Local Territorial Communities Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OF THE BORDERLINE TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF UKRAINE WITH THE EU COUNTRIES UNDER MARTIAL LAW

In the article, international cooperation of territorial communities of Ukraine is defined as a strategic direction to attract financial resources and implement their investment projects. The authors name prerequisites for completing the reform of decentralization in Ukraine. It is stressed that the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine and declaration of martial law have caused structural transformations in the parameters of performance of the local government bodies. The study is devoted to the theoretical and applied aspects of the organization and development of international cooperation among the territorial communities in Ukraine. The paper describes the methodology developed to study the international cooperation of territorial communities. The authors make an assessment of the conditions of international cooperation of territorial communities bordering the European Union countries and present results of the questionnaire conducted amongst managers of the border territorial communities of Ukraine in order to identify parameters of the international activity development. The analysis was conducted to clarify peculiarities of establishing cooperation of the bodies of local government of Ukraine with foreign partners and to find out restrictions and challenges influencing the communities’ opportunity to implement international initiatives and cooperation in conditions of the russian-Ukrainian war. The researchers have developed a complex of measures necessary to improve the efficiency of the international cooperation between Ukrainian local territorial communities bordering the EU and foreign partners by carrying out a promotional campaign among the representatives of the local government bodies and developing a complex system of advanced training for the staff employed at the local power authorities in the field of international activity. It is also needed to enhance the institutional basis regulating the international activity of the territorial communities of Ukraine, to upgrade the financial and economic basis of the international cooperation implementation, as well as to accelerate the rates of development of the border infrastructure objects.

ФІНАНСОВІ ВАЖЕЛІ ПІДВИЩЕННЯ ДОХОДІВ ДОМОГОСПОДАРСТВ У СІЛЬСЬКІЙ МІСЦЕВОСТІ

The research delves into the theoretical and practical foundations of household income generation in rural areas of Ukraine. The study clarifies the perspectives of scholars on the challenges involved in the formation of these income resources. The analysis examines the structure of aggregate resources within these households during the period of 2016-2021 and identifies relevant trends. The findings reveal a consistent increase in wages as a component of total cash income, accompanied by a decrease in income from the sale of agricultural products. These trends reflect complex socio-economic processes shaping the income formation of rural households. The research uncovers the specifics of total income formation for individual households based on hierarchical levels within Ukraine’s social system, considering the influence of factors at the national, local, entrepreneurial, and personal levels. At the national level, the study analyzes the application of individual state social standards, noting a continuous increase in these standards, except for one-time financial assistance at childbirth. Different proportions of these standards are observed, such as a 1.68-fold increase in the minimum living wage per person compared to a 4.19-fold increase in the minimum wage and a 3.59-fold increase in assistance to low-income families during the analyzed period. Furthermore, the analysis of local territorial communities’ budget implementation for 2022 reveals that the financial condition of these communities plays a significant role in fostering business development, supporting the social sphere, and creating favorable conditions for increasing household incomes, particularly through infrastructure development. The research also emphasizes the importance of income from self-employment activities, which serves as a variable income source that can significantly supplement existing income based on personal capabilities. Based on the analysis results, the research provides recommendations for achieving stable growth in household incomes in five key directions.

ПРАВОВЕ СПРИЯННЯ ВІДШКОДУВАННЮ ФІНАНСОВИХ ЗБИТКІВ УКРАЇНСЬКИХ АГРАРІЇВ: РОЛЬ ДЕРЖАВИ, ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОГО СОЮЗУ, МІЖНАРОДНИХ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙ

