THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE U-LEAD WITH EUROPE PROGRAMME DYNAMICSISSUE # 13, JUNE 2019

The first and additional local elections on 30 June are one of three major polls to be held in many parts of the country this year. Photo: U-LEAD Archives

TABLE OF CONTENTS 66 AMALGAMATED GOING TO THE

Cover story: POLLS IN THE 2019 LOCAL ELECTIONS

66 hromadas’ first local elections Has it ever struck you how the logo for Ukrainian decentral- THE ROAD TO REVENUE U-LEAD in the Spotlight isation looks a little like a zodiac? If there really were such a thing as a Ukrainian political horoscope, 2019 would be the The new reality for these AHs begins when the results of Feature: year of the election with its three major ballots. Between the elections are announced on the first day of first plenary ses- Accelerating amalgamation headline-making presidential elections in March and April sion. With an elected leadership, hromadas can now initiate and the upcoming parliamentary elections 21 July, the first the process of direct budget relations with the Ukrainian The Interview: and additional local elections on 30 June are the third polls state budget regarding new responsibilities and delegated Andrii Pinchuk to be held in many parts of the country this year. Additional- functions for which the transfer of financial resources to the ly, 30 village and settlement councils merging with AHs will local level is foreseen. Decentralisation Dynamics also be voting their deputies. U-LEAD SUPPORT FOR HROMADAS AFTER ELECTIONS Success Story: FIRST LOCAL ELECTIONS From thorns to ping pong balls Horoscopes cannot always foresee the future, but over For the 66 municipalities taking part and where citizens are the next six months, between 1 July and end of December, Facts & Figures casting their ballots, these elections represent a transition. hromadas’ mayors know they will have to fulfil assorted These will be the first polls for hromadas that have newly requirements. As elected officials, they can now conduct Voices of U-LEAD with Europe amalgamated and have not voted for leaders since they first first and second plenary session to decide on first steps for formed as AHs. Residents of these municipalities now get newly amalgamated hromadas, start reorganisation of local IMPRINT to choose both their heads and deputies. Many standing for councils that became part of the AH, prepare financial doc- election will be incumbents trying to hold their position and uments, analyse and prepare the list of property, assets and Responsible for who may also have pushed for the decentralisation reform responsibilities of local councils who amalgamated, and so the publication: in their territories. However, voters will also be able to elect on. For these first steps of hromadas after the first elections, outsiders new to the local political scene. U-LEAD with Europe provides start-up package, with the de- U-LEAD with Europe tailed guidance for newly created AHs, including legal advice, Programme algorithms, training and consulting on the most relevant le- Bastian Veigel, gal and budget issues. Kameran Khudur

Editors: Olena Molodtsova Roland Hackenberg

Production and distribution: U-LEAD Monitoring, Visibility and Knowledge Management Team U-LEAD IN THE SPOTLIGHT

