The city of Chortkiv, located in Ternopil region, has become the first in Ukraine to sign the Declaration of Fair and Reasonable Administration with the Business Ombudsman Council. The document was signed by the Business Ombudsman Roman Waschuk and the mayor of Chortkiv, Volodymyr Shmatko, during the Council’s regional visit to Ternopil region.
The Declaration, actively promoted by the Council in public and governmental communications, is grounded in current Ukrainian laws as well as EU and OECD principles. Its aim is to counter unwarranted pressure and persecution of business, which often hinder entrepreneurial initiatives.
The Declaration of Fair and Reasonable Administration serves as a social contract between authorities at various levels and businesses, outlining fundamental principles of good governance. At its core are guidelines for both state and local governments in their interactions with the private sector, ensuring transparency, integrity, and prudence in administration and decision-making processes.
“This is a pilot project we plan to expand to other regions of Ukraine to influence the reform of outdated governance practices and the often negative perception of business, fostering a culture of mutual dialogue. By joining the Declaration, the city of Chortkiv is taking an important step toward building trust-based and partnership-oriented relations between the government and businesses at the regional level”, noted the Business Ombudsman Roman Waschuk.
The signing and implementation of the Declaration’s principles should serve as an example for other cities aiming to support regional investment appeal and contribute to economic growth.
