Bureaucrat

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COMPLIMENTARY

BUREAUCRATI N F O R M A T I O N B U L L E T I N

ISSUE CONTENTS:

EUROPEAN INSTRUMENTS OF INSTITUTIONAL BUILDING TWINNING AND TAIEX

LAURA GARAGNANI: ADMIN-ISTRATIVE REFORM as background for better cooperation in future

QUALITY OF TWINNING PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION is the keystone of the instrument success

Implementation of Twinning instrument in Ukraine started in 2005. Assistance provided under the Twinning instrument has a character of Grant and

foresees cooperation between two similar public bodies from Ukraine and that from EU member state, as well as the responsibility of both partners for the achievement of project results.

On one side, implementation of Twinning projects requires from beneficiary mobilization of human resources, negotiation skills, involvement of specialists fluent in foreign languages, communication with project partners on continuous basis etc.

On the other Twinning gives the beneficiary an opportunity to get necessary expert assessment and consultations in the relevant area of public administration; develop, revise and improve existing legislation; elaborate internal documents (programs, regulations, procedures); strengthen institutional capacity; train a staff; conduct conferences and roundtable sittings.

Twinning projects Pipeline in Ukraine currently has 53 projects, including those that have been

already completed. During this period we have got good experience in instrument implementation peculiarities. Though, not in all cases Twinning projects implemen tation was qualitative. Whereas the notion «quality» is multi-sided it is desirable to define criteria of the Twinning project successfulness that in complex will enable to talk about the good quality of implemented project.

In this regard we propose to consider the criteria of the project successfulness at various stages: preparation, implementation and sustainability (after project completeness) and to heed the advices of public bodies representatives who has an experience in project implementation.

Project preparationPreparation starts from project proposal. At this

stage it is important for the beneficiary to understand the peculiarities of Twinning instrument and its options.

Special consideration should be paid to development of the future Twinning project subject matters that should be based on strategic and mid-term planning of certain public body.

During the preparation of the Twinning Fiche special attention in details should be paid to planning of the future project work plan on activity level.

An important part of the proper project pre-pa ration is the appoint-ment of the Project Leader, RTA Counterpart and members of the Working Group on the preparation and implementation of Twinning project.

Meeting on preparation the contract of the Twinning project «Support to Civil Service Development in Ukraine».

The beneficiary is National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service ,5 September 2011, Kyiv

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2 BUREAUCRAT INFORMATION BULLETIN

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INFORMATION BULLETIN „BUREAUCRAT”Project Manager: Maksym IVANOV

Preparation of materials: Olesya TSU-KALIUK, Svitlana REPIK, Serhiy KOPAN'.

Index of publication: 91644

Founder and publisher: Center for Adaptation of the Civil Service to the Standards of the European Union

Circulation: 200 copies

Number and date of issue: # 19-20 (144-145) November 29, 2011

Address of the editoral board, publisher: 01601, Kyiv, Prorizna st. 15, tel. 278-36-50 Certificate of the state registration of media: KB № 14433-3404PR from 24.09.2008

Certificate of the subject of publish-ing: DK № 3280 from 17.09.2008

© 2011, Center for Adaptation of the Civil Ser vice to the Standards of the European Union

E-mail: [email protected] www.center.gov.ua

Valeriy TSAPLIN,Head of Strategic Planning and Development Strategic Markets Division, National Electricity Regulatory Commission of Ukraine

«Our experience shows that preconditions of successful Twinning projects implementation should be arranged on the stage of project preparation. First of all, it is necessary to define project objectives. They should not be far-fetched, but the consequence of the priority tasks of the organization. Also it is desirable to study the experience which had the EU member states concerning the components of the project and take it into account while preparing Twinning Project Fiche.

While selecting Twinning partners the main criterion should be candidate’s relevant experience. Consortium of organizations with «old» and «new» EU Member States could be considered as the optimal variant in this regard.

Selection of RTA is crucial as his/her professional experience and human qualities influence a lot the success of the whole project. During Twinning contract preparation stage roles and responsibilities between the representatives of the beneficiary and experts from EU Member States should be clearly defined».

