Quarterly Report: Development Initiative for Advocating Local Governance in Ukraine (DIALOGUE) Project

The project's primary objective is to enhance the capacity of local governments to effectively implement reforms and improve their relationships with citizens. Key achievements in the reporting period include the completion of 60 draft legal and regulatory documents, with 6 of these documents being finalized and implemented. These documents support local self-governance and have come into effect, contributing to the decentralization process. The project also conducted 6 working sessions of AUC Professional Groups, established the AUC Energy Efficiency and Energy Security Professional Group, and participated in 25 working sessions of 6 ad-hoc parliamentary committees to promote the AUC position on draft legislation. The project's efforts in promoting decentralization reforms were further enhanced through the conduct of two consultative seminars for representatives of rayon significance cities and villages. Additionally, the project conducted 6 working sessions of Local Government Regional Advisory Boards and 7 national cohesion exchange study tours. These activities aimed to foster dialogue and cooperation among local governments, civil society, and the public sector. The project also provided 300 consultations to local governments, offering expert advice on various aspects of local governance. Furthermore, the project published and disseminated 3 issues of the "Herald" and 3 issues of the "Legislation News" professional legal publication, as well as 1 issue of the annual "Local Self-Governance in Ukraine in 20__" publication. These publications aimed to raise awareness about the importance of decentralization and provide information on best practices in local governance. In the reporting period, the project conducted expert workshops in AUC Regional Offices, with sessions held in Vinnytsya and Chernivtsi. These workshops aimed to provide technical assistance and support to local governments in implementing reforms. The project's activities in the reporting period demonstrate its commitment to promoting decentralization and enhancing the capacity of local governments to effectively implement reforms. The project's implementation in the reporting period has yielded significant outcomes, including the completion of draft legal and regulatory documents, the establishment of professional groups, and the conduct of working sessions and study tours. These achievements contribute to the project's overall objective of promoting an environment conducive for local government reforms and ensuring broad-based support for decentralization.