The aim of the article is to identify the role of the state, the European Union, and international organizations in the processes of legal support for reimbursement of the financial losses experienced by Ukrainian agricultural producers because of hostilities and aggression of the Russian federation against Ukraine, and to outline prospects by analyzing the current situation, regulatory, scientific and other sources. The conducted research confirms important position of the state in providing legal support for financial loss compensation, however, proves its mainly advisory and assisting character. The government has shaped the minimum necessary legal basis regulating the order of documenting losses caused by Russian aggression to citizens and business entities. The state has also initiated the process of exemption from taxes on the property and lands which are temporary occupied, located in the zones of active hostilities, are mined or poisoned, etc. It is confirmed that the EU member-states are objectively interested in effective work of Ukraine’s AIC enterprises, because otherwise there is a hazard of migration crisis from the poorest countries of Africa and Asia. These EU states have launched a program of humanitarian mine clearance and specific aid for some regions and business entities on their area. Thus, entities of Ukraine’s AIC receive support for purchasing and repairing agricultural machinery, fuel and lubricants, seeding material, fertilizers, etc. Significant support is also provided by international organizations. The amount of aid which is provided by the government, the EU member-states and international organizations and which is intended to compensate financial losses for Ukrainian agricultural producers can be increased by the state performing as a guarantor under agreements of loan, rent, leasing, as well as by proper informing other countries and international organizations about Ukrainian AIC entities which are potential recipients of the aid. It is proposed to delegate such liabilities to local territorial communities and chambers of commerce and industry. Key words: agro-industrial complex, farmers, losses, movable and immovable property, land, military invasion, EU member-states, international organizations, humanitarian mine clearance, taxation, deoccupied area, food safety.

An empirical study of mental health features of forced internal migrants in war conditions

Introduction. In the conditions of the large-scale war unleashed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the problem of studying and preserving the mental health of forced internal migrants appears quite urgent, since solving this problem can promote migrants’ social adjustment and planning of the future as well as their interaction with local territorial communities. Aim. To empirically investigate the features of the mental health of forced internal migrants in the conditions of war according to the main mental health components (stress-resistance, ability to establish relationships with people, effective work to help the community and society, and ability to self-actualize). Methods. Activities of Forced Internal Migrants in War Conditions questionnaire (L. Karamushka, T. Karamushka), which included 17 main questions related to the main aspects of the respondents' life and activities, including mental health, and 5 passport questions. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics (SPSS v. 22). Results. It was found forced internal migrants had a number of war-related mental health problems (high level of fear, panic, low professional and volunteer activities, and conflicts with family members and loved ones). At the same time, they had minor apathy and depression, loss of the meaning of life, strong need for social interaction and support, which generally suggested migrants' positive orientation of life and activities. Conclusions. The results of the study should be taken into account in organizing the work of volunteer centers, social and psychological services, as well as territorial communities related to giving social and psychological support to forced internal migrants.

TOURIST POTENTIAL OF BALNEOLOGICAL RESOURCES USE IN KHMELNYTSKYI REGION

The article deals with the Khmelnytskyi region balneological resources analysis. The peculiarities of their functioning and the possibilities of increasing the efficiency of their use in the tourist and recreational industry are described. New opportunities for recreational resources management in Khmelnytskyi region and within its territorial communities in the light of decentralization processes, modern political and socio-economic challenges are considered. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of domestic tourism is very important. Tourism has big losses and it is balneological resorts that should encourage investment in the regions. The article substantiates that the potential of balneological resources makes it possible to improve the level of financial capacity of the united territorial communities of the region by filling local budgets through the development of the respective territories. On the example of Khmelnytskyi region the directions of balneological resorts development are offered. Balneological sanatoriums of Khmelnytskyi region are specialized in the treatment of sick people with chronic diseases of the digestive system, cardiovascular system; peripheral and central nervous system; musculoskeletal systems; pulmonary system; metabolic disorders and endocrine system; skin diseases. On the basis of the conducted research the key problems and prospects of Khmelnytskyi region balneological resorts development are defined. We can admit that the serious component of the strengthening of modern tourism activities in the Khmelnytskyi region is the realization of an effective regional tourism policy. The main task is to attract recreational and tourist potential for the socio-economic development of united territorial communities. Coordinated and joint work of the authorities and entrepreneurs of local territorial communities will effectively promote the development of recreation and recreation facilities in rural areas. Only an effective regional tourism policy can reduce the polarization of socio-economic development in Khmelnytskyi regions.
 Thus, the potential of balneological tourism in Khmelnytsky region is very high. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic and the partial closure of borders have created opportunities for domestic tourism. Many mineral water deposits have been explored in the region and there are deposits that still need research. In the Khmelnytsky region there are a sufficient number of beds in balneological sanatoriums and other accommodation establishments. Despite the fact that balneological institutions provide a large number of medical, diagnostic and additional services, there are problems of an infrastructural nature. It is the development of tourism in the region that should become a "magnet for attracting" investment, promote job creation and intensify the development of the region as a whole.
 We see the prospect of further scientific research in the development of effective mechanisms for attracting domestic and foreign investment in improving the infrastructure of balneological resorts in Khmelnytsky region, taking into account the experience of foreign countries.
 Key words: balneological resources, recreational resources, mineral waters, mineral water deposits, Khmelnytskyi region.

