On 1 May 2026, Lviv hosted the presentation of methodological recommendations on the institutional development of local government associations
On 1 May 2026, Lviv hosted the presentation of methodological recommendations on the institutional development of local government associations, developed by the Polaris Programme: Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine. The event was organised with the support of the Lvivshchyna Council Association and the Lviv Oblast Council.
The aim of the event was to present a systematic approach to strengthening the institutional capacity of local government associations as key actors of multilevel governance, as well as their role in Ukraine’s decentralisation and European integration processes.
During the opening session, representatives of central and regional authorities addressed the participants. In particular, welcome remarks were delivered by Oleksii Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, and Yaroslav Hasiak, Chief of Staff of the Lviv Oblast Council.
During the event, the methodological recommendations developed by experts – Aider Seitosmanov, Magnus Lilljeström, Krzysztof Stanowski, Yuliia Savelieva, and Serhii Sharshov – were presented. The recommendations are based on European experience, particularly from Sweden and Poland. Special attention was paid to the evolution of local self-government in these countries and the role of associations in building effective governance systems.
The practical dimension of the event was ensured through a facilitated discussion with representatives of local government associations, focusing on the key challenges they face in Ukraine. Participants emphasised the need to move from a predominantly regulatory framework to the implementation of practical and effective tools for change.
An important part of the programme was a session on cooperation and coordination, which explored interaction between local government associations, public authorities, international partners, and civil society. Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation, forming a unified position for effective advocacy of hromadas’ interests, and implementing the proposed recommendations in practice.
The presentation marked an important step towards strengthening the institutional capacity of local government associations and advancing effective multilevel governance in Ukraine.
A recording of the event is available at the link (passcode:
