Territorial Communities Research Articles

GEOSPATIAL DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES: THEORETICAL PROVISIONS

Determining the geospatial development of territorial communities is a relevant issue. For the formation of geospatial development of territorial communities, directions of creation and use of geodatabases and opportunities and application of modern geographic information systems are of particular importance. The research reached the aim regarding the substantiation of theoretical approaches to determining the geospatial development of territorial communities. In this context, the study achieved the following objectives: generalising theoretical provisions regarding the definition of the geospatial development of territorial communities and highlighting theoretical approaches to the definition of the geospatial development of territorial communities. Distinguished theoretical approaches to the definition of geospatial development of territorial communities include: functional approach: characterised by directions of application of geoinformation systems and realisation of the formation and completion of stages of implementation of geospatial development of territorial communities; spatial approach: the main focus is on the spatial aspects of the development of territorial communities; urban planning approach: determining the influence of urban planning factors on the functioning of territorial communities to ensure geospatial development; regulatory approach: formation and application of regulatory support for geospatial development of territorial communities; security approach: singling out security factors affecting the geospatial development of territorial communities; systemic approach: defining geospatial development as a systemic category consisting of a set of factors, the formation and interaction of which is carried out based on methods and models, which allows for the formation of geospatial provision with the use of modern geoinformation tools to build a higher quality environment compared to the past state. It makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of the functioning of territorial communities and create a geospatial basis for making informed decisions regarding the use of the land and property complex as the main factor that ensures their development. Keywords: geospatial development, territorial communities, theoretical provisions, geographic information systems, systematic approach.

Peculiarities of the Realization of IT Projects for the Implementation of ERP Systems on the Path of Digitalization of Territorial Communities Activities

This study presents a detailed case analysis focusing on the intricacies involved in preparing a project for implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, aimed at the comprehensive, phased digitalization of resource management and the operations of territorial communities. The urgency of transitioning to a more effective audit and management system for all types of resources in territorial communities is underscored by the current absence of specialized information systems designed for these specific tasks. The authors demonstrate that deploying ERP systems to manage the diverse activities of territorial communities represents a complex, yet innovative solution. Specifically, a Four-Phase Model for implementing each segment of the project have been adopted. Drawing from the extensive experience of university researchers involved in consulting for numerous territorial communities across Ukraine, this work develops principles for constructing main elements for the project. Special emphasis is placed on the careful selection of software to facilitate project activities.

Inclusive Development of Rural-Urban Agglomerations of Ukraine: Capacity, Sectoral and Socio-Economic Orientation, Trends

Abstract Ukraine, as a large Central European country, because of its available natural resources, has stable traditions of agriculture. However, the unsatisfactory state of the rural socio-spatial environment, the low standard of living of the rural population do not correspond to the country's achievements in the field of agricultural production. The reform of decentralization of public power and management, launched in 2015, created prerequisites for solving not only the problems of rural development but also overcoming spatial disparities, inequality in the incomes of the rural and urban population. The article presents a view of United Territorial Communities and new districts as rural-urban agglomeration formations that differ from urban agglomerations in terms of population, resources and functions. The inclusive capacity, sectoral and socio-spatial focus, development trends of these agglomerations based on inclusiveness are determined. These processes have many common features and characteristics that are characteristic of similar socio-spatial formations of other countries, which gives the investigated problems international significance. Solving the problems formulated and solved in the article will contribute to the successful post-war reconstruction of Ukraine on an inclusive basis.

Geodata Processing Methodology on GIS Platforms When Creating Spatial Development Plans of Territorial Communities: Case of Ukraine

The article offers a detailed expert analysis on handling spatial information of territorial communities amid administrative and land reforms. The authors have developed multiple methodological recommendations and justified the selection of efficient tools for contemporary GIS systems. It also delves into the essence of GIS technologies, the nuances of working with geodata, and provides a concise overview of the world's most prevalent GIS platforms. The paper outlines an algorithm for developing a land resource management strategy for communities in preparation for land reform. Through the analysis and visualization of spatial data, the paper highlights enhancements in economic valuation and the ability to pinpoint risks and infringements of property rights. The study selects the Cadastr.UA system on the Soft.Farm platform, developed by Ukrainian company Quart Soft, as a notably user-friendly and promising GIS for land accounting and auditing. Research based on the experimental practical application of most functions of GIS Cadastr.UA indicates that this system aligns well with the needs for land plot accounting and auditing within the framework of Ukraine's Public cadastral map. The paper details the practical implementation of GIS technologies, using Cadastr.UA as a case study, and illustrates how to employ selected GIS tools in various scenarios and tasks.

Geographic Information Systems for Water Quality Modeling in the Zhytomyr District Communities

Abstract To ensure safe and quality drinking water for residents of rural settlements who use their own wells, boreholes, and natural sources for domestic water supply, a comprehensive approach to evaluating the quality of underground drinking water using geographic information system (GIS) technologies is necessary. The purpose of the study was to assess the quality of drinking water sources of noncentralized water supply in rural settlements of the united territorial communities (UTCs) of Zhytomyr district and to create geoinformation models based on the research results. The following research methods were used during the research: analytical, field, laboratory, statistical, calculation, and cartographic. The research was conducted in 129 settlements of 12 UTCs of Zhytomyr district, where drinking water samples were collected from noncentralized water supply sources for further analysis in the Measurement Laboratory of Polissia National University, and the creation of geoinformation models using the ArcGIS Pro software package. It has been proven that the average pH level in none of the studied settlements exceeded the norm. The average nitrate concentration in the drinking water from noncentralized water sources exceeded the norm by 1.4–3.5 times, specifically in the water of the Pulyny, Cherniakhiv, Vilshanka, Volytsia, and Oliivka communities, exceeding the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) limit by more than two times. Only in rural settlements in the Liubar community was the average iron content found to be above the norm by more than 1.9 times. Overall, it was established that the calculated value of the overall water quality class in the Zhytomyr district was 2.03, which is determined as “good,” clean water of acceptable quality. The best water quality was found in the Vilshanka, Cherniakhiv, and Stanyshivka communities, with a quality class range of 1.85–1.93, while the worst water quality was recorded in the Oliivka, Teterivka, and Liubar communities, with a quality class range of 2.13–2.31. It was determined that the highest contribution to the overall water quality was made by nitrate and iron content. The obtained research results and models based on them can be used by local governments of the studied communities to inform the population about the quality of drinking water and to develop a plan for improving the state of drinking water supply with the aim of increasing the level of environmental safety of drinking water.

Look into the Future: Life Values and Orientations of Modern Youth in Yakutia

The article contributes to the discussion about the values and life strategies of modern youth using the example of a study of students in the northern region of Russia. The article presents some results of a sociological survey aimed at studying the life world, social and political orientations of students of three federal universities of Yakutia (NEFU, ASICA, ChSIPhES). Special attention is paid to the peculiarities of the distribution of life values and orientations, factors of success and happiness, as well as the ratio of the respondents' civil and regional identities. The sociological study ‘Students of Russia: Civic Culture and Life Strategies’ was conducted by the Centre of Political Science of SPR FCTAS RAS in April-May 2023. The object of the study is Russian students. The study used a quota-proportional all-Russian sample with interdependent characteristics of the general population: gender, age, place of residence, level of education received and areas of higher education. The sample size is 6389 respondents, with 468 students in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The data analysis revealed the priority of material-economic and socio-emotional life values in the individual matrices of young people. Material prosperity, interesting work, family stability, emotional ties with family members and friends, education, as well as autonomy, independence, individualism are the most significant in the lives of students. The spatial levels of identity and the degree of emotional attachment to local and global territorial communities, as well as the attitude of young people in Yakutia to Russia have been revealed. Student youth optimistically builds an image of the future of Yakutia and Russia, relying on traditional values and family, while being open to the global society, mostly relying on their own experience and competences.