Tax instruments of local budget revenue regulation

The decentralization of finance in the context of reform of local self-government in Ukraine needs the improvement of the tax system i.e. the optimal allocation of taxes between the local and state budgets. The purpose of this research is to enhance the existing experience of budget decentralization with the identification of the practical results of the decentralization reform and its impact on the local territorial communities in Ukraine. The article examines and summarizes the current experience of budget decentralization in Ukraine and the results of the reform, as well as their community impact. The main focus of the study is on the principles of tax policy implementation in terms of taxes and fees credited to local budgets. The purpose of the study is to optimize the tax mechanisms for filling local budgets in Ukraine. The article examines the state of filling local budgets and its impact on socio-economic development of the community. It is determined that the basis of revenues are tax revenues, the share of which is growing every year. The reform resulted in increased interest of local governments in increasing revenues to local budgets, finding reserves to fill them, improving the efficiency of administration of taxes and fees. Thus, the main budget-forming tax is the personal income tax, which in the amount of 60 percent is credited to the budgets of rural, township, urban territorial communities. In its turn, the positive dynamics is the reduction of intergovernmental transfers. Increasing the dependence of local budgets on personal income tax and own local taxes is a positive consequence of the implemented budget reform. According to the results of the study, the directions of optimizing the use of tax instruments in filling local budgets are substantiated. One of the crucial conditions for creating a highly developed market economy is the formation of local self-government as an effectively functioning part of the public sector.

PROSPECTS OF CREATION THE NETWORK OF ECOLOGICAL TECHNOPARKS ON THE TERRITORY OF THE VOLYN REGION

Economic growth of developed countries is based on use of modern advances in science and innovative technologies. The creation of technoparks is one of the most common ways of implementation science and technology achievements in the economy, particularly in industry. The use of extensive innovation infrastructure in the form of ecotechnoparks in Ukraine, in particular in the Volyn region will contribute to the development of the economy and environmental protection.
 So that, the main purpose of the article is to substantiate the project of creation and operation of a network of eco-technology parks in the Volyn region. The information base of the research includes the scientific works published by L. Horbach, V. Nezhyborets, M. Yermoshenko, V. Derhachov, Ye. Donchenko, T. Chaiun and other.
 The article is devoted to the study the theoretical and practical aspects of creation and functioning of the ecotechnoparks in Volyn region. The authors give information about main types of activity of ecotechnoparks and propose the definition of concept « ecotechnopark». Particular attention is paid to the analysis of ways of zoning the territory of eco-industrial parks depending on the purpose of using, natural and historical and cultural value of areas. The priority directions of innovative activity are analyzed. These activities will ensure ecologically balanced socio-economic development of territorial communities with implementation of modern methods of management. Accordingly, it is noted that the main tasks of eco-technology parks in the Volyn region are to protect and restore the natural environment, promote socio-economic development of local communities, create attractive living conditions for the population etc.
 The authors offer to create more than 20 ecotechnoparks, which can be allocated based on natural resemblance and geopolitical factor. These parks can be created within the one territorial community or on the area which include two and more communities. According to the project the number of eco-industrial parks will be quite different in a section of district in the Volyn region. In particular, it is planned to create 10 ecotechnoparks in Kovel district, 7 parks – in Lutsk district, 3 – in Kamin-Kashirsky district and 2 – in Volodymyr-Volynsky district. The eco-industrial park «Western Bug» will be the largest of them, border the Republic of Poland and cover territory of two administrative districts of Volyn region. Furthermore, the ecotechnoparks «Svityaz» in Kovel district and «Pripyat-Stokhid» in Kamin-Kashirsky district will comprise significant areas with unique natural features.
 It is mentioned that future eco- industrial parks can be included in European eco-networks and will help to ensure the harmonious coexistence of population and nature. According to the project, management of ecotechnoparks will be entrusted to local communities. However, the general management is proposed to be carried out by the central administration, which will be located in the center of Volyn region – Lutsk City. Possible sources of funding for these ecotechnoparks include budgets of local territorial communities, local taxes and fees, utility payments etc.
 The authors came to the conclusion that the creation of eco-industrial parks in the Volyn region will contribute to the socio-economic development of the territory, improve the living conditions of the population and improve the ecological state of the environment. The practical recommendations can be used by Volyn Regional Council and territorial communities.
 Key words: technopark, eco-industrial park (ecotechnopark), innovative activity, innovation infrastructure.

