Volodymyr Groysman, Chairman of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, was praised for his commitment to reforming Ukraine through decentralisation, during an address from Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions, today.
Speaking to the members of the Ukrainian Rada as part of Ukraine Week, organised by the European Parliament, he stressed:
"Local authorities have a responsibility to understand territorial issues and deliver solutions to their constituencies’ economic, social and developmental needs. Within this context, we stress that decentralisation must be considered as a modern instrument for better governance, rather than a tool for simply defining the sharing of powers."
Referring to the legislation on fiscal decentralisation, investment and services that was passed in 2014 and 2015, President Markkula encouraged his Ukrainian colleagues to keep up the momentum and underlined that the CoR can support the process through its Ukraine Task Force and the Conference of the Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP).
"Of course, there is no single model to apply, but there are definitely inspiring examples to be examined" he underlined. "The European Committee of the Regions stands ready to help you through political and practical support."