“The agreement on the beginning of its implementation was signed today in Kiev”, – WRITE: www.radiosvoboda.org
The U-LEAD initiative is being implemented with the support of the European Union and its Member States-Germany, Denmark, France, Poland and Slovenia in cooperation with the Ukrainian government.
Phase III with a budget of 62 million will last until the end of 2027. From these funds, the EU provides 40 million euros, Germany 18 million euros, and Denmark – 4 million euros.
The program will focus on strengthening local self -government and ensuring persistent recovery at local and regional levels. U-LEAD with Europe is aimed at further promotion of decentralization as part of the total, broader European integration course of Ukraine.
“We support decentralization politically, practically, and financially. I admire how the decentralization process lasts even in wartime. And we will be here throughout the third stage (U-LEAD with Europe programs-Ed.)which is now designed for three years. I think that now, as never before, Ukraine needs centralization, ”Katrina Malternal, the European Union, said in Ukraine.
Malichov also reminded that the U-LEAD Project began to work in Ukraine with the onset of decentralization 10 years ago. According to the diplomat, “decentralization is now important and incredibly successful in Ukraine.”
“It was the reform of decentralization at the beginning of a full -scale invasion that played a huge role, because we were on the ground independent leaders who made independent decisions,” – Alexei Kuleba
This reform, says Marynova, helped communities at the beginning of a full -scale invasion. This is what Alexei Kuleb, Vice, Minister of Community and Territories Development.
“I think that it was the decentralization reform at the beginning of a full -scale invasion that played a huge role, because we were on the ground with independent leaders who made independent decisions, which very often helped the central government in making certain decisions and, of course, it became a great time. I am sure that this will continue to work, and our task to work to give more additional powers to local governments, ”said Alexei Kuleba.
Viceremier also thanked for the support of partners and allies who remained with Ukraine, “despite these three years of full -scale invasion and 11 years of fight against the aggressor.”
U-LEAD with Europe will continue to accompany Ukraine and communities on the way to the EU renewal and accession, “-assured Bastian Fygel, director of the U-LEAD with Europe.
Phase III will focus on three main directions by 2027. The first is to strengthen local self -government and to prepare communities for accession to the EU, providing political and legal expertise.
“Second: the development of potential where through our 24 regional offices we will strengthen local stability, improving the provision of services and facilitating the restoration at the local level. Third: recovery expertise, where we continue to provide communities with the opportunity to lead our own rebuilding efforts through targeted support and examination, ”the program director said.
Expanding the powers of local self-government and its alignment with Copenhagenic criteria for entry into the EU is the priority of the U-LEAD with Europe phase III-answered the Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine Ole Egberg Mickelsen.
“I think that the next step forward will be to bring local self -government in line with European standards, and I believe that much of this work has already been done, but there is something else that still remains unresolved,” Mickelsen said.