PECULIARITIES OF THE PROCESS OF DIGITALIZATION OF THE COMMUNICATIVE COMPONENT IN THE ACTIVITY OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES

Due to the constant development of technology and rapid digital progress in today's world, digitalization in public administration communication is very important. Researching its features is essential in developing a modern state and improving the quality of public services for citizens. Despite numerous studies on this topic, it should be emphasized that the specifics of digitalization's impact on ensuring the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of public services and the development of Ukraine's digital transformation are still not sufficiently disclosed and require further elaboration. This study aims to determine the main features of the digitalization process in public administration communication in modern conditions. The main feature of digitalization in the communication of public administration in Ukraine is its unique blend of technological development and societal needs. This research highlights a key aspect of this process - the introduction of electronic services and online platforms, which play a pivotal role in ensuring the accessibility and convenience of services for citizens. Based on the research results, the leading digitalization technologies used in public administration to provide public services are singled out: cloud computing, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data analytics. These technologies' role in modernizing public services, increasing efficiency, and improving citizens' general experience is clarified. It has been proven that efficiency, transparency, and convenience are the possibilities that should accompany digitalization in the communication of public administration in Ukraine. Problematic issues and risks of the digitization process in public administration communication are outlined, among which should be presented: lack of developed digital skills of public servants, cost, cyber threats, different capabilities of territorial communities (digital inequality), and dependence on light and the Internet.

TAX REVENUE OF THE BUDGETS OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF THE REGION

The article examines both theoretical and practical aspects of forming the budgets of regional territorial communities, highlighting that local budgets are primarily composed of tax revenues. Due to decentralisation processes in Ukraine, territorial communities have been consolidated, making the united territorial communities the primary units of local self-government. Consequently, the mechanisms for forming these budgets have evolved, with tax revenues becoming the main financial resource for local governments, enabling them to fund their functions. The article emphasises that the approaches to forming local budget revenues have changed significantly under martial law, with many financial laws being amended. The article analyses the changes to the legislation that affected the formation of local budgets' tax revenues in martial law conditions. It analyses legislative changes that have impacted the formation of local budget tax revenues during this period. A comparative analysis is provided, focusing on the formation of tax revenues for local budgets in the Odesa region before and after the imposition of martial law. This includes examining the main national and local taxes contributing to these budgets. The article specifically highlights the tax revenues of the territorial communities in the Odesa region, demonstrating how these revenues have fluctuated in recent years. As a result of the conducted analysis, it was established that since the beginning of the war, income from most tax revenues has decreased. The main factors of influence on the change in tax revenues of the budgets of territorial communities of the region under martial law conditions are substantiated. The paper reveals that most tax revenue streams have decreased since the onset of the war. It explores the key factors influencing these changes and the primary reasons for the region's decline in local budget revenues. The article underscores the necessity for new approaches to forming local budget tax revenues, emphasising the need to address taxation issues and effectively utilise budgetary and tax instruments.

Territorial Communities of France in International Cooperation with Eastern Countries and Regions (20th-21st Centuries)

This article explores the formation and development of transregional relations of territorial communities of France with Eastern countries and regions. It examines the interplay of centrifugal and centripetal tendencies in the “center-regions” relationship of the French Republic. The analysis focuses on the normative framework of international and foreign policy activities of French territorial communities based on national constitution and legislation. Traditional close ties of French regions with partners from European countries are discussed, with a special emphasis on collaborations with countries in Eastern and Southern Mediterranean, as well as North Africa. Partnership with distant Eastern territories is separately examined. The study is based on a comprehensive methodology incorporating principles of historicism, objectivity, comprehensiveness, historical-systemic and historical-comparative approaches, as well as theoretical foundations of multilevel governance theory. It includes an examination of the activities of various administrative units in France: regions, departments, municipalities, cities, and metropolises. The conclusion drawn is that the international activities of French regions are currently less active than those of regions in other European Union countries; however, in the 21st century, they have significantly intensified compared to previous periods.

