Administrative-territorial Reform Research Articles

ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ КАДРОВОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ ОБ'ЄДНАНИХ ТЕРИТОРІАЛЬНИХ ГРОМАД В УКРАЇНІ

Systematic work on the formation, improvement and development of human resources is the key to the effective functioning and stable operation of the entire civil service system in the country. Ongoing work on training is relevant both for the capital and for the most remote and smallest settlements of Ukraine. However, while in large cities, staffing is usually not a problem, it is a critical issue for the newly formed united territorial communities across the country. The reform of decentralization of power and the transfer of a number of competencies to local governments have revealed an acute shortage of people who would have the necessary competencies and knowledge to implement the ideas laid down in the reform. Some settlements of our country are actively continuing to lose their human potential. They suffer from urbanization, internal migration, demographic crisis, and so on. This is what makes it necessary to develop and implement a national human resources development program in order to effectively complete the implementation of decentralization reform and establish the further functioning of local government in newly created communities. The article theoretically substantiates the need to develop an effective system of human resources development of the regions of Ukraine, taking into account European experience and international standards in this area. The analysis and systematization of scientific sources revealed that the newly created united territorial communities, which were created as a result of administrative-territorial reform, faced the problem of lack of competent staff, which makes it impossible for them to perform new functions. The study analyzed the European experience in forming a system of human resources development, highlighted the current problems in domestic personnel policy, identified a number of recommendations for improving human resource management processes in Ukraine.

DECENTRALIZATION, SUBREGIONAL LEVEL AND JUDICIAL DISTRICTS IN COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD: FROM NATIONALISM TO ULTRACENTRISM

In this article the author gives examples of functioning of administrative-territorial models in France, Spain and Italy, comparing them with Ukraine. The work highlights the features of the municipal, subregional, regional and central levels of government and self-government in these countries. According to the author, mentioned unitary countries of the European Union, known for their high level of decentralization, have a similar principle of administrative-territorial structure. The implementation of regional policy in Ukraine today is somewhat centralized and inefficient. The work reveals the main levers of influence on the effectiveness of management and self-government at different territorial levels. During the reading, the significance and functions of the subregional level (districts) of governance in Ukraine is being rethought. The work affects not only the functions of public administrations in Ukraine, but also the executive territorial and judicial authorities, the impact of administrative-territorial reform on their reorganization. The author suggests that the right to regional self-government and the status of regional communities (soft regionalization) should be recognized in Ukraine, which will directly affect the integration of citizens and the realization of their fundamental rights. The article proposes designs of territorial structure, which would allow to institutionally separate the functions of subregional and regional management and administration bodies in Ukraine, which is required by the unitary structure of the state enshrined in the Constitution. For the most part, few people understand the significance of Ukraine's subregional reform and the challenges and prospects it brings, so that is why this paper reveals the main mechanisms and differences in the functioning of administrative-territorial models in Europe. In general, the author develops ethnocentric positions. The article states that the vague definition of community status in the legislation leads to ambiguous judicial practice. The content of judicial districts is revealed as a rather complex, but also important component of administrative-territorial divisions in a unitary decentralized state. The author also gives an example of the Spanish experience of decentralization which affected the fact that the return to historical (monarchical) traditions in this state led to a powerful outpouring of decentralization of power.

ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL REFORM IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA: REALITY, NECESSITY AND CHALLENGE

The paper’s author analyzes the administrative-territorial reform in the Republic of Moldova in terms of 3 issues addressed: existing reality, perceived necessity, and challenges to face. To achieve the said purpose, the author’s opinions have been confronted with existing legislative framework and with opinions expressed by foreign and domestic experts, as well as with lessons learned from reforms already implemented. The need for such a study has been dictated by the fact that the problems of reforms have been either approached during forums and discussion platforms, or in studies developed by foreign experts. There is, however, a need for a scientific approach. At the end of the paper challenges of an eventual reform have been listed, as identified by the paper’s author.

