On March 7, representatives of 8 key national institutions and three all-Ukrainian associations completed a study and work visit to Stockholm dedicated to multi-level governance practices. The event was held as part of the Polaris Programme "Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine". The visit focused on decentralisation, financial delineation of powers, and strategic planning for territorial development.

 

"We believe that alliances and multi-level governance are vital to democratic development. A resilient society strategy invariably rests upon partnerships, and we highly value our enduring partnership with Ukraine—honoring our shared history while embracing an expanded landscape of future initiatives and synergy", — said Anders Henriksson, President of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR).

Anders Henriksson, President of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), during his address

 

"Studying best global practices helps strengthen the capacity and inclusiveness of hromadas. This exchange of experience provides a better understanding of how to build effective governance and strategically plan territorial development. We are grateful to the Polaris Programme, SALAR International, and the people and Government of the Kingdom of Sweden for the support and partnership that enables Ukraine to implement European approaches to hromada development," stated Oleksiy Ryabykin, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, welcoming the visit.

Three days in Stockholm covered the key elements of the Swedish model: the delegation held meetings with members of the Constitutional Affairs and Finance Committees of the Riksdag (Sweden's parliament), the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Rural Affairs and Infrastructure, the Statskontoret Agency for Financial and Public Administration, the Tax Agency, the National Government Service Centers, and the Council for Municipal Monitoring and Analysis — exploring the entire governance chain from policy-making to service delivery.

 

Ukrainian Delegation at the Riksdag

 

"Thank you to the organizers for a meaningful event that allowed us to address key issues in a short time. I would especially like to emphasize the value of engaging with colleagues from ministries, state agencies, and associations: such a direct exchange of experience is vital. After all, the success of reforms depends not only on the chosen models but also on the interaction between the people who bring these changes to life," noted Olena Shuliak, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on State Power, Local Self-Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning.

In the Stockholm Royal Seaport — Sweden's largest urban development area, with plans for 12,000 new homes and 35,000 workplaces — the delegation met with Anders Österberg, Vice Mayor of Stockholm, Staffan Lorentz, Head of Development for the project, and their colleagues to study sustainable reconstruction practices and the transformation of this former industrial zone into one of the world's most technologically advanced eco-districts. Exploring the Swedish approach to sustainable development and coordination between different levels of government served as a continuation of the dialogue on multi-level governance.  

This format of partnership, where practical solutions are combined with a strategic vision, reflects the shared path of Ukraine and Sweden: "Ukraine's integration is not only about expanding the borders of the EU but also about strengthening the security of the democratic world. Sweden demonstrates solidarity with Ukraine at all levels: from political decisions in Stockholm to support for hromadas and partnerships in the defense industry. By implementing common governance standards, we are strengthening the foundation for a unified security and industrial space," emphasized Olena Sotnyk, Advisor to the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine.

 

Stockholm Royal Seaport. Source: Lennart Johansson, City of Stockholm

 

The implementation of these strategic goals in practice largely depends on the capacity of hromadas. A deep dive into the expertise of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions demonstrated the vital importance of their ability to maintain a dialogue with the government and effectively represent the interests of local self-government at the EU level. This experience serves as the very foundation for the Polaris Programme’s activities and its support for Ukrainian hromadas in becoming proactive participants in recovery and confidently implementing European governance standards on the ground.

 

Meeting with the members of the Riksdag Committee on the Constitution

 

Ivan Slobodyanyk, Executive Director of the All-Ukrainian Association of Hromadas (AUH), underscored the value of this partnership:

"For our Association, cooperation with the Polaris Programme is an essential platform for dialogue on governance standards and preparing communities for EU accession. We value the opportunity to learn from the experience of our Swedish partners in strengthening local self-government and territorial development. This interaction creates a reliable base for our further joint work aimed at the sustainable development of Ukrainian hromadas."

Participants of the study and work visit from all-Ukrainian local government associations and a representative of the National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service 

 

The study and work visit was attended by representatives of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, the Office of the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, the National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service, the Office of the President of Ukraine, the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, as well as representatives of three all-Ukrainian associations of local self-government.