In April, the Fifth Session of the High-Level Dialogue on “Good Democratic Governance in Ukraine: Achievements, Challenges and the Way Forward in Post-War Period” took place in Strasbourg. The event became an important platform for discussing the legal framework for multi-level governance and the upcoming elections in Ukraine within the context of the war and the post-war period. Olga Aivazovska, Chair of the Board of the Civil Network OPORA and an expert at ICUV, also took part in the discussion.

The event brought together representatives of the Verkhovna Rada and the Government of Ukraine, the Central Election Commission, the security sector and regulatory bodies, as well as international partners, including representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and the Venice Commission.

“I really hope that the experts from international organisations who will be analysing the draft decisions will have a thorough understanding of the Ukrainian context, which will help them provide recommendations that are truly optimal, rather than merely meeting the formal requirements of the standards”.

Olga Aivazovska, Chair of the Board of the Civil Network OPORA and an expert at ICUV

The first day of the dialogue was dedicated to the reform of multi-level governance. Participants discussed updating the Concept of Decentralisation Reform, the allocation of powers in line with resources, and the restoration of local self-government in de-occupied and frontline territories.

Mathieu Moret, Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, emphasised that support for Ukraine will remain strong:

“Congress will continue to support Ukraine by providing legislative assistance, political advice, capacity-building for local and regional authorities, and efforts to strengthen public participation in the decision-making process”

Mathieu Moret, Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

On the second day of the Dialogue, participants discussed the key challenges currently of concern to many namely, the conduct of safe, credible and sustainable democratic elections following the end of the war, including the establishment of the legal and organisational framework for future elections, security risks, and countering disinformation and foreign interference.