Համայնքների խոշորացման ազդեցությունը ՏԻՄ լիազորությունների արդյունավետ իրականացման համատեքստում (Ջերմուկ խոշորացված համայնքի օրինակով)/Impact of Community Amalgamation in the Context of Effective Implementation of Local Government Powers (Example of Jermuk Amalgamated Community)

The processes of administrative-territorial reforms taking place in the Republic of Armenia in recent years, in particular, the process of community amalgamation, have created new opportunities for the viability boost of communities, resulting in a positive scale effect. A significant increase in public service expenditure has been observed in small communities that are part of an amalgamated community. Expenditures on education, housing construction, utilities, transportation, garbage collection, culture, and social security have increased significantly. At the same time, the expenditure ratios in large communities have remained almost unchanged. There are several reasons for this problem, including the implementation of the powers defined by law, their significant inconsistency with the community budget, inexplicit legislative definitions of the powers, and the absence of an evaluation system for their implementation. In such circumstances, there is a need to evaluate the impact of community amalgamation on the implementation power defined by law. Even with the fact that more than half of the community budget revenue is from the state budget, the communities in the pre-amalgamation and post-amalgamation periods continued to implement a limited number of powers and act as the minimum community service provider. The Law on local self-government defines the scope of mandatory issues that apply equally to all communities, which, of course, requires the definition of these powers by specifying the concepts in the law, introducing an evaluation system for the implementation of these powers without ignoring the sectoral characteristics and the potential of the communities

Разноуровневое долгосрочное управление пространственным развитием в странах Балтии: подходы и модели

The article considers theoretical and applied aspects of long-term management of spatial development of the Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia) at three levels of management: national, regional and local within the framework of integration processes of the development and administrative-territorial reforms in 2009 (Lithuania), 2017–2019 (Estonia), 2019–2021 (Latvia). The authors give a review of theoretical and applied research on the main approaches and models of managing the spatial development strategy of these countries and their assessment. The review shows that the spatial development management strategy at the national, regional and local levels requires an integrated approach to structural changes in the Baltic States. This includes consolidation of administrative-territorial units within countries; correction of their roles, functions and interests; strengthening of investment and human resources to ensure integration processes; expansion of the space of common socio-cultural codes of life and behavior of multi-ethnic groups of the surveyed countries, and more. Research results show that there is a significant communication gap between the power elites of the vertical and horizontal levels of government in the Baltic States. The elimination of the communication gap is possible through a strong public organization of an intermediate level to manage the balanced spatial development of society. There is a need for active interaction of public authorities at all three levels of government: national, regional and local, in the interests of a single goal: to promote the uniform and long-term development of the entire territorial space of the Baltic States. Every resident of these countries should have the same opportunities and affordable services regardless of where he lives.

Організаційно-правові питання функціонування субмуніципального рівня управлІння в системі місцевого самоврядування

The article is devoted to organizational and legal issues of functioning of the sub-municipal level of government. The preliminary consequences of the administrative-territorial reform carried out by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in 2020, which is an important component of decentralization as the transfer of powers to provide public services to local governments should be accompanied by the consolidation of territorial communities, show some positive results. The author thoroughly analyzes that the domestic experience of functioning of new territorial communities, the experience of foreign countries allows to highlight the relevant negative aspects (legal, organizational, economic, social, etc.) that accompany the process of consolidation. It is determined that in communities with a large area of jurisdiction and a large number of settlements it is much more difficult to implement the requirements of relevant European documents for the development of local democracy, in particular, the Basic Principles of Democratic Participation at Local Level. The point of view of limiting the influence of negative factors that arose in the process of forming a new territorial basis of local self-government will allow the introduction of an auxiliary level of government in the system of local self-government. Two options for building a modern model of municipal governance in large communities and its organizational and legal support, taking into account European standards and principles. It is noted that the current legislation of Ukraine on selforganization of the population does not allow to fully reveal their potential as a sub-municipal level of community development and management, and does not meet the requirements of the current stage of reforming the territorial organization of power on the basis of decentralization. It is noted that the advantages of introducing support units are: decentralization, empowerment of local communities - individual and collective ability to influence decisions and plans for their community, bringing “power” to the people, improving the effectiveness of decisions and actions of local governments. Because on the ground much better awareness of the needs and current situation in the community, localization – at the level of local communities there are certain values, the loss of which is unacceptable – social ties, neighborhood, interaction. It is concluded that there is an urgent need to decentralize municipal government by introducing a full sub-municipal level in the system of local self-government, as well as legislative consolidation of Starostinsky districts as an auxiliary territorial level and determining the formation and operation of their representative and executive bodies.

