The reform of the administrative and territorial structure of Ukraine: results and challenges

Abstract

The territorial organization of the state plays a key role in ensuring optimal solutions to the problems and functions of society and the state. Most modern countries differ in their internal organizational structure, i.e. the method of territorial division, the number of administrative-territorial units, autonomous units, their authorities, the method of formation, as well as the degree of centralization (decentralization) of state power. The organization of public power, stability of inter-government relations, ensuring sustainable development, meeting the needs and interests of the population depend on the administrative-territorial structure 1 . The Constitution of Ukraine defines the basic principles of the territorial structure of Ukraine, the system of administrative-territorial units of our country, taking into account economic, historical, geographical, environmental, demographic characteristics, ethnic and cultural traditions. However, since the declaration of independence of Ukraine, discussions have begun on the need to reform the existing administrative-territorial structure 2 . Attempts to implement constitutional, administrative, municipal, and other reforms in Ukraine have not yet led to successful results in this area. This issue is important in the current situation when the search for the optimal model of the administrative-territorial structure of Ukraine is being carried out. History shows that destructive trends in countries are a consequence of the lack of a balanced management system, its territorial organization, primarily a balanced administrative-territorial division, and the status of administrative-territorial units 3 . Optimally organized geographically and