4 December: High-Level Dialogue on Democratic Governance Reforms Held in Ukraine

5-12-2023

Sofía Medina Sánchez 

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence 

On 4 December 2023 the High-level Dialogue II titled “Good Democratic Governance in Ukraine: achievements, challenges and the way forward in post-war period” was held in Kyiv. After deliberations facilitated by Council of Europe representatives, pivotal national participants, including delegates from the Parliament of Ukraine, the Office of the President of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Government, and the Central Election Commission, reached a comprehensive consensus on subsequent steps to enhance the legal framework for multi-level governance and elections. This alignment is in accordance with European standards and best practices, aiming to support Ukraine's aspirations for EU candidate status.

Attendees deliberated on the subsequent phases of advancing the reform of local self-government, an essential component of the path to foster good democratic governance in Ukraine. The discussions centered around the proposed legislation concerning the reform of local state administrations and the implementation of legal oversight over decisions made by local authorities (draft law No. 4298). Key focal points encompassed the crucial milestones and prerequisites for reinstating local self-government, transitioning from military administrations to a regular (civilian) legal framework. Additional agenda items included the delineation of responsibilities between the state and local governments, the conditions promoting sustainability, and the irreversibility of the decentralisation reform. 

The dialogue was organised and facilitated by the Council of Europe’s Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity in collaboration with the secretariats of the Venice Commission, the Parliamentary Assembly, and the Congress of local and regional authorities.

The High-level Dialogue, initiated by the Parliament, Government, and Central Election Commission of Ukraine, was inaugurated at the Council of Europe in November 2022. This event was conducted as part of the Council of Europe projects, "Strengthening Good Democratic Governance and Resilience in Ukraine" and "Supporting democratic post-war elections in Ukraine," which are implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine, titled "Resilience, Recovery, and Reconstruction" for 2023-2026.

Sources and further Reading: 

Council of Europe, Newsroom, High-Level Dialogue on Democratic Governance Reforms in Ukraine, 4 December 2023: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/high-level-dialogue-on-democratic-governance-reforms-in-ukraine. 

Council of Europe, Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, News and Events, High-Level Dialogue on Democratic Governance Reforms in Ukraine, 4 December 2023: https://www.coe.int/en/web/kyiv/-/high-level-dialogue-on-democratic-governance-reforms-in-ukraine