Agroecological problems of territorial communities in the Carpathian region and ways to solve them

The article examines the theoretical and practical issues of ecological situation problems, which are connected with the implementation of administrativeterritorial reform and decentralization reform in the country, which is accompanied by the unification of territorial communities and the organization of land territory, which consists in the social relations of landowners and land users, the assessment of real land use structures and optimal use of land resources. It is suggested that the united territorial communities adjust the ratio between destabilizing and stabilizing agricultural lands and bring the use of land resources closer to ecologically balanced development of nature management. The reasons for the problems of ecological situations are revealed and, after analyzing in detail the relationship between destabilizing and stabilizing agricultural lands, ways to solve them are proposed. It has been determined that reducing air pollution requires the joint efforts of governments, industry, the public and every individual. Due to the global nature of the problem, international cooperation and sharing of best practices also play a key role in finding effective solutions. Solutions to environmental problems are proposed, including reducing emissions, implementing and strictly enforcing environmental standards for industrial enterprises and vehicles, improving the efficiency of energy use and switching to cleaner fuels; development of public transport: encouraging the use of public transport, cycle paths and pedestrian zones to reduce the number of private cars on the roads; support for clean technologies; investing in the development and implementation of clean technologies, such as renewable energy sources (solar and wind energy), which reduce dependence on fossil fuels: urban greening; expanding green space in urban areas to absorb carbon and reduce air temperature. Trees and plants also help filter pollutants from the air.

Ecological assessment of natural complexes in «Serednie Pobuzhzhia» regional landscape park: theory and practice

The article proposes a methodology for determining the ecological assessment of natural complexes in «Serednie Pobuzhzhia» regional landscape park (RLP) according to psychological, aesthetic and geographical and aesthetic criteria. The representative landscapes of the park, which covers an area of 2618.2 hectares and was established in 2009, are located within Tyvriv and Sutyska settlement territorial communities of Vinnytsia region. The park was created to preserve the integrity of the unique landscapes of the valley and water area of the Pivdennyi Buh river. The park is decorated with rapids on the Pivdennyi Buh river, which were formed in places where crystalline rocks of the Ukrainian shield come to the surface, often forming cascades and stretching for up to several kilometres. Some blocks of granite rise up to 1.5 m above the water, which forms the corresponding aesthetics of the landscape. The park is home to boreal, non-morphic and pontic vegetation, represented by rare, endemic and relict species. The Pivdennyi Buh river valley is of great importance for the conservation of biotic and landscape diversity and requires protection and rational use of its resources. One of the anthropogenic impacts on the park’s natural complexes is recreational pressure. Therefore, the authors established the maximum recreational load on the natural complexes of the studied park according to the distribution of landscape types — park, forest, non-forest. On the basis of the conducted research, it is argued that in order to preserve the representative and unique biotic and landscape diversity of the park in the structure of the Buzkyi longitudinal natural corridor of the national ecological network, it is necessary to introduce a set of measures, taking into account the recreational load. In order to preserve the representative biotic and landscape diversity in the structure of the ecological and Emerald networks, it is necessary to expand the area of «Serednie Pobuzhzhia» park and include «Nemyrivske Pobuzhzhia» regional landscape park with an area of 5,678 hectares, creating a single continuous national nature park.

Community Tourism and Indigenous Territory Defense: The Case of San Miguel del Bala in the Bolivian Amazon

Summary In Bolivia, the Madidi National Park is home to the Tacana Indigenous Community “San Miguel del Bala,” which, within the framework of the plurinational process, obtained its title as a Community Territory of Origin in 2021. Concurrently, during the 1990s, the government began establishing the first protected areas, adopting regulations with a primary focus on biodiversity conservation. In some cases, this led to restrictions and limitations on economic and subsistence activities rooted in ancestral practices. Community-based tourism, implemented by San Miguel del Bala, emerged as one of the few possibilities to alleviate and address these restrictions. Simultaneously, it became a means of revaluing the culture. The overlapping of San Miguel del Bala as a Community Territory of Origin and a protected area involves constitutional rights for shared management, a process that currently has several limitations. Adding to this complex situation is the entrance of extractive projects that contradict conservation regulations and the rights of prior consultation with indigenous populations regarding resource exploitation. As a result, they pose threats to the lives, cultures, and territories of the Tacana. In this context, the development of indigenous community tourism is transforming into a strategy for the defense of ancestral Indigenous territory. Information © The Authors 2024