Категория качества в сфере охраны здоровья: трансформация определения

Цель исследования: определение содержания понятия качества на современном этапе развития мировой, в частности, отечественной сферы здравоохранения; анализ и обобщение результатов научных и международных исследований по теме в хронологическом аспекте. Материалы и методы. Проанализированы научные источники по теме (7 ед.), международные документы (11 ед.), законодательные и нормативно-правовые акты (3 ед.) с использованием методов системного подхода, системного и контент-анализа, графический. Результаты. Прослежена трансформация понятия качества в сфере здравоохранения с 1860 года, когда главной характеристикой качества была аксиома «Прежде всего, не навреди», до 2018 года, когда к характеристикам качества отнесены клиническая и экономическая эффективность, ориентированность на пациента, справедливость, безопасность, доступность (всесторонний охват доступом). Трансформация понятия в хронологическом аспекте происходила в зависимости от взглядов ученых (Томас Сиденгам, А. Донабедиан, John Ovretveit), а затем экспертов - представителей ВОЗ, Всемирного Банка, ОЭСР. Установлено, что отрицания предварительных характеристик качества в обновленных определениях не происходило; со временем характеристики дополнялись и приобретали более глубокое содержание в соответствии с изменением потребностей заинтересованных в качестве сторон: пациентов, профессионалов, менеджеров здравоохранения. Значительная роль в реализации феномена качества в здравоохранении в настоящее время принадлежит первичной медико-санитарной помощи. Выводы. Изменения понятия качества в сфере здравоохранения могут быть использованы при пересмотре и оптимизации политики и стратегии в области качества руководством отечественной отрасли и учреждений здравоохранения, а также местных территориальных общин при планировании мероприятий по повышению качества медицинской помощи и улучшению здоровья населения.

Economic policy formation mechanism for energy efficiency area

Theoretical and practical aspects of elaborating the modern mechanism for developing the economic policy of Ukraine in the energy efficiency sphere are investigated in the article. The article aimed at developing a mechanism for the formation of an energy efficiency economic policy due to Ukraine’s European integration orientation and the purpose of reducing the energy intensity of the gross domestic product. The research was carried out using the methods of deduction and induction, system analysis. The clarification of the principles, tasks, objects and subjects, methodological bases for elaborating the mechanism for the formation of an economic policy of energy efficiency made. It has been substantiated that the strategic goals of the economic policy of energy efficiency should be the following: reducing the level of energy dependence; development and implementation of the technologies for transforming the energy of photosynthesis into industrial production; implementation and further development of diversification of sources and conditions for the supply of energy resources; reduction of consumption of non-renewable fuel and energy resources; implementation of advanced technologies for transporting heat from the source to the consumer; achieving suitable levels of power supply reliability and energy security; reduction of the environmental pollution by the enterprises in the energy complex. The necessity of combining the priority principles of ensuring energy efficiency and institutional partnership for building a mechanism for forming an economic policy of energy efficiency has been proved. The necessity of mutual using the traditional economic instruments for stimulating energy efficiency and instruments for strengthening the role of regional educational institutions in the processes of ensuring energy security and increasing energy efficiency at the local and regional levels were grounded. The mentioned above has practical value. It involves the addition of key functions and tasks of universities and implies the creation of special competitive centers for energy audit and energy saving at the universities, as well as the implementation of special bachelor’s and master’s programs (including double degree programs), advanced training programs devoted to the energy efficiency and energy saving; strengthening of institutional interaction between regional authorities and local government, business agents and territorial communities, regional HEI and research institutions. The mechanism for the formation of an economic policy of energy efficiency developed based on the systematization of the implementation results of the energy efficiency programs by developed countries, in particular, the European Union member states. The possibilities for the implementation of models, tools and mechanisms, due to the existing legislative framework, the level of economic development and resource potential of Ukraine were grounded.

