Donetsk (UA), 15 July 2008

A conference hosted by the Donetsk Oblast (UA) with the participation of 19 Ukrainian regions adopted a declaration* today that opens the door to more effective multi-level governance in that country.

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) organised today’s conference to help the regions of Ukraine – six of which are AER members – explore the diverse models of regional administrative and territorial structures in Europe. Politicians from Ukraine’s regional and state levels heard speakers from Spain, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria present their countries’ diverse regional structures. The conference also encouraged further debate among regional politicians on how Ukraine’s levels of government could better respect the principle of subsidiarity, so that decisions can be taken at the closest possible level to citizens.

Speaking at the conference, AER Secretary-General Klaus Klipp noted:

“The fact that the regions have come together today – regardless of political colour – is a welcome sign that these politicians really care about the future of their citizens. And the fact that they are listening to how other European countries have structured their regions and debating how best to adapt those structures to the Ukraine demonstrates that they believe their regions’ rightful place to be within the EU.”

Download the Donetsk Declaration:

For more information: info@aer.eu