ФІНАНСОВА СТІЙКІСТЬ ТЕРИТОРІАЛЬНИХ ГРОМАД У ВОЄННИЙ ЧАС: РОЛЬ ПОДАТКОВИХ ДОХОДІВ

Introduction. External aggression has become the backdrop against which the resilience of the local self-government system has manifested as an element of crisis management within the vertical system of public administration. The war has exacerbated territorial disparities and differentiated the challenges for local self-government bodies in various regions due to their distance from combat zones and occupation, leading to the emergence of new functions not typical for local self-government bodies. Problem Statement. These circumstances have precipitated a change in the conditions for the formation of tax revenues for the budgets of territorial communities. Firstly, there has been a transformation in the state's approach to budgetary and tax policy formation, reflected in amendments to budgetary and tax legislation. Secondly, hostilities have resulted in a shift in the spatial concentration of businesses and increased unevenness in population density as a consequence of forced displacement to safe areas. These factors have influenced the process of budgetary revenue accumulation at the local level and, consequently, the financial resilience of territorial communities and their capacity to fulfill their functions. Purpose. To analyze the accumulation of tax revenues for the budgets of territorial communities as a factor in ensuring/preserving their financial resilience. Methods. General scientific and specialized methods were employed, including analysis, synthesis, grouping, description, comparison, theoretical generalization, and abstract-logical reasoning. Results. Based on five indicators (tax capacity of budgets, tax sufficiency, tax autonomy, local taxes and fees, taxes on economic activity), an analysis of the formation of tax revenues for the budgets of territorial communities in the context of maintaining their financial resilience during the war against Ukraine has been conducted. An increase in disparities in the tax capacity of territorial communities and an increase in the number of administrative-territorial formations in a crisis state have been identified. The impact of two factors on the resilience stability of communities in wartime has been established: distance from combat zones and available economic potential. It has been demonstrated that communities with a high level of economic potential are characterized by higher financial resilience even in conditions of close proximity to the front line, as well as the significant role of large cities in maintaining financial and economic resilience in the region. Conclusions. It is argued that the system of tax revenue formation for territorial communities has become one of the main factors in preserving/ensuring financial resilience of territorial communities during wartime. The influence of high adaptability of economic actors in territorial communities on stabilizing the economy of communities in the second year of the war has been noted.

The significance of the Council of Europe’s governance tool “Territorial and cross-border cooperation” for regional development: Literature review

Pursuing the best European standards and practices of public administration and good governance of territorial and cross-border cooperation to strengthen the potential and institutional capacity of communities and regions of Ukraine is among the priority tasks of Ukraine’s regional policy and European integration course. Therefore, the purpose of the present article is to determine directions for improving the public management mechanism of regional development of territorial communities and regions of Ukraine by applying good governance standards and tools of the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance of the Council of Europe based on the expertise of the Association of European Border Regions. The following scientific methods have been applied in the course of the research: historical, logical and generalization, enabling us to investigate the state and expertise of developing scientific and theoretical provisions, as well as actions taken by subjects and participants of regional policy when developing good governance of territorial and cross-border cooperation. It has been discovered that one of the ways to improve the public management mechanism of the regional development of communities and regions is the introduction of the cyclical mechanism of good governance of the Council of Europe, which consists of: development of standards; creation of tools, recommendations, reports, manuals; research of best practices (golden triangle of good governance “standards – tools – practice”). The necessity of further formulation of directions for improving the public management mechanism of regional development of communities and regions of Ukraine through interaction and partnership with the Association of European Border Regions has been substantiated. Conducting a scientific and theoretical study of the standard and toolkit of good governance “Territorial and cross-border cooperation” of the Council of Europe, as well as the study of the Association of European Border Regions practices have made it possible to focus on the implementation of the standard and toolkit of good governance “Territorial and cross-border cooperation” at the local and regional levels. The results of the research can have practical value for representatives of public authorities and the public sector to update local and regional development strategies based on the implementation of good governance standards and tools

