Decentralization is one of key reforms supported by EU – Zubko

The European Union is determined to continue cooperation with Ukraine. First of all, it concerns the support of reforms, the implementation of a roadmap and the provision of macro-financial assistance.

Vice Prime Minister - Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities of Ukraine Hennadiy Zubko said this on the air of TV Channel 5 while commenting on the results of the 21st EU-Ukraine summit held in Kyiv on Monday, July 8, the Government portal reported.

"Key topics of the EU-Ukraine summit were energy security, deregulation, implementation of the free trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU. Currently, trade turnover with the European Union has already reached USD 50 billion. But, the most important thing is to support both decentralization and energy efficiency reforms," Zubko said.

During the summit, five new agreements were signed between Ukraine and the EU for a total sum of EUR 119 million. One of those, signed by Hennadiy Zubko and European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, concerned further support for decentralization - the Agreement on Financing the Second Phase of the U-LEAD with Europe Programme worth EUR 40 million.

The official told that the first phase of the program had begun three years ago and among its key goals were two directions – the establishment of communities and long-term plans, support for communities and support during the first months of work. The second area concerned the setting up of centers for the administrative services provision: the introduction of standards for efficiency and quality of work.

The second phase of the program deals most with the implementation of infrastructure projects and strengthening the work of 24 regional offices, which help to establish cooperation among communities, attract investment and develop the communities themselves, Zubko said.