In November 2025, the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research (UCIPR) launched a new three-year project, “Strengthening local democracy and inclusive participation of residents in the decision-making process at the community and regional levels in southern and eastern Ukraine,” with the support of the MATRA program.
The initiative aims to strengthen local democracy and governance mechanisms in communities by introducing territorial community charters and public participation procedures in five oblasts: Poltava, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk.
The key objectives of the project are:
- to develop the inclusive participation of citizens, veterans, IDPs, and young people in local decision-making;
- to strengthen the accountability and transparency of local self-government bodies;
- to promote a culture of dialogue and partnership between the authorities and citizens.
Between 2025 and 2027, the UCIPR team will conduct analytical, training, and consulting work with communities, promote the updating of local regulations, and develop tools for public participation and the exchange of experiences between regions.
Activities within the project will focus on the practical implementation of laws developed and advocated by UCIPR experts, including:
- “On People's Power at the Local Self-Government Level” (No. 3703-IX);
- “On Public Consultations” (No. 3841-IX);
- “On Transparency of Local Self-Government Activities” (No. 3590-IX).
As a result of the project, communities will receive updated charters, convenient online participation mechanisms, and new opportunities for effective dialogue between authorities and residents. This will contribute to strengthening democratic governance, community resilience, and residents' trust in local authorities.
The project “Strengthening Local Democracy and Inclusive Participation of Residents in Decision-Making at the Community and Regional Levels in Southern and Eastern Ukraine” is being implemented by the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research with the support of the MATRA program of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine.
Read also: Legislative Changes for the Public Sector - Digest for October 2025 from the UCIPR