The further development of decentralization must be based on trust in communities and ensuring their financial and administrative capacity — Oleksandr Korniienko

First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko paid a working visit to Ternopil region. A key part of the trip was his participation in the National Dialogue titled «5 Years of Ukraine’s New Territorial Structure — Challenges, Strategic Priorities, and Transformation».

Moderated by Vitalii Bezghin, Chair of the Subcommittee on Administrative and Territorial Structure and Local Self-Government of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on State Power Organization, Local Self-Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning, the participants discussed the outcomes of the decentralization reform — its key achievements and the challenges that have emerged five years after the implementation of the new administrative and territorial structure.

In his opening remarks at the National Dialogue, Oleksandr Korniienko emphasized that local self-government is a fundamental pillar of the country’s defense and security: «When communities endured — the state endured.» He recalled that the decision to implement the new territorial structure was made in 2020, before the full-scale invasion, yet the reform has already withstood two major tests — the COVID-19 pandemic and local elections. These challenges helped to better assess the state of the healthcare system and the quality of public services, ultimately strengthening the capacity of communities.

It was noted that it is necessary to further improve the territorial organisation of power, update the criteria for the capacity of territorial communities and the expediency of optimising the administrative and territorial structure at the basic level.

The First Deputy Speaker emphasized that the further development of decentralization must be based on trust in communities and on ensuring their financial and administrative capacity. He stressed the need to shape a shared vision for the future of local self-government — one that is inclusive, strategic, and focused on strengthening democratic institutions.

During the first panel discussion, «Decentralization Reform: Key Focus Areas and Next Steps,» Oleksandr Korniienko emphasized that despite Russia’s full-scale invasion and the occupation of parts of Ukraine’s territory, communities remain the backbone of the state. He urged long-term planning, even amid the uncertainties of wartime, and the development of a positive scenario for local self-government that reflects updated resources, demographic shifts, and population displacement. He highlighted the importance of focusing on the development of Ukraine’s agricultural and industrial potential — particularly through export support and the effective relocation of enterprises.

Oleksandr Korniienko also highlighted the potential of communities in the context of Ukraine’s European integration. He emphasized the need to actively attract international resources and develop new security-related economic sectors. A key topic was the renewal of legislation on community capacity, financial resources, and tax policy, along with support for rural areas — including through special banking instruments.

The First Deputy Speaker called for constructive dialogue and joint efforts to strengthen local self-government as a foundation for the country’s sustainable development. The dialogue brought together Members of the Ukrainian Parliament, a delegation from the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, the Ambassador of Lithuania to Ukraine Inga Stanytė-Toločkienė, government officials, representatives of local authorities, the international community, and donor organizations.

As part of the National Dialogue, the First Deputy Speaker also took part in the working meeting «Strategic Horizons of Decentralization.» The event brought together Members of the Ukrainian Parliament, deputies of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, representatives of the Ternopil Regional Military Administration, local self-government officials, the Embassy of Lithuania in Ukraine, the “U-LEAD with Europe” programme, the DECIDE and UCORD projects, as well as the civil society organization DESPRO.

Oleksandr Korniienko emphasized the importance of developing a shared vision of strategic priorities among all stakeholders in the reform process, taking into account five years of experience with the new administrative and territorial structure, the contributions of international partners, and the outcomes of interparliamentary dialogue.

The parties discussed, in particular, infrastructure development and strengthening the capacities of territorial communities in the context of European integration, including the launch of training programs for local officials.

«This meeting is an opportunity to discuss our next joint steps and exchange views. We all understand the scale of challenges facing Ukraine and local self-government. And for us, the support of our partners is crucial. Throughout every stage of the decentralization reform, organizational and resource assistance to communities has been key. That’s why we aim to deepen and strengthen our cooperation and explore new dimensions of partnership,» said Oleksandr Korniienko.

He emphasized the critical importance of international support for communities that today must balance between responding to the consequences of wartime attacks and pursuing strategic development amid limited resources.

The First Deputy Speaker thanked donors and governments that swiftly adapted to changes in the donor landscape, noting that technical and organizational support from international projects has been essential throughout all stages of decentralization. He urged partners to continue their assistance — even through modest but tangible tools such as equipment, grants, and training programs — which enable communities to steadily move forward.

«Thank you for a meaningful discussion. We continue our work on developing and strengthening local self-government,» concluded Oleksandr Korniienko.