DECENTRALIZATION IN THE LIGHT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION: EXPERIENCE OF SELECTED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES FOR UKRAINE

Abstract

The article is devoted to highlighting the
experience of some European Union member states in
implementing decentralization reforms. In the light of
Ukraine's integration into the European Union, the
topic of decentralization is of particular relevance, as
the successful implementation of this reform is one of
the key conditions for harmonizing Ukrainian
legislation and governance with European standards.
The study analyzes the experience of
decentralization in four European countries: Italy,
Spain, Poland and France. Italy is presented as an
example of a country where regional autonomy is an
important element of the state system. The
implementation of decentralization reforms in this
country was aimed at strengthening the role of regions
in decision-making, which, however, led to a certain
unevenness in the development of different regions.
Spain, with its unique system of autonomous
communities, illustrates how decentralization can be
a tool for preserving national unity despite the
existence of significant regional differences and
separatist tendencies.
Poland, which went through extensive reforms
after 1989, is a model country that has successfully
integrated decentralization into its political system.
Poland's experience shows how radical changes in
public administration can promote economic growth
and strengthen democratic institutions. France, unlike
Poland, demonstrates a gradual approach to
decentralization, focused on maintaining centralized
governance while increasing the powers of local
authorities. This allows France to maintain a balance
between centralization and decentralization, ensuring
stability and efficiency of public administration.
Analyzing these examples, the authors of the article conclude that the experience of European countries can be useful for Ukraine in the context of its European integration aspirations. In particular, the authors emphasize the need to take into account Ukrainian national peculiarities when adapting European decentralization models. The authors believe that Ukraine needs to take into account the experience of European countries and create the basis for improving the decentralization process in Ukraine, in particular, to strengthen the financial capacity of local communities, expand their powers and improve control and accountability mechanisms. The article also emphasizes the importance of ensuring a balanced approach to decentralization, which will help to avoid threats to the territorial integrity and national unity of Ukraine.

Keywords: decentralization, European integration, local governments, international experience.