Vegetable production under the influence of food insecurity, environmental factors, and international integration processes

The significance of vegetable production is driven by the need of the population for vitamin products, processing enterprises for raw materials, especially in wartime, in the face of food and environmental hazards, and the need to increase export opportunities, considering international integration processes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of war on the economic availability and environmental safety of food, to identify and assess the components and vectors of food and environmental safety management, and to evaluate and promote exports in the context of international economic integration. The study employed the methods of analysis and synthesis, generalisation and specification, mathematical and graphical methods. Sources of information: data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The study analysed the current state of vegetable production, identified the key problems under the influence of food hazards, environmental factors, and integration processes. The study examined the impact of the war on the economic availability and environmental safety of food, estimated the volume of deficit in vegetable production, identified the principal economic and environmental problems and areas for improving the efficiency of the industry in the future. The volume of the deficit in vegetable production was found and the size of the lost sowing areas was determined; the reasons for the unsatisfactory state of vegetable production were identified. It was established that in recent years the country has experienced a temporary famine, which is unacceptable in the European space. It was found that, to minimise the agri-food crisis and environmental threats, it is necessary to focus on the implementation of the proposed measures to support production efficiency, the implementation of which will allow solving the issues of independence and food security of territorial communities, especially in times of war, and improve the functionality of governing bodies, economic entities, investors, scientists, and producers based on sustainable development. The practicality of the study findings is confirmed by the effectiveness of the developed proposals that can be used in the implementation of measures to increase vegetable production and exports

Legal regulation of the ecological network in Ukraine

In the context of the European integration of Ukraine, the evolution of human rights, the development of civil society, environmental problems in Ukraine, including those caused by the military actions of the aggressor, the study of the problems of legal regulation of the ecological network in Ukraine is of important practical and theoretical importance. Researching the issues of legal regulation of the ecological network in Ukraine is important for the further improvement of environmental legislation, as well as for the improvement of law enforcement practice in this area. As a result of this research, the problems of legal regulation of the ecological network in Ukraine and its elements are important for the development of the sciences of constitutional, administrative and environmental law. The article is devoted to the problems of legal regulation of the ecological network in Ukraine. In this article legal regulation of the ecological network in Ukraine is characterized. In the context of the modern European integration of Ukraine, the evolution of human rights, the development of civil society, environmental problems in Ukraine, including those caused by the military actions of the aggressor, the study of the legal regulation of the ecological network in Ukraine is of great practical and theoretical importance. Ensuring the effective functioning of the ecological network of Ukraine, including the protection of the environment, overcoming the negative consequences of damage to the environment caused by hostilities, prompt demining of de-occupied territories, is an important element for the effective functioning of the system of natural human rights in Ukraine, among which the right for a safe environment for life and health in Ukraine. The concept of "legal regulation of the ecological network in Ukraine” can be defined as a system of norms and principles of law aimed at regulating social relations by legal norms in the field of formation, preservation and rational, tireless use of the ecological network in Ukraine as one of the main prerequisites for ensuring the sustainable development of Ukraine, protection of the environment, protection of flora and fauna, nature conservation areas, satisfaction of ecological, economic, social and other interests of individual citizens, society, territorial communities and the state. The elements of the ecological network of Ukraine includes: key, connecting, buffer and renewable territories.

