With assistance from the Centre of East European and International Research (ZOiS, Germany), the New Europe centre analysts have prepared research "The connection between decentralisation and European integration".

One of the main conclusions made by the researchers after a series of interviews is as follows: experience exchange, studies and assistance in establishing contacts are sometimes more important than financial support. According to the scientists, decentralisation in Ukraine contributes to interpersonal contacts between Ukrainians and EU citizens. The reform beginning was related to the set of programmes and initiatives aimed at the transfer of the European experience in the sphere of decentralisation to Ukrainians.