PM Shmyhal, German government envoy discuss cooperation on decentralization reform

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal engaged in discussions with Georg Milbradt, Special Envoy of German Government for the Ukrainian Reforms in the Areas of Governance and Decentralization cooperation between the countries, in particular on the topic of implementation of local self-government reform in Ukraine.

"Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal held a video conference meeting with Georg Milbradt, Special Envoy of German Government for the Ukrainian Reforms in the Areas of Governance and Decentralization... The parties discussed a number of topical issues of Ukraine-Germany cooperation, including German experience in carrying out reforms in Ukraine, in particular decentralization reforms," the Government portal informs.

Shmyhal assured Milbradt that the Government of Ukraine viewed decentralization as one of the most important reforms, for the successful implementation of which the German experience is of great importance.

"This is a comprehensive and multifaceted reform that qualitatively changes all spheres of life of citizens and enjoys the broad support of Ukrainian society," the Prime Minister of Ukraine said.

He also stressed that the main tasks of the reform for 2020-2023 are to improve the administrative and territorial structure of Ukraine. Holding local elections in accordance with a new territorial structure on October 25 is an important task for the Ukrainian Government, Shmyhal noted.

"Newly created local self-government bodies at each level should have equal powers and opportunities to provide quality and affordable services to the population within their competence," the Ukrainian PM said.

He added that new versions of the Law of Ukraine "On Local Self-Government in Ukraine" and the Law of Ukraine "On Local State Administrations" and amendments to the Budget Code of Ukraine on financial support for local self-government had been drafted.

"Currently, the Ukrainian authorities are working to develop the best possible model for the separation of powers between local self-government and the executive bodies," Shmyhal said, assuring Milbradt of Ukraine's readiness for a constructive dialogue and discussion on all pressing issues on the agenda.

In turn, Special Envoy of German Government for the Ukrainian Reforms in the Areas of Governance and Decentralisation assured the Government of Ukraine of Germany’s full support for the continuation of systemic reforms in Ukraine.

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