The implementation of the project “The Community Charter as an Instrument of Real Democracy” is ongoing in Zakarpattia region. The initiative is aimed at strengthening local self-government, developing democratic participation mechanisms, and fostering modern approaches to interaction between communities and local authorities.
The project is implemented by the Carpathian Human Rights Agency “Vested” in cooperation with the Grassroots Institute, the Faculty of Law of Uzhhorod National University, and the Research Institute for Fundamental and Applied Studies of European Territorial Cooperation, in partnership with territorial communities of Zakarpattia region. One of the key participating communities is the Uzhhorod City Territorial Community.
On April 21, a working meeting was held between project experts and representatives of the Uzhhorod City Council, effectively marking the start of practical work on the development of the Community Charter.
During the meeting, participants discussed:
Particular attention was paid to ensuring that the process of drafting the Charter would be open and inclusive, involving representatives of civil society, academics, local council members, and experts in local self-government.
The next important step was the official establishment of the working group.
By Order No. 310 of May 15, 2026, issued by the Mayor of Uzhhorod, Bohdan Andriiv, a working group for the development of the Charter of the Uzhhorod City Territorial Community was officially created, and its composition and Regulations were approved.
This decision represents an important step toward creating a modern and effective legal document that will define the principles of community governance, mechanisms for citizen participation in local self-government, and standards of transparency and accountability of local authorities.
A community charter is far more than a formal document. Under modern conditions, it serves as one of the key instruments of local democracy and genuine public participation. The Charter defines:
In the context of European integration and decentralization reform, the development of high-quality community charters has become especially important. Through such documents, communities can establish effective governance mechanisms, strengthen public trust, and ensure meaningful citizen participation in local affairs.
The working group includes representatives of the Uzhhorod City Council, deputies, academics, lawyers, and representatives of civil society organizations.
Among those involved in the drafting process are:
The working group is chaired by the Mayor of Uzhhorod, Bohdan Andriiv.
This format of cooperation combines the practical experience of local self-government bodies, academic expertise, and the perspective of civil society, creating a strong foundation for the development of a modern and effective Community Charter.
For the Grassroots Institute, participation in the project is a continuation of its work in the areas of democratic governance, legal education, and strengthening citizen participation in decision-making processes. We believe that the development of strong communities begins with transparent and understandable rules of interaction between local authorities and residents. Importantly, the Uzhhorod City Council is an official partner of the project and demonstrates openness to dialogue and cooperation.
Ahead lies active expert work, consultations, public discussions, and the drafting of specific provisions of the future Charter. The goal of the project is not only to create a document but also to foster a culture of participation and shared responsibility for community development. The full text of the Order, as well as the composition and Regulations of the working group, can be accessed on the official website of the Uzhhorod City Council:
👉 https://rada-uzhgorod.gov.ua/download_file…
📰 Regional media have already reported on the beginning of the work on the Uzhhorod Community Charter. Read more in the Varosh article:
👉 https://varosh.com.ua/noviny/statut-mista/
Further information can be obtained from Dr. Olga Donets, mail@tgi.org.ua
The project “The Community Charter as an Instrument of Real Democracy” is implemented by the NGO “Carpathian Human Rights Agency ‘Vested’” in cooperation with the Faculty of Law of Uzhhorod National University, the Research Institute for Fundamental and Applied Studies of European Territorial Cooperation, and the “Grassroots Institute”, in partnership with the Uzhhorod and Irshava city territorial communities, as well as the Kamianske and Zarichanske rural territorial communities, with financial support from the International Renaissance Foundation. The material reflects the views of the authors and does not necessarily represent the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.