[Since 2007 NERC is the beneficiary of two Twinning projects in the spheres of electricity and gas sector regulation. Work on the 3rd Twinning project for NERC is currently started as the logical continuation of the previous two].

Not less important is the involvement of appropriate human resources of the beneficiary to the preparation of Twinning project.

Antonina KUZ’MENKO,Deputy Director of the Depart ment for Develop ment and Coordination of Transports and Communi ca tions Systems

of the Mi nist ry of Transport and Com mu-nications of Ukraine

«Twinning projects objectives are aimed at obtaining the final pro-duct and this product can be obtained by like-minded group members working together (both from the Ukrainian and European sides), setting the goal and consis-tently moving to its implementation while overcoming some doubts and obstacles».

[The Ministry of Infra-structure of Ukraine is the beneficiary of three Twin-ning projects in the spheres of civil aviation, road freight-age and transport policy].

Serhiy MAL’TSEV,Senior Officer of International Cooperation Division of Commander Apparatus of Internal Troops of MIAU

«1. During the preparation of the project special attention should be paid to the drafting of Twinning Fiche. The involvement of European experts to the Fiche preparation is not always effective, because they do not know Ukrainian realities and nuances, nevertheless the components of the future project should be very detailed;

2. Careful selection of the RTA; 3. In case the public body of Ukraine (the

beneficiary) is a regime subject – it is necessary to consider previously all variants of placing the RTA. If it is not possible to provide the office on the territory of the beneficiary, it is crucial to foresee office rent».

[MIAU is the beneficiary of two Twinning projects in the sphere of home affairs].

ImplementationImplementation of the project is the most important

stage for the partners. Therefore, at this stage it is necessary to ensure availability of the beneficiary management and staff responsible for the project implementation.

It is also recommended to reduce the load of day-to-day work of RTA Counterpart with the aim to reach his greater involvement to the project implementation.

Valeriy TSAPLIN,Head of Strategic Planning and Development Strategic Markets Division, National Electricity Regulatory Commission of Ukraine

«The project leaders and RTAs from both sides have to reach mutual understanding as soon as possible in order to avoid transformation of misun-derstandings, inevitable due to various bureaucratic mentalities and traditions, into conflict situations».

The next step is to involve wider possible range of stakeholders for discussion problematic issues of the project.

A good level of communication between Twinning Partners will help to resolve current urgent issues.

Petro KRAYNIK, Deputy Head of International Cooperation Division of The National Academy of Public Administration of Ukraine

«In spite of change of the project management, the team of performers should remain unchanged;

- Good political will and continuity on the commitments undertaken by the project manage-ment are important;

- Good level of communication and understanding between main partners, as well as all stakeholders of the project;

- Adequate publicity of the project and involvement of a wide range of stakeholders in order to discuss all its aspects».

[NAPA is the beneficiary of the project in the sphere of the de ve lop-ment and improvement of civil servants training system in Ukraine].

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Sustainability

One of the most important stages of the Twinning instrument implementation in Ukraine is to ensure sustainability of results after projects completion.

This can be achieved through: - supporting relationships with project partners

from EU member states after the completion of the project;

- further work of the beneficiary administration with achieved results (adoption of legislation, introduction of prepared strategy);

- using recommendations, which were provided by experts in the project reports;

- and further attraction of assistance, in particular using Twinning, TAIEX instruments and the SIGMA Programme.

Dmytro BABEYCHUK, Director of Air Navigation and Communications Department of State Aviation Service of Ukraine

«The main criteria of successful implementation of the Twinning project results after its implementation are:

- availability of developed manuals and procedures that could be used in the future work;

- creation of a roadmap for further implementation of tools developed during the project implementation».

[State Aviation Service of Ukraine is the beneficiary of two projects in the spheres of civil aviation and the implementation of EU norms and standards in the areas of airports, aerodromes and air traffic / air navigation services (ATM / ANS)]».

