On 6–7 August, the Polaris Programme team began a series of working visits to ten partner hromadas within the “Citizedn Engagement on the Local Level” component. The aim is to assess the state of public participation and cooperation between local self-government and civil society, and to support hromadas in developing their own Statutes.
The first hromadas visited by programme experts Pavlo Pushchenko and Nataliia Chuiko were Kuyalnyk (6 August) and Dobroslav (7 August) in Odesa Oblast.
Visit Programme: From Introductions to Concrete Decisions
Each working visit included:
• meeting with hromada leadership and presenting the Polaris Programme;
• introduction to the working group drafting the Statute;
• discussion of pressing issues in developing the document and providing recommendations;
• identifying priority topics for an information campaign on participation tools, with support from Polaris;
• holding an information session for deputies, starostas, and active residents on the importance of the Statute and participation mechanisms.
Why Now Is a Key Moment for Adopting Statutes
By the end of 2026, all hromadas in Ukraine must adopt updated Statutes based on amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Local Self-Government” concerning people’s participation in local governance. Polaris partner hromadas are among the first in the country to develop these documents in line with modern requirements.
The model Statute developed by the working group at the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development serves as the basis, but each hromada adapts it to its local context, needs, and priorities. Expert support is provided not only by Polaris specialists, but also by the Ukrainian Centre for Independent Political Research.
Kuyalnyk Hromada: Towards Openness and Trust
In Kuyalnyk hromada, participants included Village Head Serhii Palamarchuk, Deputy for Economic Affairs Sofiia Khodiuk, Council Secretary Tetiana Kostiuk, members of the Statute working group, representatives of civil society organisations, veterans, internally displaced persons, and youth.
“The Statute is not just a formal document – it is a key tool for building transparent and open governance. Through it, the hromada establishes clear rules for participation, engages residents in decision-making, and strengthens the accountability of the authorities. At the same time, a model Statute cannot be universal – it must be adapted to the needs, specifics, and values of each hromada,” emphasised Serhii Palamarchuk.
Dobroslav Hromada: Focus on Dialogue and Youth Participation
On 7 August, Dobroslav Village Council hosted an open meeting between hromada residents and Polaris experts. The discussion focused on ways to enhance citizen engagement in governance, public participation tools, the role of youth, and the involvement of civil society organisations in decision-making.
The meeting took place in a live dialogue format, and after the open session, the Statute working group met to approve the future Statute’s structure and define mechanisms for residents’ participation in local governance.
“The document is intended not only to regulate interaction between the authorities and the hromada, but also to enshrine effective tools that enable every resident to be an active participant in hromada life. We want people to feel ownership over decisions, and for the authorities to be as open as possible,” said Council Secretary and working group coordinator Oksana Voloshchuk.
From Tools on Paper to Real Change in the Hromada
Polaris expert Pavlo Pushchenko stressed:
“The Statute is not about paperwork – it’s about trust. It guarantees every resident that their voice will be heard and the authorities’ actions will be transparent and clear. Our goal is to help hromadas not just adopt a Statute, but turn it into a living tool for interaction between the authorities and the people.”
Participants also discussed mechanisms for government accountability: reports from executive bodies twice a year, at least annual reports from deputies, and opportunities for residents to ask questions both online and offline.
Next Steps
By the end of the year, all ten partner hromadas plan to complete public discussions and adopt their Statutes. In autumn, broad information campaigns will be launched in partner hromadas to explain how the new Statute will help residents influence hromada life. Polaris will continue to provide methodological and advisory support at every stage of this process.
Photos: Polaris experts and hromada websites
