ТЕОРЕТИЧНІ АСПЕКТИ ФЕНОМЕНУ «ТЕРИТОРІАЛЬНА ГРОМАДА»: ПОНЯТТЯ ТА ОЗНАКИ

Abstract

European integration processes and their intensity have given the impetus to the decentralization of power in Ukraine, which are considered to be one of the most successful reforms at the present stage of the country development. The redistribution of power and resources between the state and local governments involves systemic tools usage in regulating the socio-economic space and achieving macroeconomic stability of territories and the state in general. European models and modern approaches to municipal governance, the development of local democracy were the basis for changes in the territorial organization of power. In the system of local self-government of Ukraine, the key-place belongs to territorial communities that are the subjects of public authority, the primary bearers of functions and powers at the local level. The territorial community is a powerful lever in stimulating the economic activity of the territory through strategic planning of domestic development aimed to improve the economy, living standards and welfare of citizens, meeting the interests, needs, rights and freedoms of man. Strengthening the role of the territorial community, as a guarantor in ensuring the organization of its own life, requires theoretical understanding and study of the essence of this concept as a socio-economic the phenomenon of local government. The article considers the characteristic features of territorial communities in the general theoretical and methodological aspect. A review of scientific approaches to defining the concept of "territorial community" by foreign and Ukrainian researchers through the local government prism, which is relevant at the present stage of socio-economic growth, was conducted. Theoretical aspects of this phenomenon essence in the process of theory and approach development by highlighting the community characteristics are pointed out. A systematic analysis of theoretical discussions of classification features and scientific approaches is conducted. The peculiarities of the concept of "territorial community" as a political, social and economic phenomenon of local self-government are investigated. Based on various foreign and domestic researches on this question, the own conceptual approach on definite characteristic criteria is formed.