As we can see each stage of Twinning project im ple mentation is important and has its preconditions, fulfillment of which will provide qualitative Twinning project implementation by Ukrainian bodies and its partners.

INSTRUMENT TAIEX:Practical Implementation of the Priority Activities of Ukrainian Public Authorities

The Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument (TAIEX) was founded by the European Commission’s Directorate General

for Enlargement in 1996 as a program that provided an assistance to the candidate countries to force the issues of imple mentation of EU legislation (acquis commu nautaire) in short terms. The official decision 206/62/EC, approved in February 2006, created the legal basis for the extension of TAIEX instrument to those countries covered by the European Neighborhood Policy.

In 2006 Ukraine the first among the Tacis countries became a beneficiary of the instrument of foreign assistance of the European Commission – TAIEX, which provides short-term technical assistance on approximation of national legislation to the EU norms and standards and its further effective imple-mentation.

Thus for the last five years public authorities in Ukraine have successfully used TAIEX instrument of the institutional development.

The analysis of involvement of the EU external assistance in the framework of TAIEX in 2006 – the first half of 2011 indicates an increase dynamics of TAIEX implementation in Ukraine.

Ukraine was recognized as a leader among the coun tries of the European Neighborhood Policy re gar-ding the use of TAIEX. During 2006 – the first half of 2011 year 5599 Ukrainian civil servants participated in

247 events that were held within the framework of TAIEX, including 76 events – at the initiative of the Eur-opean Commission, 171 – at the initiative of Ukraine.

TAIEX events were held in the following areas:– freedom, security and justice (47);– finance and internal market (106);– transport, environment and energy (56);– agriculture and food safety (38).The highest growth rate regarding TAIEX imple-

men tation was achieved in 2010 and 2011. During 2010 2,737 Ukrainian civil servants took part in 89 TAIEX events, among which 13 events – initiated by the European Commission, 76 – at the initiative of Ukraine. For the last year (Octo ber 2011) about 1,500 representatives of the Ukrainian public authorities took part in 64 TAIEX events.

2 8

14 19

14 16

31 16

76

55 9

13

TAIEX events which are initiated by the European Commission

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

October2011

TAIEX events which are initiated by the public bodies of Ukraine

Number of TAIEX Events Year-on-Year (2006 – October 2011)


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The increasing rate of the number of TAIEX events as well as the number of participants involved into them shows the growing awareness among public authorities of Ukraine concerning the opportunities and advantages of using indicated instrument and interest in realization of TAIEX events.

Lesia SHAFRANSKA,Head of International Relations Division of Information and Analytical Support Department, State Agency of Land Resources of Ukraine

In favor to choose an instrument of foreign assistance within the framework of TAIEX the following factors were identified: drafting the agenda of the workshop by the Ukrainian Part, simultaneous involvement of experts from the various EU countries and, of course, complete logistic and financial support from the EU Part.

The main features of the TAIEX instrument are mobility that allows to use TAIEX instrument to solve urgent issues and focusing on solving specific problems of development and integration, which requires from administration of the beneficiary countries proactive approach to self-determination of their needs, preparation and submission of applications and. TAIEX is a free intellectual re sour ce, which provides information on legislation of the EU, na tio nal legislation and institutional/administrative best practices as well as obtaining profes sional and personal experience.

Inna TYKHOMYROVA,Deputy Head of the International Relations Division of the Organizational Work Department, State Financial Inspection of Ukraine

The State Financial Inspection of Ukraine applies for TAIEX instrument to solve the urgent problems of the European integration, because it provides opportunities:

– to force specific narrow issues that are among the priorities, in so far as the decisions about pro vision of appropriate assistance are taken in short terms;

– to differentiate form of the event depending on the audience and the practical problems that are needed to be solved;

– to avoid delay in consideration of the organizational issues at the bureaucratic levels, since the operational issues are managed by corres-pondence via email;

– to select an expert on the basis of the professional experience.