Institutional and legal support for the functioning of local governmental subjects in Ukraine

Some aspects of institutional and legal support of local self-government social institutions' functioning in Ukraine have been considered. Modern municipal transformations related to the sphere of local self-government affect the activities of local self-government bodies, territorial communities and other public administration institutions as well as the interaction between them, which necessitates resolving issues related to the institutional and legal aspects of the local self-government practice. For this, the features of the institutional component in the structural and organizational sense and the legal component in terms of legislative and statutory regulation of the functioning of local governments have been analyzed. General characteristics of formal and informal rules, on which institutional maintenance of activity of subjects of local self-government is based, have been presented in the article. Special attention has been paid to the legislative definition of local self-government system social institutions, which are located at the appropriate institutional levels, as well as the peculiarities of relations between the subjects in this area. The peculiarities and methodological principles of the institutional building of the territorial community as a subject of local self-government, as well as the powers of direct and indirect participation in municipal relations, defined by law, have been highlighted. The importance of improving the interaction between members of the territorial community and local self-government bodies through the mechanisms of cooperation that should be regulated in legal acts at the local level has been emphasized. The specifics of local regulation of the functioning of local governments in the regional programs for the development of local government and the promotion of public activity in the Dnipropetrovs’k region have been studied. The problems of development of statutory rulemaking have been considered, which concern the shortcomings of the legislative detailing of the subject content of the statutes of territorial communities, the obligation to adopt them, the absence of norms on the procedure for their development and adoption at the local level. The formulated proposals for solving the existing problems of statutory regulation of the functioning of local governments will contribute to the further development of territorial communities in Ukraine.

Budget Monitoring of Capacity Indicators of United Territorial Communities of Dnipropetrovsk Region

nment system. Especially in formation of local budgets, and creation of a new powerful local government entity United Territorial Communities (UTCs). Despite the positive effect from delegating to local authorities solving of regional development issues, improving governance and increasing in local government spending these are not supported by a corresponding increase in the financial resources sufficient to cover it. Purpose. The purpose of the research is to analyze theoretical and practical aspects of effectiveness of the costs managing of budgets of the UTCs in Dnipropetrovsk region by calculating the communities’ own incomes per capita. Results. The authors explained origin of financial resources of the UTCs under the condition of a new redistribution of public finances between the levels of the Government. Significant effects from the adoption of the main regulations of the mechanism of formation of strong territorial communities have been identified. These are expansion of power in the newly formed UTCs by transferring part of the powers to the local level, obtaining the right of the UTCs to conduct direct intergovernmental budgetary relations, differentiation of taxes and fees between various levels of budgets, increasing the share of official transfers in local budgets through the introduction of an infrastructure subvention directly aimed at the development of UTC, as well as, through funding from the State Regional Development Fund, an interest of international donors in financing newly created communities, an introduction of medical and educational reforms. Indicators and formulas that allow assessing the financial capacity of local UTCs’ budgets are considered in the study. The calculation of UTCs’ own income per one registered resident in Dnipropetrovsk region was fulfilled. Small territories and low populated sizes of UTC generally lack high financial capacity as the calculations and surveys corroborate. This is due to the lack of sufficient human resources. The level of subsidization of budgets of Dnipropetrovsk region is determined. The efficiency of expenses for management of budgets of UTCs of the Dnepropetrovsk region is investigated. The volume of expenses of capital character and degree of their influence on filling of budgets of UTCs of the Dnepropetrovsk region is considered. Conclusions. The analysis of the activity of UTCs of Dnipropetrovsk region was fulfilled according to such indicators as own income per one inhabitant of UTC, subsidy of UTCs’ budgets; specific weight for the maintenance of the management staff in the financial resources of UTCs; efficiency of capital expenditures, and their impact on the filling of the budget of UTCs. The above mentioned indicators reflect the level of effective or inefficient development of UTCs, and make it possible to determine a need to attract financial, investment, labor resources, and make management decisions on health, education, spatial planning, and improve the provision of administrative services and more. Thus the issue of full monitoring of financial capacity of UTCs in Ukraine remains unresolved and needs improvement and further study.

