Local Governance Central to Ukraine’s Reconstruction, Council of Europe Emphasizes

The Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities has identified the decentralization of power as a mechanism for Ukraine’s recovery and European Union accession. According to Congress Vice-President Konstantinos Koukas, effective reconstruction relies on empowering Ukrainian municipalities to manage local infrastructure, as over 70% of the EU acquis is implemented at the local and regional level.

Why Decentralization Drives Reconstruction

The push for local autonomy is rooted in the success of Ukraine’s decentralization reform. According to the Council of Europe, Ukraine’s decentralisation reform had been a cornerstone of its wartime resilience.

Mathieu Mori, Congress Secretary General, stated that physical infrastructure projects—often called “bricks and mortar” efforts—cannot succeed without transparent and autonomous local institutions. The Council maintains that because local leaders are closer to the needs of their citizens, they are better positioned to ensure accountability and the rule of law during the reconstruction process.

Integrating Youth into Local Decision-Making

Reconstruction efforts are increasingly focusing on the reintegration of children and young people. Vice-President Koukas has advocated for a model where local authorities are empowered to rebuild child-friendly infrastructure.

The Council of Europe’s Congress is currently implementing action in Ukraine aimed at involving children and young people in local decision making. By involving younger generations in the planning stages of reconstruction, the Council aims to ensure that the rebuilt democratic institutions reflect the priorities of those who will inhabit them in the coming decades.

Comparing Reconstruction Frameworks

The debate over how to rebuild Ukraine often pits centralized state-led planning against decentralized, community-driven development.

| Approach | Focus | Primary Benefit |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Centralized | National infrastructure & energy grids | Speed and large-scale resource allocation |
| Decentralized | Local services, housing, & education | Higher transparency and community trust |

While national-level planning is necessary for major transport and energy security, the Council of Europe argues that the decentralized model provides the resilience required for EU integration. The European Union’s own accession criteria place a heavy emphasis on the strength of local governance, as the majority of the “EU acquis”—the body of common rights and obligations—is executed at the municipal level.

What Happens Next

The focus remains on aligning Ukrainian municipal legislation with Council of Europe standards. The Congress intends to continue its work to ensure that local authorities are recognised as strategic partners and integral decision-makers.

For Ukraine, the challenge lies in balancing the immediate need for rapid physical reconstruction with the complex process of building transparent, democratic institutions. The Council of Europe’s stance is clear: Ukraine’s sustainable recovery requires a robust, decentralised framework where local authorities are recognised as strategic partners and integral decision-makers.