The participation of representatives of public authorities in TAIEX events, including workshops, facilitates the exchange of opinions and experiences with experts from the European Union, that significantly affects the improvement of current legislation of Ukraine.

Svitlana SYNELNYK,Head of the Department of the Medical Support Orga-nization for EURO 2012, Ministry of Health of Ukraine

The information received during the workshop «Adap tation of Directive 98/10/EC and Council Reso-lution 91/396/EEC to Introduce Common European Emer gen cy Telephone Number «112» was used by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to draft the Law of Ukraine «On Na tio nal System of Emergency Medical Care» that de fines the legal, organizational and other principles of functioning and development of national system for emer gency medical care, and includes the regula tion for common telephone number «112» in Ukraine.

The implementation of the system will provide the possibility to realize state policy on operative involve-ment, organization of cooperation and coordination between state and municipal emergency and special services that provide emergency assistance to the population. The introduc tion of the common emergency telephone number «112» is also important in the context of preparation for the European Foot ball Championship UEFA Euro-2012 with a view to pro vide guests, Championship fans and the popula tion with timely and adequate help, in case of emer gen cy and to ensure operative reacting of the emer gen cy assistance units during the Championship events.

TAIEX activities increase the level of qualification of Ukrainian civil servants and further the use of experience gained during these activities, in scientific and educational activities.

Lesia SHAFRANSKA,Head of International Relations Division of Information and Analytical Support Department, State Agency of Land Resources of Ukraine

During the TAIEX workshop «The Land Market in the Context of Ensuring Free Movement of Capital» Ukrainian experts recceived knowledge that became useful in running a large public information campaign on the implementation of the agricultural land market. The experts from the central administration of the State Agency of Land Resources of Ukraine, representatives of regional administrations, NGOs, academics and postgraduate students were invited to participate in the workshop. Participants, landowners and local land users informed on the issues they are concerned about, and received

ТАIEX workshop on Land Market in the Context of Ensuring FreeMovement of Capital, March 17, 2011, Kyiv, Ukraine


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reasonable answers from the European experts-practitioners. The revision of the draft Law of Ukraine «On Land Market» can be considered as another positive achievement of the workshop. The indicated Law is expected to be adopted at the current session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

Personally for me the workshop became the stimulus to initiate the European Commission Twinning project «Assistance in the Сreation and Development of Free Land Market in Ukraine by Reviewing the Legal Framework of Land Sector and Strengthening Institutional Capacity of the State Agency of Land Resources of Ukraine», which became the logical follow up of the European experience consideration in the sphere of land market as well as it will impact further development of international cooperation in the land relations area.

The experience gained during the TAIEX activities can be used to improve the functioning of public autho ri ties and implementation of new working methods.

Inna TYKHOMYROVA,Deputy Head of the International Relations Division of the Organizational Work Department, State Financial Inspection of Ukraine

The State Financial Inspection of Ukraine reitera ti-vely initiated TAIEX events from the beginning of TAIEX instrument implementation in Ukraine. The stu dy visit «Application of Software in Planning Ope ra tions and Reporting Consolidation on Control and Revision Work» was also initiated in the framework of TAIEX.

The experience of Portuguese colleagues, obtained in the framework of the event was used to create inte-grated information-analytical system of public finance.

The implementation of the procedures for obtain-ing relevant information about institutions controlled by State Financial Inspection of Ukraine will reduce the num ber of frivolous and ineffective control mea sures, im prove their effectiveness, it will slacken the fis cal pre-ssure on businesses and reduce the state inter ference into their activities, and will significantly improve the planning process of control and audit work by provision of effective selection of objects for state financial control measures based on risk assessment.

This approach will improve financial discipline in the country and reduce man-hours expenditure to conduct audits.

TAIEX activities also facilitate the establishment of bilateral relations as well as a basis for further cooperation.