UKRAINE 200,000 AND STILL COUNTING In mid-June, the number of participants who have received training and oth- er capacity building measures from U-LEAD with Europe passed the 200,000 mark. To date, a little over 203,000 participants have taken part in over 15,500 ANDREJ HORVAT different events, including seminars, consultations, study trips, dialogue events and conferences or forums. GIZ DEPUTY PROGRAMME DIRECTOR The milestone is evidence of the programme’s reach throughout the country across target groups that range from public administration, elected repre- sentatives, civil society, business representatives and educational and health AHS ARE ROLE institutions and the media in support of Ukraine’s decentralisation reform.ы TALLINN, ESTONIA ADVISOR TO THE TO MODELS FOR OTHERS SUPPORT TREMBITA IMPLEMENTATION The Ukrainian delegation headed by Mykhailo Fedorov, Advisor to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi visited Estonia to get professional assess- For 66 hromadas in Ukraine, 30 June marks a new phase on the ment to the “A state in a smartphone” concept and insight how the Trembita road to amalgamation. After holding their first local elections on data exchange solution benefits the e-governance development in Ukraine. that date, these hromadas can lay the groundwork for direct bud- Within the two-day visit, the Ukrainian delegation conducted more than 10 get relations with the state in 2020. meetings, in particular with the Chief Information Officer of Estonia, the Secre- tary of State of the Cabinet of Ministers, representatives of the European Com- mission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Information System Authority, the The voyage is not always easy, it can be challenging and even Center of Registers, the Estonian e-Governance Academy, etc. tricky, but in the end, new amalgamated hromadas (AHs) are formed. “We received a very positive feedback from Estonian experts concerning our plans. We also agreed on specific support in the audit of registries, the devel- opment of the Trembita system, the modern electronic identification SmartID, After the voting booths close on the evening of 30 June, the sun the introduction of e-Residency. At each meeting, we felt absolute openness on 1 July will rise over a new start for heads, starostas and a desire to help Ukraine. This was inspiring,” Mykhailo Fedorov added. and, last but by no means least, citizens. The First Deputy Head of the State Agency for e-Governance Oleksiy Vyskub noted that the active implementation of the data exchange solution “Trembita” The end of this phase in their amalgamation marks the beginning is the bases of the “A state in a smartphone” concept and should lead to full of a new reality for AHs. redesigning of all inefficient, bureaucratic and corrupt processes in the state.

With the measures we have introduced through our top initiative “Trembita” system is developed and implemented within EGOV4UKRAINE proj- ect by support of U-LEAD with Europe. for accelerating the amalgamation process, U-LEAD with Europe has contributed to bringing these AHs where they are today. BERLIN ZELENSKYY AND MERKEL FIRST MEETING Through our Local Government Development Centres in all 24 During his visit to Berlin, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the decentralisation reform in Ukraine with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. oblasts, we helped put AHs on the right course. Referring to the mission of Professor Georg Milbradt, Germany’s special envoy, Merkel said, “We talked about continuing the projects that have been launched Simply by asking the question, “Have you heard about the re- in recent years, such as Mr Milbradt’s work in the area of decentralisation of form?” we generate greater interest and awareness – of the chal- Ukraine, which, I think, is a project that is very important.” U-LEAD with Eu- rope supports the decentralisation reform in Ukraine and Professor Milbradt’s lenges hromadas can face and the opportunities they can tap. mission.

The reform may be voluntary, but the best voluntary decision is an KYIV 129 MORE HROMADAS WILL ESTABLISH informed one. In a process that affects the lives of thousands of A WELL-FUNCTIONING ASC WITH U-LEAD’S peoples, myths are inappropriate, and the top initiative has helped SUPPORT show the big picture or tell the full story of decentralisation. 129 Terms of Reference (ToRs) for establishment of well-functioning ASCs were developed by the experts of the U-LEAD with Europe’s Support to Improved Ad- People may trust news articles, but when it comes to success, ministrative Service Delivery within the Hromada Selection Round 3 implemen- they need to see things for themselves. tation. The ToRs were created as a result of experts’ visits to hromadas and in close cooperation with them.

The ToR is an individual document with detailed description of all aspects of With 66 new realities to show in July, we will further work on ac- well-functioning ASC establishment or modernisation to be used by hromadas and Implementers as a road map. What is ToR video is available here. Detailed celerating amalgamation. information on Hromada Selection Round 3 results is available below in Dynam- ics’ Facts and Figures. ACCELERATING AMALGAMATION BY BREAKING MYTHS