Demographic profile of Gjirokastra region

Nowadays, demographic change is one of the key challenges for local development, without forgetting, climate change, development of the green economy, inclusiveness and poverty. Strategic solutions cannot be based on addressing one of these factors alone but must take into account the interplay of these elements within a particular local area of development, urban or rural. (Cristina Martinez&al,2012). According to the latest administrative-territorial reform of local government, the number of municipalities in Albania, has been reduced from 370 to 61 municipalities, while the number of regions still remained unchanged at 12. The reform does not imply changes in the number of population at the region level, but has brought drastic changes at the municipality level. While the population at the national and regional level has been declined, the population in the new administrative units has been “increased” almost doubled, due to the merger of the former municipalities with rural areas, “bringing” in the same-time multiplication of problems related to the need of implementing efficient management of natural and human resources of new administrative units. More specifically in January 1,2021, the Albanian resident population has reached about 2.82 million inhabitants or a decrease compared to last year for about 0,6% and compared to year 2001 for about 8.3%. The only exception during this period is the year 2017 in which a positive population growth rate was recorded for about 0.03%. The highest annual rate decline of the national population for the same period, was recorded in 2020, estimated for about -0,58 %. The greatest positive contribution to the annual growth rate of national population is "offered" by Tirana and Durrës municipalities, meanwhile the rest of municipalities have contributed negatively to the annual growth rate of population.

On the Political Aspects of Development of the System of State and Municipal Management in Ukraine

The article examines the history of the formation and reform of the system of state and municipal administration in Ukraine. In the conditions when the socio-political space of Ukraine is characterized by pronounced regionalism, and the issue of transition to a federal state system is excluded from the real political agenda, the nature of the development of the system of state and municipal administration can serve as a reflection of the ratio of centrifugal and centripetal trends in the internal political development of Ukraine. The article presents an analysis of the factors of internal political development of Ukraine that most influenced the formation of a centralized system of territorial administration in the country in the post- Soviet period and predetermined the weakness of local self-government, as well as the reasons for the failure of several attempts at reforms. Special attention is paid to the implementation of the decentralization policy after 2014. The article reveals the connection of the concept of modern administrative-territorial reform in Ukraine with the settlement process in the Donbas, as well as with the approaches in Western political science, according to which decentralization is considered as a tool for neutralizing the political potential of regionalism and countering regional separatism. The results and political orientation of decentralization in the context of the acute socio- economic crisis in Ukraine are evaluated.

Organizational and legal problems of development of territorial communities arising as a result of administrative-territorial reform in Ukraine

Organizational and legal problems of development of territorial communities arising as a result of administrative-territorial reform in Ukraine

INFLUENCE OF INTEREST GROUPS IN LATVIA ON CENTRALIZATION

Latvia has experienced four administrative-territorial reforms in 30 years. In 1989, local and regional elections were the first democratic elections in Latvia since 1934. From 1990 to 1992, self-governments were the main authority for re-establishing national independence and transforming the country from totalitarianism to democracy. The transformation process starts with wide decentralization, including substantial fiscal decentralization and substantial administrative decentralization.
 The first reform was the centralization (1994) of Rīga city government (1 self-government instead of a two-tier system, with 6 district local governments and 1 city local government). The second reform abolished elections in 26 regional councils (1998) and replaced them by delegates from local governments. The third reform (2009) was abolishing regional governments and reducing the number of local governments 5 times. The fourth reform will be implemented after June 5 2021, and its content is reduction of the number of municipalities 3 times. Therefore, from 596 local and regional governments in 1990s, Latvia will only have 42 local governments.
 All those reforms were directed towards centralization. Official goals of public administration reforms can differ from real intents of pressure groups, who impact ruling political parties and central government decisions. The paper aims to analyze reforms depending on pressure groups, who believe in benefits from centralization. Methods of policy analysis and grouping of statistics about administrative territories are used.
 They provided research shows that real goals of all four reforms were an expression of political competition. Dominating interest groups in each case have conflicting interests. Previous reforms facilitated emigration and peripheries effect, while the positive impact on regional development is not achieved. The impact of the last reform will largely depend on the results of the next parliamentary election of 2022.