Natalia TARATASIUK,Senior Specialist – Legal Adviser of the International Legal Department, State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation of Ukraine

As a result of completed study visit on studying experience of the EU member-states concerning imple mentation of economic motivation of increase the alternative and renewable energy sources

efficien cy, the representatives of the Austrian Energy Agency (AEA) expressed high interest in further cooperation with the Ukrainian Part on adaptation of Ukrainian le gis lation to the EU legislation, implemen-tation of the joint projects, creation of educational centers to increase public awareness on energy efficiency and energy sa ving, organization of joint seminars, trainings and conferences.

Thus the State Agency for Energy Efficiency with the AEA and Energy Conservation of Ukraine jointly organized a seminar to consolidate Ukrainian and Austrian experts for sharing know-how and experien-ce between two countries. The represen tatives of the Austrian Energy Agency were invited by the State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation of Ukraine to attend the International Investment Business Forum on Energy Efficiency and Aternative Energy, that contributed to the cooperation development, exchange of experience and best practices in energy efficiency and energy saving between Ukraine and the Austrian Republic.

The collaboration with the leading Austrian insti-tutions, governmental and private organizations and detailed study of advanced technologies fa cilitated implementation of public policy including develop-ment of appropriate legislation and imple mentation of the necessary regulations in Ukraine.

Thus during the realization of TAIEX instrument in Ukraine a high level of awareness of government officials on specifics of the instrument was achieved and proved it as an efficient and effective mechanism of cooperation with the European Union in the sphere of institutional development, governmental reform, adaptation and implementation of the EU standards. Considering the positive dynamics of using TAIEX instrument it is necessary to increase cooperation and available resources, support effective implementation of indicated form of assistance and provide further empowerment of its use in Ukraine.

TAIEX study visit on Exchange and

Study of Expe rience of EU

Countries Concern-ing Implementa-

tion of Economical Motivation of

EfficiencyIncrease of Energy

Resources Use, Implementation of

Alternative andRenewable Energy

Sources, May 14-18, 2010, Vienna,

Republic of Austria


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Laura GARAGNANI:

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REFORM is a precondition for us to have in the future all our cooperation better implemented

– You have stayed and worked in Ukraine for a long period of time. During this time You had a chance to analyze our internal situation both as insider and external observer. What problems should the government address primarily on your point of view? Additionally You can compare Ukraine with other countries that are in transition. What are specific features of Ukraine on Your mind?

We should start from history. Each country has to deal with some sort of legacy. I think Ukraine's big challenge in modernizing its governance system and to make a clear choice – either to insist on the model of the past or following other examples which are based on very solid democratic governance. The EU can offer its experience in this respect. We are here for that since Ukraine has confirmed though its leaders the intention to reach a deeper integration with the EU.

The issue of democratic governance is the first that the Ukrainian government should be dealing with. The current situation in the country is far from being ideal and I say that not as the Head of Operations of the EU Delegation but as a person who lives among Ukrainians and listens to the people in the street. Most Ukrainians do not see the state as an entity which exists to serve them. As a matter of fact, Republic derives from the Latin word Res Publica, which means the public good. How to deal with the public good is a very political question, but also cultural since it has to do with core values. That is why is fundamentally important to reform the institutions having in mind the public good.

No matter which Governments and Presidents are in place the EU and Ukraine are and will remain neighbours. And we do not have any other option than to be good neighbours. This is a big opportunity for both of us. Ukraine is a large country with human potential, physical resources. It is one of the largest clients for the EU in economic and trade terms, a very important partner. Furthermore millions of Ukrainians are working in the EU.

The EU is the largest donor to Ukraine; it has been, and probably will remain. The Country’s financial envelope for the next couple of years is about 330 million EUR; and there are other sources of funding to add to that. But European assistance is not just about money. The "EU building" process is a valuable experience we can offer to Ukraine. You can

get the best experts and access to EU networks to support your capacity building efforts, the legislative process, your reforms and much more.

The EU as a neighbor is developing with Ukraine a very deep relationship which is called association process, based on an Association Agreement. The Agreement is about to be concluded, while the Association Agenda is already under implementation. There is substantial technical and financial cooperation through the neighborhood policy instruments already in place. The Eastern Partnership helps focusing the Neighbourhood policy on the countries of Eastern Europe and their regional dimension.

