- ІНСТИТУТ СХІД-ЗАХІД

PROJECTS

NARDA

PROJECT ON COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (PCaRD)

EU ACCESSION: PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR UKRAINE'S RELATIONS WITH ITS CENTRAL EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURS

BLACK SEA STRATEGY GROUP

UKRAINIAN REGIONAL REPORT

UKRAINE AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES (NARDA) SUPPORT NETWORK

One of the fundamental obstacles to reform and development in Ukraine has been the ongoing dominance of centralized governance and decision-making. However, there is a growing understanding and acceptance of the need to work towards modern regional policies, based on key European principles of partnership, decentralization, programming and concentration. In May 2001, a window of opportunity for strong and effective regionally oriented development of Ukraine was opened with a Presidential Regional Policy Decree outlining the principles and approaches that will be applied to regional policies and development. The Decree distinguishes Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) as potential partners and supports the involvement of RDAs in the design of regional development strategies. Regional governments are encouraged to consult RDAs, but will only work with those that show sufficient organizational capacity. This capacity is currently lacking in many cases.

As a result of EastWest Institute unique and active role in community and regional development in Ukraine, in April 2001, a number of leading Ukrainian RDAs formed an association, the Ukrainian National Association of Regional Development Agencies (NARDA). Recognizing EWI strong role and active position in promoting decentralization of power in Ukraine NARDA had addressed the Institute with a request to strengthen the capacities of NARDA and member organizations to promote sustainable regional development in Ukraine.

Project was launched in June 2002 and has passed its first stage – Development of NARDA Strategic Plan to provide that this vital for good governance in Ukraine institution effectively promotes regional development in an inclusive and representative manner, encourages consultations on policy formulation and execution regarding sustainable regional development issues among government, business, academic and non-profit organizations.

Financial Source: Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

Events:

Project Manager – Mr. Yuri Tretyak (e-mail: ytretyak@iews.org ).

Project Co-Director - Mr. Derek Fraser (e-mail: fraserd@uvic.ca )