Urban agglomerations as forms of cooperation of communities in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine

The decentralization reform, which is undoubtedly one of the most successful in Ukraine, contributed to the formation and strengthening of the foundations of the functioning of the municipal government in Ukraine, which in the conditions of a full-scale war demonstrated the ability to counter extraordinary challenges, ensuring the functioning of the economy and the livelihood of the population. Local self- government bodies not only made a significant contribution to strengthening the defense capability of the state, but also provided support to communities that were occupied/de-occupied, provided temporary housing and created favorable conditions for the integration of forcibly displaced persons into the community, guaranteed the timely provision of the entire range of services at the community level, etc. The article is devoted to the search for ways to improve the institution of local self- government in the conditions of war and post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, which will speed up the reconstruction of destroyed settlements, lead to the growth of economic indicators and a significant increase in the level of providing services to the population. The author substantiates the need to revise the legislative regulation of issues of cooperation of territorial communities, in particular by creating urban agglomerations as one of the types of cooperation of territorial communities. The practice of functioning of urban agglomerations in foreign countries and the prospects of creating such agglomerations in Ukraine are analyzed. Attention is focused on the efforts of legislative regulation of the functioning of urban agglomerations, the debatability of the norms of the draft laws, which defined urban agglomerations as a separate component of the administrative-territorial system, contained norms that, having established the principle of mutual benefit, essentially legitimized the attempt of large cities to extend the sphere of their influence to adjacent territories, expand the boundaries of own powers at the expense of the powers and resources of neighboring territorial communities. It is proposed to supplement the Law «On the Cooperation of Territorial Communities»; and some other laws with separate regulations determining the legal status of agglomerations, to provide for the formation of the agglomeration council and to include in its sphere of competence consideration of issues affecting the common interests of territorial communities that are part of the agglomeration, and to provide a list of basic powers, which may vary depending on the amount of institutional capacity of the respective agglomeration.

Constitutional foundations of local self-government in Ukraine

The constitutional foundations of local self­government in Ukraine are norms-principles reflected in more than 20 articles of the Constitution of Ukraine. Norms establishing the legal, organizational, material and financial foundations of local self-government provide for the establishment of a democratic decentralized management system, based on independent territorial communities, local self-government bodies, which are entrusted with the decision of all issues of local importance. Real effective local self-government is possible only in the presence of certain conditions that have objectively developed in society, and which collectively form the basis of local self-government. The basics of local self­government create the foundation, that is, the foundation on which the entire system of local self-government is built. One of the fundamental foundations of local self-government is the participation of citizens in the social and political life of the state. The topicality of the topic is due primarily to the fact that at the current stage of democratic transformation of our country, local self­government is the basis of civil society. Local self-government is one of the most important institutions of a democratic state. Its development is a central scientific problem of municipal law and a "cornerstone” in municipal science for many decades, since its inception. The 1996 Constitution of Ukraine created the legal basis for the development of local self-government as a special type of public power. The article analyzes the constitutional principles that established the status of municipal power, their influence on further legislation and practice of local self­government. The constitutional principles of local self-government are analyzed. The approaches available in modern jurisprudence regarding the definition of the concept of "basics of local self­government” have been considered. Arguments are presented in favor of separating the organizational- legal, territorial, and material-financial bases of the activity of local self-government bodies.

Peculiarities of the activities of local self-government bodies in united territorial communities under martial law

Peculiarities of the activities of local self-government bodies in united territorial communities under martial law

Plaza las Pioneras: an urban feminist space and the politics of the commons

ABSTRACT There are very few feminist urban public spaces in the world and even fewer urban feminist commons. This paper focuses on the initiative and functioning of the Plaza las Pioneras in Montevideo, Uruguay. The Plaza is an innovative feminist public space and urban commons experience that opened in 2020 as an effort by the city’s Urban Development and Gender Equity divisions to contribute to a more feminist city. The authors describe the specific context and history of both the urban space and its actors that led to political opportunities but also agency and sociopolitical dynamics on the part of different actors. Its inception and foundation are considered feminist by its stakeholders both in terms of process and finality. The article details and analyses how the Plaza las Pioneras provides fertile ground for feminist claims and initiatives while enabling women to appropriate the space and emerge as actors and beneficiaries of innovation, creation, and collective self-management of urban commons. Since its inauguration, the Plaza has become a community territory as a space, a resource, and meeting grounds. It is used by the feminist collectives that make up its Assembly as a way to promote solidarity, care, and commoning not only among its members but also with other civil society groups and social movements while working with the municipality to promote feminist urban initiatives.