The aim of the project is to make use of the experience that Association of Towns and Communities of Slovakia obtained in the area of modernization of local territorial self-government and in implementing the right to good governance, principles of the corporate social responsibilities and transparent measures in local governments so that the Ukrainian self-governments can draw not only inspiration but also learn lessons on pros and cons. Launching the project in October 2020 will allow the involvement of the new leadership of the Ukrainian authorities, which will be elected in the autumn 2020 elections. The transfer of knowledge will include experiences from Norway in the area of services of general interest, proven experiences in implementing the principles of the concept of corporate (territorial) social responsibility and anti-corruption strategies and transparent measures at local level. The project will benefit not only the Ukrainian authorities, but also their Slovak partners. However, the main target group will be representatives of the Ukrainian self-government, mayors, staff of regional and local structures in the self-government. The project partners will also benefit by gaining unique knowledge in the field of transfer of Slovak, Norwegian and Ukrainian experience, which they, in turn, will be able to further use and disseminate. The project will strengthen relations among national local governments´ associations from Slovakia, Ukraine and Norway as an added value.
Summary of bilateral results
Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Association (KS) is the sole Norwegian association for local and regional authorities. KS promotes and defends the autonomy and appropriate funding of Norwegian municipalities and county councils for more than 45 years. KS has been directly involved in Ukraine for more than 10 years. Starting in 2008, it has used its expertise to strengthen local governance and local democracy in the country, primarily by way of organizing efficiency networks. KS with AUC has developed a strong and productive partnership. Through these activities, KS has acquired a broad and deep level of knowledge and understanding of the local government sector in Ukraine, which was the benefit of implementation of the project. ZMOS has cooperated with KS for several years within the European umbrella association of local governments - participation in common meetings, exchange experiences and know-how from local governance.
KS ensured the expert participation at 2 workshops and 1 professional conference and in preparation of 2 manuals in order to reach outputs based on common partnership. Moreover, they hosted 17 representatives from SK and UA in Norway for study visit. The visit showed considerable potential for cooperation between the Slovak and Norwegian self-governments in the future program period of EEA grants on local development in Slovakia, and contacts will be maintained for the development of increased cooperation between KS and ZMOS. This type of cooperation could also open the door for trilateral cooperation between the Norwegian, Slovak and Ukrainian self-governments.
Discusions started about a possible cooperation with partner KS for the next programming period of EEA grants on local development regarding sharing of best practices, know-how and solving similar issues that worry municipalities in Slovakia and Norway.
Project details
Project info
Project grant
Grant financing
465240.00€
Final project cost
402412.28€