Final Grant Report for the Development of the expertise-and-analytical capacity for the All-Ukrainian Association of Village and Settlement Councils and providing advisory and legal aid to its members

The project aimed to develop the expertise-and-analytical capacity for the All-Ukrainian Association of Village and Settlement Councils and provide advisory and legal aid to its members. The project's main objectives included publishing a practical guide for village and settlement heads, supporting the release of the All-Ukrainian Association's newspaper, creating an effective expert-analytical center, and providing support to local authorities in preparing projects and programs for social and economic development. The project also aimed to improve the exchange of experience and best practices in applying legislation, making administrative decisions, and participating in working groups of the Public Councils at the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine and the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine. The project achieved several key outcomes, including the publication and distribution of a practical guide for village and settlement heads, the release of 10 issues of the All-Ukrainian Association's newspaper, and the creation of an effective expert-analytical center. The center provided support to local authorities in preparing projects and programs for social and economic development, participated in working groups of the Public Councils, and developed proposals for improving the legislative, financial, and economic conditions for small agricultural producers. The project also organized several events, including press conferences, seminars, and conferences, to promote the activities of the All-Ukrainian Association and provide information to the public. The association's website and social media pages were regularly updated to provide information on the association's activities and promote the exchange of experience and best practices among village and settlement heads. The project's results showed a positive trend in the development of the expert-analytical center in cooperation with village and settlement heads. The publication of professional literature, information booklets, and the All-Ukrainian Association's newspaper, as well as the organization of seminars, conferences, and the dissemination of information through mass media, contributed to this trend. The number of interested village and settlement heads in the information provided by the association increased, and they began to understand the need to work together and improve their skills. The project's lessons learned highlighted the importance of maintaining a constant contact with village and settlement heads to achieve the maximum effect of the implemented measures to promote the expert-analytical center. The association recognized the need to continue promoting the center through direct dialogue with experts, scientists, officials, and village and settlement heads. Establishing a legal and regulatory framework for village and settlement communities was also considered essential. The project's recommendations included continuing the activity of promoting the expert-analytical center through direct dialogue with experts, scientists, officials, and village and settlement heads. Establishing a legal and regulatory framework for village and settlement communities was also considered essential. The association's membership showed a stable increase during the project period, from 8561 members in June 2013 to 8578 members in September and October 2014. The association's authority and reputation grew due to its active public position and participation in various events in Ukraine and abroad.