Policy of the voluntary association of territorial communities: european and domestic approach

Abstract

The article provides a comparative analysis of the European and domestic approach to the policy of voluntary association of territorial communities. The author conducted a study of key areas of local government reform in Ukraine and European countries. The paper describes the dynamics of the formation of territorial communities, the basic concepts, principles and conditions of voluntary association of territorial communities. The domestic normative-legal provision of the relations arising in the process of formation of capable communities is characterized.

The paper analyzes the general aspects of decentralization reform on the example of European Union member states. The practical experience in the reforms of the former post-socialist countries was studied. The author notes that the use of European experience in reforming local public authorities serves as a good basis for decentralization reform in Ukraine and to achieve effective changes in the system of governance, financing, modernization of small communities in Ukraine.

The paper notes that the reform of decentralization has already led to significant changes in Ukrainian society, in public administration, as well as in the system of local self-government. Since the adoption of the Concept of Local Self-Government Reform and Territorial Organization of Power in Ukraine in 2014, a legal framework for large-scale local self-government reform has been created and practical experience has been gained.

The author shows that the policy of voluntary association of territorial communities should take into account the existing historical experience of such reforms. Analysis of domestic and European experience in reforming local self-government and forming capable communities shows that the policy of consolidation of territorial communities is one of the important ways to create an effective system of local self-government. Ukraine’s state policy in the field of local self-government is based on the interests of residents of territorial communities, which has led to the decentralization of power through the transfer of powers, resources and responsibilities from local self-government bodies. Based on this policy, the provisions of the European Charter of Local Self-Government and the best practices of European countries are laid down.