LDAs in Ukraine
The Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) in Ukraine represent a cornerstone of ALDA’s flagship initiative to reinforce democratic governance and citizen participation at the local level during a period of war and recovery. Developed within the framework of the Council of Europe’s 1993 Resolution and incorporated into the 2024 Action Plan of the European Committee of the Regions, LDAs in Ukraine serve as permanent platforms for cooperation, dialogue, and capacity-building between Ukrainian local authorities and civil society, and their counterparts across the European Union.
Each LDA is established based on a jointly signed Memorandum of Understanding and operates through a governance model that ensures equality, transparency, and shared responsibility between local and international partners.
An LDA is hosted by a Ukrainian local or regional authority or civil society organization and supported by a consortium of EU partners—mainly municipalities, regions, and foundations—that provide political backing, financial contributions, and technical expertise. Together, they develop and implement an annual Action Plan tailored to local challenges and aligned with European values. This plan defines the agency’s priorities and budget and is overseen by all partners.
A key role within each LDA is played by the Delegate (Director), who manages day-to-day operations and represents the agency externally. The Delegate is jointly selected by all partners and validated by ALDA’s Governing Board, which also grants the official LDA label annually based on performance and sustainability. ALDA plays a central role in coordinating the LDA network in Ukraine. It supports fundraising, facilitates inter-partner communication, oversees financial transfers, and ensures compliance with governance and quality standards.
ALDA also organizes partner meetings, recruits and trains LDA staff, and helps identify new project and partnership opportunities, thereby contributing to the stability and long-term impact of the LDAs.
Legally, each LDA is registered in Ukraine as a non-profit association under national legislation. Before formal registration, the Delegate may operate as a private entrepreneur. Once registered, the LDA becomes a full-fledged member of the ALDA network. Funding primarily comes from European partners and is administered transparently through ALDA’s French bank account, ensuring proper use in line with the jointly approved budget.
Today, LDAs are operating or being established in cities such as Dnipropetrovsk region, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Mariupol (in exile), and Kharkiv region, with more in development. They act as hubs for democratic resilience, decentralized cooperation, and sustainable local development. In a context of war and recovery, LDAs in Ukraine are building bridges between communities and Europe, strengthening local capacities, and embodying a shared commitment to peace, democracy, and inclusive governance.
Check out profiles of each LDA: