Decentralization reform must be successfully completed as soon as possible – Chernyshov

Decentralization reform is an important priority for Ukraine and it must be successfully completed as soon as possible, according to Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Chernyshov.

He said this at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine in Khmelnytskyi, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"I am convinced that the fact that decentralization reform is an important priority for our state is indisputable for all those present. It is a complex, political, organizational process that requires a concerted effort. I would like to thank President Volodymyr Zelensky, the government and parliament for taking decisive steps to advance this reform. With such huge support – both internal and external support – it is important for us to bring it to a successful conclusion in the near future," Chernyshov said.

Chernyshov also expressed hope that the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities would become a central platform for agreeing on the positions of all parties on regional development.

He noted that the most important thing in the context of decentralization reform were future amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine regarding this reform and the new wording of the law "On Local Self-Government in Ukraine."

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities took place under the chairmanship of President Volodymyr Zelensky and with the participation of Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak, Deputy Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Tymoshenko and representatives of local and regional authorities.