The form of state in the historical and legal research of the Soviet period

The subject of the article is the application of the concept of the form of state in the Soviet historical and legal science.The purpose of the research is to confirm or disprove the hypothesis that the understanding of the form of the state in the Soviet history of law was not discrete, it changed under the influence of political transformations and had a significant impact on the modern theory of the state.The methodology. The method of periodization was used to highlight the Soviet period of historical and legal science, the chronological method was used to determine the upper and lower boundaries of the Soviet period. The narrative method made it possible to describe the historiographic process. The historical-comparative method was required to compare individual concepts.Results, scope of application. The concept of the form of the state that was used in the historical and legal science of the Soviet period has been determined. The form of the state in Soviet science included two elements initially: the form of government and the form of statehood. The third element has been added since the 1960s – the political regime. The institutionalization of the history of state and law as a science took place by the end of the 1940s. While historians of the old school were working, the main topics included the early stages of the development of the state. Then after the change of generations the priority place was taken by the problems of the Soviet state. By the end of the Soviet period a more harmonious allocation of topics had developed. In Soviet historical and legal science the form of the state of the pre-revolutionary and Soviet periods was considered separately. The form of government of the Russian state in the pre-revolutionary period was defined as a monarchy. Several types of monarchy were distinguished: early feudal, estate-representative, absolute. The republican form of government was recognized for the Soviet state. Its class and social essence changed with the development of socialism. Organizational forms changed accordingly. When studying the polity, the main attention was paid to the federation. Its complex origin was noted, because the Russian Federation (RSFSR) was part of the federation of the USSR. The Soviet federations were built according to the nationalterritorial principle. The issue of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation remained debatable. Most researchers considered the RSFSR a state with autonomous entities. The development of the territory of the state as a whole has hardly been studied. Major administrative-territorial reforms carried out in the 1920s-1930s were considered in isolation from national-territorial construction. Generalized works on the territorial development of the state appeared only at the end of the Soviet period. Issues of the political regime of the feudal and bourgeois state were addressed in the study of direct democracy in the ancient Russian state, estate representative bodies, state power during the period of absolutism. Political liberalization was noted during the bourgeois reforms of the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries. The democratic nature of the Soviet political regime was not questioned, therefore, the problems indicating trouble, crisis phenomena in the Soviet state were not identified.Conclusions. The understanding of elements of form of the state in the Soviet history of law was expanding. It changed in accordance with the changes in the Soviet governance. The main approaches to understanding the form of the state are accepted by contemporary Russian science.

СЛОВНИК ГОВІРКИ СЕЛА КОНИЩЕ КОВЕЛЬСЬКОГО РАЙОНУ ВОЛИНСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ

The article presents a dictionary register fragment of the dialect spoken by the residents of the village of Konyshche in Kovelskyi (before the administrative-territorial reform of 2020 – Ratnivskyi) district of the Volyn region. The object of the description is the native dialect of the compiler himself. The lexical information collected and systematized in the form of a dictionary is of great significance since it is the first attempt to introduce into the Ukrainian dialectological science one more spatial coordinate of the linguistic diversity of the Volynian dialect, and in a broader sense, that of Western Polissia. The dictionary register comprises lexical units of different parts of speech with a quantitative predominance of nouns and verbs. All dictionary entries are arranged alphabetically and reflect a wide range of vocabulary, primarily related to the routine activities of the villagers, rituals, human traits, flora and fauna of the region, etc., situations of informal natural communication of its speakers, their unique spiritual and material culture. Every word meaning is specified by providing a literary equivalent to a dialect word or a description of the object, sign, action, or circumstances denoted by the word. Undoubtedly, the broad involvement of dialect contexts in dictionary entries spotlights the syntagmatic relationship of words, provides a reliable basis for studying the ways of how to construct utterances in accordance with the linguistic and stylistic features of a colloquial folk phrase. There are many cases of expanding the semantic structure of tokens and preservation of archaisms. The study has revealed a considerable number of borrowings and interfering influences of the Polish language. The author concludes that it is difficult to put a full stop in the compilation of a dialect dictionary because even after the publication of the work, the need to record new lexical findings may occur. The analyzed dialect dictionary is an important and promising source of linguistic material for scientific studies in lexicology and the history of the Ukrainian language. It also contributes to a better understanding of the already known dialectological units of speech.

LEADERSHIP APPROACH FOR DECENTRALIZATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL REFORM

The article summarizes Canada’s experience in carrying out measures aimed at reforming the local government system by optimizing the administrative and territorial structure. The fundamental principles of preparation and implementation of the administrative-territorial structure reform are clarified. They consist in the use of positive and proactive leadership, transparency, openness, timely informing on changes and application of the practice of broad consultations in the activities of local self-government bodies. Ways to adapt foreign experience in organizing activities aimed at reforming the administrative-territorial structure in Ukraine are offered. Keywords: local self-government, leadership, decentralization, administrative and territorial reform.

