REGIONAL POLICY AND DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION OF CITIZENS: CHALLENGES OF POST-WAR DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the current challenges and contradictions of modern regional policy in Ukraine in the conditions of a full-scale war, as well as the features of the state approach to the restoration of territorial communities. It is noted that effective state regional policy is impossible without high-quality regional strategies synchronized with the State Strategy for Regional Development for 2021–2027, where the priority is to stimulate economic growth and reduce disparities between regions. The problems of a normative and organizational nature that are provided in the process of implementing the restoration policy are highlighted, in particular, the presence of contradictory provisions in the current legislation on the need for a comprehensive restoration program and criteria for determining restoration territories. The challenges faced by local governments during the preparation of strategic documents are revealed: a shortage of specialists, the absence of a unified national policy on certain issues, as well as the complexity of collecting and analyzing primary socio-demographic data. The article emphasizes the need to improve coordination mechanisms, including at the levels of central executive power, and to ensure constant communication between local communities and ministries. The article also systematizes the main instruments of regional policy, including strategic planning, program financing and institutional support. The author emphasizes the importance of creating a specialized body responsible for monitoring, analyzing and implementing regional policy, as well as the need to adapt this policy to European Union standards, taking into account national identity and economic interests. The feasibility of switching to a targeted approach in regional development planning, with a focus on small territorial units, is substantiated.