On August 25, the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, civil society organizations, and international partners held a consultative meeting to prepare for the screening with the European Commission under the negotiating chapter 22, Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments.

Negotiating Chapter 22 “Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments” is part of the negotiation process on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, which concerns regional policy and the management of EU structural funds. This is one of the key chapters that must be agreed with the EU as part of the preparations for membership.

It covers issues related to EU regional policy, in particular cohesion policy, as well as the rules and practices for the use of EU structural and investment funds. These are mechanisms aimed at balancing development between more and less developed regions, ensuring the institutional capacity of the state for effective management and transparent use of these funds, and creating control and monitoring systems.

“Consultations with civil society in the framework of the European integration is a process. I am happy that this consultation was practical and structured. This space can become a valuable expert support for the Ministry,” said Natalia Starostenko, Sector manager on Regional and Local Development at the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

During the event, participants discussed the current status of preparation for screening and the role of civil society within European integration. The Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy presented the related Polish experience for review.

“For Ukraine, Chapter 22 of the negotiations is key, as it defines how prepared we are to integrate European standards of regional policy and the mechanisms for coordination of structural instruments. We are building a systemic preparation for the screening, and the involvement of civil society and partners makes this process comprehensive and substantive. Our task is to guarantee that European integration is felt not only at the national level, but also in every community,” noted Oleksiy Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.

Among the participants of the event were representatives of Ukrainian CSOs: experts from ISAR Ednannia, East Europe Foundation, Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting, Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDEM), Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research, Western Ukrainian Resource Center, Center for Local Government Quality, Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities, and others; and international partners: European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM); Center for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD); Office for Polish-Ukrainian Development of the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy of the Republic of Poland; representatives of the U-LEAD with Europe Program and the OECD-Ukraine Liaison Office.

“We are happy to join these consultations as we realize the value of various sectors being involved to ensure a successful European integration process. East Europe Foundation operates side by side with the state, civil society, and international partners. Interaction and honest communication – at the national level and at the community level – may ensure implementation of effective changes,” noted Victor Liakh, President of East Europe Foundation.

During the discussion, participants showed the results of various studies and surveys on the CSO readiness to participate in European integration processes, as well as expertise and challenges facing communities on this path.

“Our study, conducted since 2022, has shown that over 80% of CSOs continue with their missions, maintain their expertise, and remain a driving force for community development and the improvement of people’s quality of life. This trend is only strengthening in the context of Ukraine’s European integration path. That is why we continue to support and advocate for the work of civil society organizations – both in communities and in the country in general,” said Volodymyr Sheyhus, Executive Director of ISAR Ednannia.

The event was held within the following projects: the Phoenix: The Power of Communities, implemented by East Europe Foundation with the support of the European Union, and the Unity for the Community, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, also with the support of the European Union. The roundtable discussion was organized in partnership with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.