Theoretical aspects of formation and development of amalgamated territorial communities in Ukraine under the conditions of decentralization of state power

Problem setting. Ukraine has set a strategic course for integration into the European Union. This issue is actualized in the context of the implementation of the governmental decentralization reform, aimed at forming an effective local self-government and territorial organization of the government in order to create and maintain a full-fledged living environment for citizens, to provide high-quality and affordable public services, to establish institutions of direct democracy, to coordinate the interests of the state and territorial communities.

Analysis of recent research and publications. The works of many leading scientists are devoted to the development of local self-government in Ukraine. In particular, theoretical and organizational and legal aspects of the formation of territorial communities were considered in the scientific papers of O. Batanov, I. Butko, V. Bordeniuk, I. Drobot, V. Kampo, I. Myshchak, V. Pogorilko. The study of foreign experience of local self-government and the problem of adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the European one were covered in the research papers of M. Baimuratov, I. Hrytsiak, I. Koziura, O. Trush. Problematics of formation of self-sufficient territorial communities and their resource support were considered in the papers of A. Hoshko, Yu. Kuts, V. Mamonova and other scientists. The formation of communities under the conditions of administrative-territorial reform was covered in the research papers of V. Kuybida, M. Pittsyk, M. Pukhtynskyi and many other leading Ukrainian scientists. The analysis of scientific sources proves the relevance and importance of the problem, that is why the subject of the study of theoretical foundations of the formation and development of territorial communities in Ukraine under the conditions of decentralization of the state power requires coverage and attracting the attention of the scientific community.

Highlighting previously unsettled parts of the general problem. Based on the analysis of scientific sources to determine the main stages of the formation of legal foundations for the formation and development of amalgamated territorial communities in Ukraine under the conditions of decentralization of state power.

Paper main body. Decentralization of state power under the conditions of modern state-building in Ukraine is the basis for the formation of a new system of governing the country – public administration, and its subjects include  the state, the territorial community and civil society. European integration vector of Ukraine's development stipulates further implementation of reforms of decentralization of state power on the basis of openness, transparency, and democracy.

Conclusions of the research and prospects for further studies. The analysis of scientific sources on the issues of decentralization of state power and the formation of territorial communities proves the relevance and importance of the topic of developing theoretical foundations for the  formation and development of amalgamated territorial communities in Ukraine under conditions of decentralization of state power.

Studying the works of scientists proves the existence of different points of view on the essence of the concept of territorial community, but despite the diversity of interpretations of the concept of community by scientists, there are common views on the presence of residents who reside on a certain territory and are united by common values and interests.

There are five main stages of establishing of the legal basis for the formation and development of territorial communities in Ukraine under the conditions of decentralization of state power: the first stage (1990 – 1996) – overcoming the Soviet legacy of governing and instituting democratic decentralization; the second stage (1996 – 1999) – creation of a legal basis for decentralization of power; the third stage (1999 – 2014) – formation of preconditions for resource (including financial) provision of capacity of territorial communities; the fourth stage (from 2014 – 2019) – formation of prerequisites for the formation of amalgamated territorial communities and unions  of territorial communities; the fifth stage (from 2019 to the present) is the continuation of the policy of creation of amalgamated territorial communities, formation of legal bases for transferring resources, powers and responsibility for their implementation.