Today, on 18 December, the Boryslav City Council made a historic decision by approving the Charter of the Boryslav Urban Community. This decision was made on the basis of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Local Self-Government in Ukraine’, the Law of Ukraine ‘On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding People’s Power at the Local Self-Government Level’, and the European Charter of Local Self-Government, to create conditions for community residents to exercise their right for participation in resolving issues of local importance.

The Boryslav community is one of the leaders

The approval of the Charter was an important step, as the Boryslav community is one of the first ten communities in Ukraine to approve their charters based on the updated recommendations of the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories within the framework of the Polaris ‘Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine’ Programme. The development of the document involved extensive public discussion, including consultations with the public, public debates, and public hearings. The final version was approved by a working group and a standing committee of councillors.

New opportunities for every resident

The new Charter considerably increases the scope for direct democracy and reduces bureaucratic obstacles.

Integration of IDPs: This document officially recognises internally displaced persons as full members of the community, granting them the right to participate in local democratic processes.

Youth participation: Young people have the right to initiate and participate in most forms of participation from the age of 14.

Removing barriers: The number of signatures required to initiate procedures has been significantly reduced.

Key instruments of public participation enshrined in the Charter:

General meetings (conferences) of residents: Allow local residents to discuss and make decisions on issues of local importance, which the city council must consider.

Local initiative: Gives residents the opportunity to independently submit a draft decision or issue for consideration by the city council.

Public hearings: Provide for the discussion of important local issues (including the adoption or amendment of the Charter and the draft budget) with councillors and officials. The submitted proposals are subject to mandatory consideration.

Electronic petitions: A special form of collective appeal, which is considered by the city council if it collects at least 100 signatures from citizens within 60 days.

Participatory budgeting: A form of participation that enables residents to prepare, submit, and vote on projects designed to improve community life and which are funded by the community budget.

Advisory bodies: Facilitate the involvement of residents (such as Youth Councils and IDP Councils) in developing decisions and making proposals.

Public evaluation: A form of public control which enables public associations, unions, and self-organised bodies to analyse the activities of the authorities, and to present their findings and recommendations for improvement.

Mayor Ihor Yavorskyi emphasised the importance of approving the document, and thanked all those who contributed to its development, ‘I am pleased that, with the help of experts, our Charter has become something we can all be proud of. Experts have noted that it will serve as an example for other Ukrainian communities to learn from. I would like to thank the working group, and I am confident that this charter will be put to good use by the community’s residents.’

The decision to approve the Charter repeals the previous decision of the Boryslav City Council No. 697 of 31 May 2017 ‘On the Approval of the Charter of the City of Boryslav Community’ and comes into force on the day of its official publication.