So we have the instruments, the political framework but we need to implement them – declarations of friendship are not sufficient. I cannot say I am satisfied with the implementation of the commitments undertaken by the Ukrainian side and with the way available resources are utilized. There is a lot of work to do in the future! And the house needs to be put in order first by creating an effective and efficient coordination system to fully use technical and financial cooperation provided not only by the EU but also by all donors and International Financing Institutions.

Laura GARAGNANI,Head of Operations

of the EU Delegation


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– Your opinion is very close to OECD one’s. When we asked OECD experts for advice concerning reform issues they said that first of all we should address the corruption, not economical but political issue.

You are right. If we ask Ukrainians they will say that corruption is a major plague. But corruption is also a consequence of the structure of the state. If you have in place all the checks and balances, if you have a public administration that clearly defines roles and functions, a policy to remunerates adequately the people, that punishes abuses, corruption will decrease.

Corruption exists more or less in all countries of the world even in countries where democratic governance is very solid. But Ukraine is ranking very poorly in the evaluations carried out by international organizations like Transparency International. This is due to a combination of chronic problems, for example in the justice sector, which by the way discourage the investments you badly need.

I mentioned the Justice sector, but talking about institutions I should mention the public administration reform which is under way: certainly very much needed but we have serious concerns about the way this reform is being conducted.

– Currently Ukraine is one of the biggest recipients of the EU assistance programmes among ENP countries, in particular institutional building instruments Twinning, TAIEX and CIB programme. On your point of view, what steps should be done for optimizing this process from Ukraine and EU sides?

We have to look at objectives and then at instruments. We have started using a new instrument in 2007 – the ENPI, the instrument for cooperation with neighbour countries. One of the major features of the ENPI is the shift from the project approach proposed by Tacis programme to the sector approach. The project approach was very useful but we had a lot of micro-successes without a real macro-impact.

So we shifted to the programme approach. In practice it has proven to be very difficult to change the mentality of our Ukrainian partners and try to make them think in terms of sector approach.

This approach implies that there are various beneficiaries, different stakeholders, all collaborating together for a common goal and through a common strategy. And the problem for Ukraine is that structures are working in a vertical way and not in a horizontal way. So it is very difficult to work in a coordinated manner.

With respect to the past when we were dealing with specific issues, now we want to support a strategy, the government strategy not "our" strategy. On that basis, we can together decide where to allocate resources. A full range of instruments is available, starting from Technical Assistance by consultants and experts.

The Twinning instrument of cooperation in my view is very interesting because it puts together partners which are working as peers: on one side Ukrainian officials and on the other partners from one or more EU countries.

This modality of cooperation is not just more effective but it opens possibilities for a long-term relationship and for networking. You can also use TAIEX for short term needs and budget support if you need sizable investment, when you have precise indicators to measure the progress. So, it is not just a matter of choosing one instrument or the other, but the right combination of them to support sector reforms and investments.

The commitment of beneficiaries to work together is very important. We have now several budget support operations which are in their starting phase. We have learned important lessons from the first operation in the energy sector and we hope the government will also take those lessons into account.

Grants in favor of civil society and non governmental organizations are also available. I would like to mention that grants in favour of grassroots organizations at local level have proven to be a great success. Investing in local and regional development is increasingly demanded to the EU.

– Do you think that this approach would work in Ukraine? You may know that very often strategies are not working here because of different reasons (lack of resources, changing priorities etc.).

The decision-making system should become more transparent and predictable, strategies more realistic and implementable. We’d better take more time, be more prudent in building step-by-step our common programmes instead of rushing under time and political pressure to provide sizable resources when conditions are not ripe.

Political commitment is always a precondition of success as well as a clear vision on things that should be done.

– Is it complicated to coordinate the EU assistance programmes in Ukraine?