Ask the 66 hromadas holding first local elections on a simple question, “Have you heard about the reform?” 30 June and quite a number can attest that U-LEAD Based on the answers, the work can begin. with Europe contributed to getting them where they are today. The programme’s second top initiative is to Through awareness raising, consultation and in large- support acceleration of the amalgamation process, in scale events for officials, e.g. forums, and for the public line with MinRegion’s priority of encouraging volun- at open hearings, U-LEAD opens the floor for debates tary amalgamation. Through the Local Government and exchanges on the positive results and benefits of Development Centres of U-LEAD with Europe, in all 24 amalgamation. In study trips and field visits, represen- , the programme has been working tatives from municipalities about to amalgamate can to tell the stories of the places where the reform is visit successful AHs to see amalgamation in action. working, make exchanges possible and share experi- ences from other countries. A DECENTRALISATION TOOLKIT

As Andrej Horvat, GIZ Deputy Programme Director at U-LEAD with Europe, says, “People may trust news ar- Based on the various approaches used in the oblasts, ticles, but they need to see successes for themselves. U-LEAD with Europe is continuously developing a Through our experience in all 24 oblasts of Ukraine, unique toolkit for Ukrainian decentralisation, contain- we can show different cases of amalgamation and ing a range of good practice instruments listed above. can show cases that are most suitable for those who In addition to a wealth of first-hand experience within have not decided yet. Essentially, we are breaking with Ukraine, the programme also taps the potential of its myths about amalgamation and inviting people to look European partners and their experiences with similar around the towns, villages and settlements where it reforms to enrich the kit. functions well.” Through public awareness In study trips and field raising, U-LEAD can help Using comparative and analytical research from other BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER EU and non-EU states and applying this knowledge to visits, municiaplities about demonstrate the benefits to amalgamate can see the of amalgamation. the Ukrainian experience, the programme on the one reform in action. Photo: U-LEAD Archives To help speed up decisions on amalgamation between hand helps flesh out what makes Ukraine’s approach Photo: U-LEAD Archives localities, U-LEAD with Europe works closely with al- to the reform inspiring. As Mariana Semenyshyn, de- ready formed AHs and AHs in the process of forming centralisation advisor at U-LEAD with Europe adds, “On to bring views and knowledge together. Mainly in mu- the other hand, we are also establishing the Ukrainian nicipalities where amalgamation has either not started story in the European context. After all, amalgamation yet or is having problems getting a kickstart, U-LEAD is a decidedly European experience.” will start discussions with decision makers by asking

THE U-LEAD WITH EUROPE INTERVIEW ANDRII PINCHUK FROM THE CALM OF THE CLERGY STAROSTA OF THE VILLAGES VOLOSKE, RAKSHIVKA, CHERVONYI SADOK AND MAYORKA OF NOVOOLEKSANDRIVSKA AH TO AN AGILE LIFE AS A STAROSTA IN DNIPROPETROVSK OBLAST IN DNIPROPETROVSK OBLAST

You are a starosta responsible for four villages in What are the strengths of the Novooleksandrivska AH, where your Q: Novooleksandrivska AH. Has this always been your calling? Q: starosta district is located? No, this was not my dream. Instead, the position found me. It was the initiative of The AH has a good team headed by a progressive AH head, who chose the right people, school teachers, Veterans Council, Farmers’ Council of the villages Voloske, work concept and decided to “promote” the starosta district to the level of the cen- Rakshivka, Chervonyi Sadok and Mayorka in the AH. tral settlement, rather than concentrating funds in the centre. That means we can all keep step with development. We have also managed to put good proposals through We amalgamated in the so-called “first wave”, three and a half years ago, and I have and attract funds from the oblast budget, and our hromada residents are more ac- been working as a starosta for three years now. tive and engaged in developing their settlements.

Before I took up this position, I was as a priest in Voloske village, the spiritual leader Effective cooperation with Dnipropetrovsk LGDC of U-LEAD with Europe means we of my community. It is worth mentioning that even after my election as starosta, I could study and develop our AH and communicate properly with residents. The have continued to hold my Sunday services. “Starosta’s action plan: 12 steps for successful start” manual is very useful for me.