Modeling the parameters of the sustainable development policy of territorial natural and economic systems

Modeling the parameters of the sustainable development policy of territorial natural and economic systems

Piekrastes pārvaldības attīstība apvienotām pašvaldībām: municipālais monitorings un sadarbība

With an increasing focus on the sustainable governance of natural resources while meeting societal needs and promoting the economic growth of territories, in the European Union, especially since the Strategy of the Year 2000, an integrated approach to coastal territorial management has been developed. Also in Latvia, relatedly, it was necessary to update the principles of integrated management in the context of coastal development and its planning practices. As the Latvian coastline stretches for almost 500 km, it is important to promote the development of an integrated approach not only in the coastal cities, which usually have some previous experience and more capacity in comparison to the rural coastal municipalities. In Latvia, in 2019, the administrative territorial reform was pursued in order to promote the development of the country, and as a result, it is planned to merge several local municipalities by June 2021, reducing their number from 119 to 42, thus creating a new administrative territorial divisions. It also means combining coastal municipalities with non-coastal ones, including the case of merging of four municipalities around the town Talsi: a non-coastal town-centred municipality is merged together with three coastal rural municipalities – Dundaga, Roja and Mērsrags. As a result of the administrative territorial reform, the newly established Talsi county municipality will be facing a number of challenges, including how to rationally manage the approximately 90 km long coastal area, emphasizing the sustainable management and administration of natural resources that is so relevant today, while meeting the growing socio-economic and cultural needs of the local society.

ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL REFORM: TRANSFORMATION OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT IN THE REGIONAL CONTEXT (A CASE STUDY OF THE UDMURT REPUBLIC)

Within the framework of this article, the transformation of local self-government in the regional context (on the example of the Udmurt Republic) is considered with some reservations. Two main tasks of the administrative-territorial reform are identified: the unification of municipal districts into enlarged municipal districts; and the level-by-level reconfiguration of management processes based on functional optimization. It is proposed to create six enlarged municipal districts in the Udmurt Republic. Mixed municipal areas are identified as a result of the combination of urban settlements and rural areas. Excessive administrative-territorial management in relation to rural areas of the Udmurt Republic is revealed. An enlarged scheme of functional optimization of administrative processes of administrative-territorial management is proposed. Quantitative optimization and qualitative (functional) optimization of administrative-territorial management are distinguished. The necessity of a single digital management platform as the basis of administrative-territorial reform is shown. The transition from a fractal management system to an antifractal management system is proposed through the functional optimization of management processes, in relation to which administrative and territorial management should be built. The necessity of compliance of administrative-territorial reform with digital management is shown. Brief examples of functional optimization in relation to regional educational social processes and in relation to regional agricultural social processes are given. The possible reduction of budget expenditures by 5.8 billion rubles relative to the expenditures of the consolidated budget of the Udmurt Republic for 2019 is calculated, which is 5.99 % of this budget in the traditional version of the regional reconfiguration of management processes

TOOLS TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF REFORMS AND USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE CONDITIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL REFORM BY MEANS (Experience and prospects of development of tourist and recreational infrastructure in the conditions of united territorial communities)

Introduction. The article reveals the tools and role of the State Geocadastre in the resource management system, including land, as the basis of economic development of the economy and filling the budget of territorial communities. Processes develop as a result of legislative changes. Possible ways to ensure the rational use of resources and protection of community lands have been studied. It is proposed to improve the management in this area on the basis of fulfilling the functional responsibilities of the structural units of the State Geocadastre, strengthening the responsibility for their effectiveness. The purpose of the study is to highlight the different views on the formation of infrastructure in the conditions of united territorial communities and to determine the tools and the role of the State Geocadastre in solving these problems. Results. Based on analytical data, for the purpose of practical use by united territorial communities of potential opportunities of the State Geocadastre, on the example of formation, tourist and recreational infrastructure, in the context of social and economic development of Ukraine the algorithm of its development is offered. Some causes of inhibitory processes and their relationship with integration processes are identified. Conclusions. Problems are considered from state positions in regional sections and conditions of administrative-territorial reform. The use of scientifically substantiated approaches to ensuring successful, due to the mentioned factors, stability in the state and efficiency of social and economic development of Ukraine, territorial communities, according to European standards is offered. Keywords: State Geocadastre, land resources, administrative-territorial reform, territorial community, tourist-recreational activity, infrastructure, management, function, economy, socio-economic development.

