The state of transparency, openness, and accountability of the Uzhhorod City Council
Year of publication: 2011
Type: Analytical Report
Topic: local democracy

Share publication

The state of transparency, openness, and accountability of the Uzhhorod City Council

Report prepared by:

Mykola Yatskov, Pavlo Bilak, Maria Mendzhul

About publication

This study conducted the first measurement of the level of transparency, openness, and accountability of the Uzhhorod City Council, its executive bodies, and the Mayor. The monitoring was based on the Concept of Local Self-Government Reform and involved the collection of qualitative and quantitative information through document analysis, participation in meetings, attendance at deputy receptions, and the submission of information requests. The authors of the study consider public oversight to be the primary mechanism for adapting local authorities to European standards and improving the quality of life for the community.

Who will benefit?

  • Local authorities
  • Activists
  • Journalists

Key findings:

The report's findings as of 2011 indicate significant deficiencies in ensuring publicity. The official website and printed media lack data on deputies and executive committee members, their income declarations, and the full texts of council decisions with their appendices. The study revealed the problem of outdated citizen reception schedules, a lack of reports on the work of deputy commissions, and the difficulty of accessing the city council building for people with limited mobility due to non-functioning elevators. Mechanisms for community involvement in city management (public hearings, initiatives) are formal and require significant simplification of procedures for their practical application.