On March 25, 2025, Oleksii Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, spoke at the 48th Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.
He expressed gratitude to the Council of Europe and international partners for their continued support for Ukraine in times of war, spoke about the key challenges facing communities, as well as the priorities for their development and restoration.
“Ukraine is now not only fighting for its freedom, but also forming a new architecture of public administration that meets the challenges of today and European standards.
At all levels of governance, restoration and development are becoming more systematic and consistent through the implementation of strategic planning. We are building a strong and people-oriented multi-level governance, including local self-government, even in the most difficult, war conditions. However, to achieve this goal, we need further international partnership — not only financial, but also expert, political, and institutional,” emphasized Oleksii Riabykin.
In his speech, he:
- presented the main ideas of the updated Concept of Decentralization, which provides for the empowerment of communities and the strengthening of local self-government;
- noted the main challenges communities are facing, including energy security, the restoration of critical infrastructure, the availability of social and administrative services, the integration of veterans and support for people with disabilities, and the creation of new jobs;
- spoke about the results of the national project “Plich-o-Plich”, which contributes to the support and restoration of frontline communities through cooperation with rear and central regions;
- emphasized the importance of international support in strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian communities, implementing key reforms and adapting to European standards;
- emphasized the need for strategic planning for restoration, which includes a long-term vision of community development, new governance mechanisms and effective interaction of local authorities;
- focused on the role of local self-government in wartime and its ability to adapt to challenges, continue to provide services to people and take an active part in the reconstruction of the country.