Ukraina

Abstract

The territorial structure of Ukraine is based on the principles of unity and indivisibility of the state territory, the combination of centralisation and decentralisation in the exercise of state power. The system of the administrative and territorial structure of Ukraine is composed of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, oblasts, districts, cities, city districts, settlements and villages. Ukraine’s current administrative system is typified by a high level of centralization of functions and concentration of resources at the county and oblast levels. In addition, there is an enormous gap in the economic and demographic profiles of communities and counties. The current situation actually hampers the development of proper local government in villages, towns and county-level cities. According to the Constitution, there are two centres of power at oblast and county levels: an appointed state administration and an elected council. A slew of conflicts between the state government and local governments are written into legislation. Local government legislation also fails to clearly divide powers, duties and responsibilities among different levels of local government – communities, counties and oblasts. State and local budget policy makes local development impossible today. Most communities do not even hale development budgets, and all resources are directed at covering day-to-day needs. One major factor underlying current problems in local government in Ukraine is also the lack of professionals, especially in local governments. Proportional elections to municipal and oblast councils have led to a situation where these bodies often represent party interests, but not the interests of their electorates.