THE INFLUENCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL REFORM ON THE STATE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Injuries to workers at work in Ukraine are a very serious problem. The decision of this question is possible at the analysis of the reasons of trauma, and on this basis to offer measures for reduction of risk of dangers. The agricultural sector of the economy has a number of features and problems in the organization of labor protection on its safety and in the period of reform the situation in this direction may deteriorate. The reforms carried out in Ukraine, namely decentralization, administrative-territorial organization and land, affect primarily in the suburban and rural areas the agricultural sector of the economy, including the interaction of government agencies with farms on labor protection. Therefore, it is important to develop measures to improve the work of the labor protection management system at the enterprises of the industry during the reform period to prevent the deterioration of this situation, primarily as a result of administrative-territorial reform. The paper presents statistical data on injuries at work in Ukraine for 2018-2020 and emphasizes the state of labor protection in the agricultural sector. The analysis shows that injuries in agricultural production are directly related to the organization of labor protection and, above all, the most persistent trend in accidents in small businesses. The decrease in the number of occupational diseases against the background of unfavorable working conditions is associated with difficulties in accounting and control over workers in agriculture, including due to changes in ownership, deterioration of medical and occupational care services for the rural population. A large proportion of agricultural workers are hidden due to the lack of formal employment, which reduces the possibility of accounting and medical supervision of employed workers. Modern health care reform has also had a negative impact on health surveillance and the detection of occupational diseases. The impact on the state of labor protection in settlements and rural areas during decentralization and administrative-territorial reform is considered. Changing the administrative-territorial division involves the redistribution of powers between districts and local governments. Earlier, the territory of Ukraine was divided into 490 districts, the reform provides for 136 districts. It is pointed out that it is necessary to address these issues within the framework of state policy, including taking into account administrative and territorial reform, namely not only in state district administrations, but also in community associations there should be labor protection specialists who can , but also to provide real assistance in organizational matters, as well as in identifying risks in production processes and help prevent their implementation, especially for small farms, including farms. This requires the effectiveness of the control and supervisory bodies for labor protection, which can affect the reduction of injuries, primarily for organizational reasons, and this is almost 70% of all injuries.

ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL REFORM IN UKRAINE: NORMATIVE-LEGAL ASPECT OF DECENTRALIZATION REFORM IN UKRAINE

The need for effective, capable self-government inevitably faces the need to change the spatial organization of local governments. In turn, the territorial organization of executive bodies also turned out to be far from optimal. In Ukraine, there have been discussions for many years about the reorganization (reform) of the entire system of public power in the country. But they have mainly always concerned the redistribution of powers in the power triangle at the national level: President - Parliament - Government. Since independence, changes have taken place here many times. However, despite the changes taking place in this redistribution at the national level, people living in specific towns and villages continue to face the same problems. To date, not clear enough mechanisms have been implemented to form effective local self-government and territorial organization of government to ensure the provision of high quality and affordable public services, meet the interests of citizens in all spheres of life in the territory, harmonize the interests of the state and local communities, establishing cooperation between the authorities and local governments. Currently, the second stage of decentralization in Ukraine continues in 2020-2021. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has identified the need for further reform process, introduction of decentralization in Ukraine as one of the priorities in the state, which will continue the development of local self-government, territorial communities and in general will enable the growth of Ukraine's economic indicators. In this regard, this article is aimed at studying the state of administrative-territorial reform in Ukraine, as well as outlining areas for improving the legal aspect of decentralization reform in Ukraine, as for further development of the legal framework, to continue the reform requires a number of important laws.

ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL REFORM IN UKRAINE: NORMATIVE-LEGAL ASPECT OF DECENTRALIZATION REFORM IN UKRAINE

The need for effective, capable self-government inevitably faces the need to change the spatial organization of local governments. In turn, the territorial organization of executive bodies also turned out to be far from optimal. In Ukraine, there have been discussions for many years about the reorganization (reform) of the entire system of public power in the country. But they have mainly always concerned the redistribution of powers in the power triangle at the national level: President - Parliament - Government. Since independence, changes have taken place here many times. However, despite the changes taking place in this redistribution at the national level, people living in specific towns and villages continue to face the same problems. To date, not clear enough mechanisms have been implemented to form effective local self-government and territorial organization of government to ensure the provision of high quality and affordable public services, meet the interests of citizens in all spheres of life in the territory, harmonize the interests of the state and local communities, establishing cooperation between the authorities and local governments. Currently, the second stage of decentralization in Ukraine continues in 2020-2021. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has identified the need for further reform process, introduction of decentralization in Ukraine as one of the priorities in the state, which will continue the development of local self-government, territorial communities and in general will enable the growth of Ukraine's economic indicators. In this regard, this article is aimed at studying the state of administrative-territorial reform in Ukraine, as well as outlining areas for improving the legal aspect of decentralization reform in Ukraine, as for further development of the legal framework, to continue the reform requires a number of important laws.