas and teams to implement projects, in particular, on the ground.
“There are opportunities for development, for improvement, for implementing ideas. Use them, because the European Union is investing in the country’s accession,” he said.
In addition, the First Vice-Speaker outlined strategic issues regarding local self-government. First, it is the process of establishing oversight over its actions, which is part of European practice. Secondly, technical draft laws, in particular, expanding the mechanism of work and better coverage of activities. Third, strengthening the financial base.
“It is important to take all these points into account and base our next steps on them. At the same time, we should keep in mind the challenges – the war, demographic problems, and European integration,” Oleksandr Korniienko stressed.
In conclusion, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to DESPRO for its systematic and powerful work, as well as to USAID – US Agency for International Development, in particular, HOVERLA/USAID Project in Ukraine, for the support provided by the American people to the decentralisation reform.