We have been operating in Ukraine for so many years and we have seen that it is becoming increasingly difficult to coordinate assistance. We cannot say there have not been results, but the main issue is about effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of assistance. For instance, tons of draft laws and procedures were produced with the assistance of experts, hundreds of staff trained, but there is an incredible high rate of staff turnover, no stability in institutions, and often Parliament does not adopt the produced draft laws compatible with EU standards. Sigma and other project experts’ recommendations are too often just not taken into account.


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Projects are needed and demanded but they are a resource not fully exploited. Not to mention the difficulties encountered for lack of office space, insurmountable bureaucracy for the registration of foreign experts etc. All that is clearly unacceptable. We expect the Ukrainian partners to put at disposal qualified human resources, offer office-space and all other necessary counterpart resources to take full advantage of technical and financial cooperation.

I personally hope that in the future assistance will be more strongly linked to what needs to be concretely done for the implementation of objectives mentioned in the Association Agreement. Of paramount importance it the setting up of a monitoring system; you need to have an instrument in place to manage the process of European Integration via the implementation of the Association Agreement, including EU assistance.

Definitely, the reform of public administration is a must. We regret to see that instead of EU experts, private sector consultants were involved to give advice to government without looking at the EU experience. I think this is a formula for failure. Nevertheless we are still engaged in developing a sector programme to support the reform of administrative procedures and civil service and would like to continue our dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities on those two very important aspects of the reform.

In conclusion, a sound public administration reform is a precondition for a better cooperation in the future. If you do not have general reform of public administration and if you do not have better coordination of the institutions all our programmes will have limited effect.

– During your residence in Ukraine what trends do you notice in implementation of the institutional building instruments Twinning, TAIEX in Ukraine (quality, sustainability, political support)?

We implemented a large number of projects and experience is mixed. If the beneficiary is motivated and there is some stability in the institutions involved there are more chances of success.

I cannot be so positive about trends, given the concerns we have on the reform of the public administration system; furthermore, during this transition period, we suffered from a prolonged disruption of the system and lack of business continuity which is one of the key characteristics of a well-working administration.

– Should we change our coordination, probably put it on higher political level?

We are missing here sort of strategic forum where all donors can discuss with the Government the main priorities to support. There is no such forum. Ideally a good donor coordination system should

comprise a strategic level plus technical and sector levels (working groups).In all countries where I worked this system existed. In Ukraine, the national coordinator for international cooperation is the Ministry of Economy. During many years we have been trying to set up a functioning donor coordination system, to no avail, which is a bit of a scandal. Moreover, the role of the Presidential Administration in coordination is not clear at all.

The EU does not exclusively work with the central government level, but recently we are increasingly working with local and regional authorities and with Ukrainian organizations, civil society, NGOs. We see a lot of potential in working with local and non-governmental actors.

Regional development is an area where the EU can offer a lot of experience. In the future we plan to continue working with central authorities on key reforms, focusing on the implementation of the Association Agreement. But we will certainly reinforce our support to requests that increasingly come from the regions.

– It is our implications; we always say that regional development needs the EU support; and we can apply such instruments as Twinning and TAIEX.

The role of your new institution, the National Agency of Civil Service, has been strengthened and now you are covering the entire country. You can play a crucial role in support to the modernization process of the state institutions and the country. You have potentially 250 thousand champions to lead the country into a much better future.

I suppose that this interview will be read by civil servants and in this regard I would like to send a message to them, people who are struggling every day to do a good job: the EU is very much relying on them to support the ambitions of Ukraine. When I am saying "EU", this is not an abstract entity. We are also run by a workforce of civil servants struggling to make the EU a better place. This is certainly a common objective.

– What you can advice for Ukrainian beneficiaries? Look out of the box, try to be curious, to see what

opportunities are there and grab them. This is a piece of advice particularly for the young people to study foreign languages, to expand professional skills. It is very important. Without personal engagement, without personal commitment nothing can be actually done.

Maybe working conditions are not ideal and not motivating but you can be motivated by the opportunities that we propose through our cooperation. I do encourage the civil servants who have a chance to work with our projects to take full advantage of them for their own development and that, in the end, of the people of Ukraine.

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