Have you seen specific improvements you were able to manage in What challenges did the communities and municipalities face be- your four villages? fore amalgamation and was the formation to an AH difficult? Q: Q: Our starosta district could make repairs to a rural health post and outpatient clin- Only a few of villages had an around-the-clock supply of drinking water, the terri- ic. New equipment has been purchased, including dental apparatus. With support tory was littered, schools were shabby, and residents were disappointed and inac- from the oblast council we are constructing a new floor at the local school for a tive. The amalgamation process itself was not tough. It is not so difficult to sign sports hall, assembly hall and centre for applied sciences. an AH formation document. There is a lot of work to be done and after amalgamation life has become agile But in the first one and a half years after amalgamation, we had to get used to and active. The responsibility is huge for a starosta, but I saw the result I wanted living together, developing rules of mutual communication, applying diplomatic to achieve. Seminars, workshops and study tours have helped a lot on this path. skills and looking at AH development through the prism of the interests of each Nevertheless, sometimes I miss the calm of life in the clergy. settlement.

Questions prepared by: Anna Kovalchuk, Visibility Group of U-LEAD with Europe DECENTRALISATION DYNAMICS LOCAL REVENUES INCREASED TO UAH 108 BILLION

In the first five months of 2019, local budget revenues grewby SUCCESS STORY 20.4% compared to the same period 2018, amounting to UAH 108 billion, announced Hennadii Zubko, Vice Prime Minister and Minister Andrii Kolomiytsev, head of Pryiutivska AH at the opening of the of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Communal village club in Pustelnykove. Photo: U-LEAD Archives Services of Ukraine.

Personal income tax added up to UAH 62.4 billion, exceeding revenues in the same timeframe last year by UAH 11.7 billion (or PRYIUTIVSKA AH - 23%). Land payments accounted for UAH 12.9 billion, 24% or UAH 2.5 billion more than last year’s reporting period. FROM THORNS TO PING PONG BALLS PREVENTING DELAYS THROUGH COURTS

The has received a recommendation from a par- As the Scottish poet Robert Burns once wrote, “The best-laid plans liamentary committee to adopt a draft law on protecting rights of of mice and men often go awry.” No matter how carefully a project is hromadas in the process of voluntary amalgamation and accession. planned, something can always go wrong. Amalgamation and decen- tralisation are often managed by heads and deputies of hromadas. As Vyacheslav Nehoda, first Deputy Minister of Regional Develop- ment, Construction, Housing and Communal Services, said, “We have However, it is the citizens who have the last say. In 2017, The ur- had dozens of lawsuits that kept back AH establishment. Most of ban-type settlement of Pryiutivka in Kirovohrad Oblast and the coun- these claims were unfounded, but they did their job. Amalgamation cils of Holovkivka, Protopopivka, Izmaylivka, Voinivka and Kostyan- of some hromadas was blocked for months and even years. Hroma- tynivka decided to form their own amalgamated hromada (AH) with das lost precious time.” 11,500 people over an area of almost 400 square kilometres. The centre of the Pryiutivska amalgamated hromada would be Pryiutivka. Awaiting its reading in parliament, the draft states that there will be In mid-2017, the plan sounded good. But it would take until April 2018 a proper mechanism for cases of appeal against decisions on amal- to get there and finally hold first elections. gamation or accession by hromadas. Residents were voicing issues. Instead of roses for amalgamation, Classed as urgent administrative cases, they will have a deadline of thorns were growing in the negotiations. Citizens did not consider the one month. The right to appeal hromada decisions will only be open decision to unite a step in the right direction. They were concerned to citizens living in these hromadas. They will have ten days from the about how to establish proper healthcare. Lawsuits were brought for- date of the decision by the hromada. ward. The first elections had to be postponed.