Taxes in the formation of financial resources territorial communities: Ukraine and the EU

The issues of fiscal decentralization and the search for ways to increase the level of financial independence of territorial communities are extremely important for the socio-economic development of Ukraine. The main instrument by which territorial communities carry out their functions is the budget. Therefore, issues and problems that relate to the formation of the revenue side of local government budgets, the search and implementation of reserves for their filling, the expansion of the tax base is given a lot of attention in the scientific works of scientists from both foreign and domestic scientific schools. At the same time, the novelty of the problems associated with fiscal decentralization requires further research, in particular, substantiation of directions for increasing the role of taxes in the formation of financial resources of territorial communities. The objective of the study is to analyze the formation of local budget revenues in Ukraine at the expense of tax revenues and a comparative analysis of tax sources for the formation of financial resources of territorial communities in Ukraine and in individual EU countries. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the directions for increasing the role of taxes in ensuring the financial autonomy of territorial communities. During the research, general scientific and special methods were used: analysis and synthesis, the method of comparison, generalization, statistical, etc. The article analyzes the formation of incomes of local budgets in Ukraine at the expense of tax revenues. It has been proven that financial decentralization, tax and budget reforms have positive trends and contribute to the growth of revenues of local budgets and increasing their fiscal potential. However, local taxes have not become a regulatory instrument, but are secondary to government taxation. Therefore, the local taxation system in Ukraine requires further reform. The current system of local taxes and fees in the country requires further development, since it must provide sufficient volumes of own revenues of local budgets, as well as be an instrument of local socio-economic policy. The way to increase the volume of local taxes and fees should be the establishment of taxes that provide a sufficient volume of revenues, which in turn will create a reliable source of revenue for local budgets. Expanding the autonomy of local authorities will enable them to play an important role in the socio-economic development of communities and the country as a whole. Since local taxes and fees should form the basis of local budget revenues, it is necessary to expand the rights of local territorial communities to approve tax rates and fees, grant tax benefits, and also, taking into account the positive experience of EU countries, on diversifying tax revenues, in particular, through taxation of real estate. The results of this study can be applied in the process of reforming the local taxation system in order to ensure the financial independence of territorial communities.

Дослідження локальних ідентичностей у працях українських вчених

The works of Ukrainian scholars who study local political identity are investigated in the present article. Local identity holds a special place in the structure of political identity affecting the political consciousness and behaviour of local territorial communities, the development of political processes and institutions at the local and regional levels. It is local identity that is primary in the hierarchy of territorial political identities (regional or national), develops the skills of political participation, specifies the features of the political culture within the territorial community. The trends in the study of local political identity in the modern Ukrainian political science are considered: - theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of local identities: concepts, characteristics of the main categories of territorial identities, methodology of study (H. Korzhov, H. Nosova and N. Mikhno); - problems of formation of local identities of united territorial communities, as a necessary condition for their effective development: mechanisms, factors and potential, practices (Ya. Kotenko and A. Tkachuk, N. Natalenko, O. Vrublevsky, O. Dancheva, A. Seitosmanov and E. Chubarov); - territorial identities in the context of the formation of subsidiary democracy, democratic political culture (M. Bryl, T. Panchenko, I. Lutsiuk and S. Matvienkiv); - study of features, factors and mechanisms of formation of local identities of Ukrainian cities, their socio-cultural differences and the level of inclusion in the national process (T. Bevz, O. Zorich, M. Karmazina, O. Musiiezdov, N. Rotar and H. Fesenko). Nevertheless, Ukrainian academic community still is not aware about many issues related to the study of local political identities. Therefore, there are still some relevant research areas: the further study of foreign experience in the formation of local identities; the role of local identity in the formation of social capital of the territory, social solidarity and responsibility; study of local political identity as a factor and resource of territorial development, etc.

The Role of Magdeburg Law in the Formation of Phenomenology of Municipal Human Rights (Personality, Member of the Territorial Community)

The article is devoted to the study of the role of Magdeburg law in the formation of the phenomenology of municipal human rights (individual, member of the territorial community). It is proved that the formation of the institution of local self-government in modern Ukraine marks the manifestation of several strategically important for the existence, functioning, development and improvement of democratic rule of law trends that demonstrate the potential of the post-Soviet state for radical renewal and transformation. This process is characterized by a number of important trends in historical, social, economic, political, cultural, social properties that directly affect the phenomenology of statehood, its quality, forms of its implementation, prognostic aspects of its development and the phenomenology of man himself, transforming it from the appropriate conceptual substrate in the active subject of local society, interested in real changes in their living conditions. It is argued that among the historical guidelines that influence the formation of municipal human rights within the local territorial community, an important place is occupied by the Magdeburg city law, which emerged in the late thirteenth century. In Germany, and thanks to its detailed regulations and territorial distribution in Europe, actively contributed to the formation of the human rights system in the context of local self-government and within the territorial community.

