LEGAL SUPPORT OF THE MUNICIPAL REFORM IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article analyzes the legal support of the reform of public authority decentralization in Ukraine. In this regard, we have indicated the normative legal acts, which laid the conceptual foundations of the municipal reform, in particular, the Concept for the Reform of Local Self-Government and Territorial Organization of Power in Ukraine, approved by the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of April 1, 2014, the Law of Ukraine «On Principles of State Regional Policy» of February 5, 2015, «Strategy − 2020», approved by the Decree of the President of Ukraine of January 15, 2015, No. 5/2015. Also, attention is focused on the Draft Law of Ukraine «On Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine (with regard to the decentralization of power)», previously approved by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on August 31, 2015, the final adoption of which is unjustifiably delayed. We have also indicated the legislative acts which created the legal basis for the formation of economically and financially viable territorial communities, as well as enhanced the process of community consolidation, in particular, the Law of Ukraine «On Cooperation of Territorial Communities» of June 17, 2014 and the Law of Ukraine «On Voluntary Association of Territorial Communities» of February 5, 2015, as amended. However, particular attention is paid to characterizing the draft legislative acts, which are to be addressed and adopted by the Parliament at the earliest possible time to successfully promote the local self-government reform, as well as to complete the process of association of territorial communities in Ukraine. In particular, it refers to the Law of Ukraine «On Principles of the Administrative and Territorial Order of Ukraine», the Law of Ukraine «On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine «On Voluntary Association of Territorial Communities (with regard to the perspective plans for the formation of territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, regions)», the Law of Ukraine «On Amendments to the Law «On Regulation of Urban Development», the Law of Ukraine «On the Amendments to the Law of Ukraine «On Service in Bodies of Local Self-Government», the Law of Ukraine «On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine «On Civil Registration» and some other legislative acts of Ukraine on decentralization and bringing administrative services in the civil registration sphere closer to citizens.» We have concluded that, based on the real configuration of affairs regarding the formation of capable communities in Ukraine and taking into account foreign experience, it is considered appropriate to complete the municipal reform by administrative means by the next local elections in 2020.