It was then that the heads of village councils turned to Kirovohrad Lo- 108 AHS RECEIVE LAND FOR ECONOMIC cal Government Development Centre of U-LEAD with Europe for as- DEVELOPMENT sistance. Using its toolkit of good decentralisation practices, U-LEAD was able to help the prospective AH calculate its financial capaci- ty. Community representatives received backing in how to advance A total of 142,000 hectares of additional land were recently trans- amalgamation and creation of an AH. In addition, the AH took advan- ferred to 108 amalgamated hromadas as part of a series of land tage of consulting on regional and local economic development and transfers by the government. municipal cooperation. The land plots are all outside hromadas’ settlements boundaries and But for any hromada to amalgamate successfully, residents need to are now owned by the AHs (which were all formed 2018). convinced and involved. Once Pryiutivka’s citizens understood – with the help of targeted awareness raising – that further changes for the Talking at a handover ceremony, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groys- better would depend on their efforts, their cohesion and the desire to man explained how additional land resources provide better possi- improve their lives in the community, they were ready to support their bilities for attracting investors and creating industrial capacity. municipalities merging.

“I congratulate hromadas. They did the right thing. I stand for provid- The transformation since elections in April 2018 has been tangible ing hromadas the opportunity to fill the budget through developing and immediate. Areas without centralized water supply were allocat- local business and industry,” the Prime Minister said. ed funds to lay pipes, contributing to a better quality of life. In the new AH, cohesion has also become an important factor to create a better In 2018, 647 hromadas received land plots, and 1.45 million hectares sense of community and wellbeing. Children’s and sports grounds of land have been transferred to ownership of such AHs. have been refurbished, lighting has been repaired and renewed, in Protopopivka village, the river banks were cleared, road repairs are underway and utilities are installing containers for collecting waste.

With the reference to “mice and men,” Burns also implies it is the small things that count. To improve cultural life in the settlement of Pustelnykove, the village club could now be redecorated with local funds. The building now has a new roof, new energy-saving windows and also replaced its heating. The centrepiece of the clubhouse? A testimony to the collective spirit of amalgamation, youngsters now have a ping pong table.

U-LEAD VOICES

Recently, the staff of our ASC have passed the training We must close all the “white spots”, and I am grateful to within the U-LEAD with Europe Programme. At this mo- Professor Milbradt for joint work, personal engagement in ment, our ASC has already been functioning for a year and the reform and faith in Ukraine. We will not stop! still we have found a lot of useful information. I am a Head of an ASC, so the topic of information cards was in partic- Hennadii Zubko ularly interesting for me. Learning is important as it helps Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine you to follow the latest innovations in the sphere you work Minister of Regional Development, Construction, with and ensures your knowledge is up to date. Housing and Communal Services Tetyana Hnylytska Head of the ASC in Bilokurakynska AH Luhansk Oblast

In Ukraine, the ongoing decentralisation reform offers a While working on information cards of administrative ser- window of opportunity for promoting women’s rights and vices it is important to remember about vulnerable popu- gender equality, with the transfer of financial resources to lations, for example illiterate and uneducated people. For the local level. The gender-responsive approach has been these people it is very difficult to understand the complicat- used effectively in many parts of the world. Implementing ed cards. Making the text simple and user-friendly, remov- it in AHs has delivered concrete results at the local level ing difficult legislative terms will make delivery of services to the welfare of citizens. Together with the GRB Project in more comfortable, easier and accessible for everyone. Ukraine, U-LEAD is proud to be supporting this approach to public financial management. Khrystyna Bilous Timo Biank Volunteer of an NGO U-LEAD with Europe Donetsk Oblast Team Leader Local Self-Government Reform

This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union and its member states Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Poland and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of its authors and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union and its member states Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Poland and Sweden.

© U-LEAD with Europe, 2019

Websites: u-lead.org.ua, decentralisation.gov.ua Phone: (+380 44) 581 27 99 Facebook: facebook.com/ULEADwithEurope Email: [email protected] Address: House of Decentralisation, 20 Velyka Zhytomyrska Street (4th floor), Kyiv 01001, Ukraine