Early medieval island-type lake dwellings in north-western Poland: Western Slavonic crannogs?

In many regions of Europe there are so-called lake-dwellings, which were described in 1890 by Robert Munro, and have a close spatial and functional relation withinland water systems and seas. Settlements of this type are also known from the area of north-western Poland, where the landscape is dominated by lakes. Characteristicamong them are early medieval settlements entirely occupying small islands located within lake basins (Parsęcko, Żółte and Myślibórz in Pomerania – Pomorze; Nowy Dworek, Chycina and Lubniewice in Lubusz Land – ziemia lubuska). In their external appearance, they resemble British crannogs, especially in their size, the anthropogenic structure of the islands, wooden quays, piers and bridge crossings connecting the islands with the nearby mainland. An important feature of the islands where such structures are sited is their characteristic location – directly on the long-distance routes, in the settlement border zone, in the vicinity of the main watersheds of Lubusz Land andPomerania. They were also part of local settlement clusters, which often included contemporary defensive settlements. They were central places, especially important from the point of view of the identity of local territorial communities. Their functions should be considered not only in the social and political dimension, but probably also in the mythical and sacral one.

Methodological strategizing of regional development in the conditions of Ukraine’s institutional base modernization

The implementation of Ukraine's chosen course of authorities’ decentralization contains certain problems, challenges, and even threats that should be taken into account when implementing this strategy in the institutional body of the state, as well as in implementing the state map of productive forces modernization. The purpose of the article is to determine the essence of the concept of methodological strategizing of regional development in the conditions of Ukraine’s institutional base modernization. The article analyzes the main methodological aspects of modernization of the institutional basis of regional development, identifies formal and informal rules, patterns, maxims, factors, methods and vectors of institutional core formation, areas for improving the regulatory framework and civil society development. The essence of the concept of methodological strategizing of regional development in the conditions of Ukraine’s institutional base modernization is determined. The contradictions in the normative-legal base concerning the administrative-territorial structure, formation, and functioning of spatial economic formations on the basis of sustainability, establishment of efficient territorial management by local executive bodies and united territorial communities are emphasized. The modernization of the institutional basis of regional development in the context of authorities’ decentralization is confirmed to be also influenced by various factors that impact the efficiency of the implementation of the national inclusive sustainable development strategy. As a result of the research, the author's vision of the essence of methodological strategizing of regional development, which absolutely needs modernization of the institutional base of state formation, is outlined. The authors point out that the immediate standardization of the strategic course for the authorities’ decentralization in the Constitution of Ukraine should be the priority step in correcting the mistakes and the need for an institutional definition with the rights, responsibilities, and structure of local executive bodies.

Retrospective Experience of Creating a Financial Security Cushion for Territorial Entities in Russia

The analysis of the evolutionary development of local budgets revenue and spending at the turn of XIX and XX centuries allows us to abandon the point of view that has become familiar to Russian economic literature about the traditional and unconditional priority of the state’s economic interests over the economic and social interests of local territorial communities in Russia. The study of the process of formation of Zemstvo and city finances leads us to the conclusion that in retrospect there was a significant independence of territorial government bodies from the General system of state administration. The article presents the facts of the existence in Russia of a system of local taxes and property sources of income that ensure the financial independence of territorial entities. The article clearly shows that at the turn of XIX and XX centuries in Russia local administration structures were based on traditions similar to the principles of independence and self-sufficiency of local self-government systems widely used in modern practice in democratic countries.

Historical and Foreign Experience of Implementation of the Principle of Supremacy of the Council in the System of Local Government and Self-Government: Lessons for Modern Russia

A Municipal Council has an important role to play in representing the interests of the population at the local level. At the same time in Russia the evolution of the legal status of this institution since the beginning of the 1990s is ambiguous: the capability and activities of representative bodies are limited. The paper, through the prism of the views and ideas of the famous Soviet and Russian constitutionalist Ekaterina I. Kozlova, examines the nature and legal status of representative bodies at the local level based on the principle of their supremacy. The implementation of this principle is also analyzed on the example of foreign models of local government. According to the author, the current weakness of representative bodies in the Russian model of organization of municipal authorities does not meet the requirements of efficiency and does not provide actual representation of interests of local territorial communities. Thus, the author urges to take into account both foreign and historical (Soviet) experience of development of institutions of administration and self-government in the field under consideration.

