KYIV. Sept 14 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The European Union (EU) is ready to provide EUR 90 million for decentralization projects in Ukraine, EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy Johannes Hahn said at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities Economy Minister of Ukraine Hennadiy Zubko.
The press service of the Ukrainian government has reported, referring to Zubko, that Ukraine has offered to set up 40 sub-regional groups to support reforms, including the provision of large scale financing to maintain ties with the general public and to provide training.
“These groups will provide technical assistance through training of local authorities at all levels. In addition, the teams will also coordinate the training of the newly elected MPs and civil servants regarding their new managing responsibilities,” Zubko said.
The EU funds will also be allocated to enhancing the State Fund of Regional Development, especially taking into account the need for additional investment to establish and enlarge the services of united communities, Zubko said.
“We are interested in creating a network of agencies or offices to train staff in the regions to ensure the elaboration and implementation of regional development projects, including project analysis and management of investment projects,” he said.
“Ukraine relies on the expert assistance of its European partners in the process of amending the Constitution of Ukraine. For us it is also crucial [for there to be] facilitation in the development of a package of laws on decentralization in 22 areas, especially basic laws on self-government, prefects, administrative and territorial structure, land relations, tax and budget laws, social standards, administrative services and local police,” Zubko said.