Activism resource of local associations of the Volgograd Oblast

The object of this research is the local municipal and rural associations of the Volgograd Oblast. The subject of this research is the resource of activism of local associations of the Volgograd Oblast. This research analyzes the key characteristics of the population of municipal and rural districts of the Oblast for emergence of activism, namely the unity in understanding of the key issues faced by local association and attention to them; presence of social solidarity and close communication; self-identification with the local territorial community. The main hypothesis of this research was tested with help of mass surveys of the population, conducted based on quota cell. Statistical population in this research – the population of the Volgograd Oblast (N=2,491,751). The basis for the quota consisted in the following: place of residence of respondents (municipal and rural districts of the Volgograd Oblast), as well as gender and age of respondents. The total size of the cell is n=848 respondents. The novelty of this research consists in the fact that for the first time it is determined that rural local associations possesses greater potential for activism than their urban counterparts, which can become a substantial base for development of rural areas if properly applied.

GREEN SPACES IN CITIES AND SURROUNDINGS. SEARCH FOR THE WAYS TO OPTIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL RELATIONS IN THE CONCEPT OF «GREAT LVIV»

Forming of green spaces in Lviv has a long-lasting historical tradition starting from city inclusion into Austro-Hungarian Empire and continuing in the period be-tween wars (Polish) (1919–1939) and German-Soviet period (1939–1989). Landscap-ing was treated differently in these periods. Relevant approaches to city landscaping and architectural techniques were formed. Currently the intensification and concen-tration of developments is taking place in the city, anthropological pressure on bio-logically active city territories is growing, “green islands” are disappearing, air pollu-tion is increasing, integrity and continuity of green spaces are being violated and the requirements enshrined in the laws, rules and urban planning documents are not com-plied with. The number of green spaces in the city is reducing and their quality is de-teriorating. Characteristics of natural-landscape conditions of Lviv suburban zone and its resources indicates the unique natural-landscape peculiarities of the territory: it is lo-cated on the main European watershed. There are certain natural areas here with complicated configuration (geomorphological area of Lviv Roztochya, Lviv plateau, Hryadove Pobuzhzhya (banks along the tributaries of the Western Bug River), plain of Small Polissya, etc). The corresponding regimen of “nature’s life” was formed. The system of settlement in suburban areas has been formed historically and is de-pendent on natural-landscape conditions: the khutir (isolated farmstead) system is preserved in the Western direction; established settlement system was ruined in the course of construction of military training area; settlements are concentrated towards the direction of Lviv and transport communications. New construction within the area under research is characterized by non-systemic and chaotic nature — the decisive role here is played by specialists in land management, who set the perspectives of set-tlements development and urbanization processes expansion by their local decisions. In general, the territories have considerable natural-landscape capacity and reserves for development. However, the integral concept of landscapes protection and per-spective use and development of Lviv suburbs is lacking. Main activity is taking place at the level of newly created territorial communities, creating environmental and social-economic threats for Lviv and the territories in future. The problems of green spaces and their interaction with surroundings are out-lined. Main attention is focused on project mistakes and violations of standards and requirements of urban planning documents. Analysis of strategic documents devel-oped in the recent decades shows that they are of declarative nature; there isn’t any objective statistics; the structure is not developed and city processes are not moni-tored; local programs and experts’ views are manipulated. Of special concern are the issues of ignoring of master plan requirements, speculative approach of local territo-rial communities to development and use of territories (including the development of nature protection areas); orientation solely on capital inflow. Existing suggestions on improvement of environmental situation in the city and optimization of city interac-tion with surroundings are examined and the authors’ suggestions are outlined. Lviv and its suburbs will have to change — to be oriented on human-centered and envi-ronmentally sound approach to co-existence, improvement of socio-environmental-economic efficiency of the use of resources, — which the concept of urban planning system “Great Lviv” is oriented on.