The article identifies the potential for improving the educational sphere within the Lviv agglomeration through enhanced cooperation between territorial communities. Areas of dissatisfaction with the quality of education among residents of the studied communities are outlined. The key challenges faced by these communities, particularly concerning educational accessibility, economic efficiency, and qualified staffing that can be addressed by collaboration are discussed in the article. The need for strategic partnerships across municipal boundaries is increasingly important. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and coordinating efforts, communities can achieve a higher standard of education that benefits all stakeholders. The quantitative and qualitative indicators of the development of the educational sphere in the communities of the Lviv agglomeration are analyzed in the article. They confirm the uneven access to quality educational services. The first major issue explored is the accessibility of education. The article outlines the disparities in access to education across different parts of the Lviv agglomeration, especially between urban centers and rural areas. It highlights the uneven distribution of schools, particularly high-quality educational institutions, which causes an imbalance in the level of students’ knowledge. The study suggests that through coordinated inter-community efforts, such as joint education centers and shared digital education platforms, students from underserved areas could gain better access to schooling, ensuring equal learning opportunities across the region. Economic efficiency is another central theme of the article. By working together, communities can share infrastructure, optimize spending, and even co-invest in large-scale educational projects. This kind of collaborative financial management could result in better outcomes without increasing the financial burden on individual communities. The article also addresses the persistent issue of qualified teachers, which is a challenge in many smaller communities. By fostering collaboration between municipalities, a solution can be found in the form of shared staffing programs, professional development initiatives, and collective recruitment efforts. This could create a more flexible and mobile workforce, allowing qualified educators to work across multiple jurisdictions, thus improving the overall quality of education. Particular attention in the article is focused on the coordination of efforts at the institutional level and the creation of a coordination council to assess the cooperation potential of Lviv agglomeration communities. The article suggests involving all participants of the educational process from each community.
Lviv agglomeration, partnership of communities, educational services, potential of partnership of territorial communities, effectiveness of the educational sphere
Countries experiencing war or other global crises heavily rely on their foreign trade activities, as the export of goods and services contributes to foreign currency inflows, supports production, and sustains jobs, while import provides access to vital resources. In recent years, Ukraine and its regions have faced numerous challenges related to russia’s armed aggression escalated into a full-scale war and the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges have resulted in border crossing restrictions, port blockades, and the destruction of transport and logistics infrastructure, making access to international markets much more difficult and putting regional economic development at risk. This article is dedicated to the analysis of contemporary trends in the development of Ukraine’s foreign trade and its regional dynamics amidst modern challenges. The authors emphasize the changes that have occurred in Ukraine’s external trade before and after the onset of the full-scale war. The impact of armed aggression and the COVID-19 pandemic on external economic indicators is examined, alongside issues related to the blockade of seaports, destruction of transport and logistics infrastructure, and limitations on the capacity of land border crossings. The article provides a detailed analysis of the openness of the national economy and its regional components, including regional characteristics, changes in the commodity structure of exports and imports, and the degree of dependence on external market sales and import dependency. Regional level is in the focus of the article, particularly the identification of the most vulnerable areas that require special attention. The authors outline the challenges faced by individual regions, such as the need to adapt to new trade conditions, the search for new markets, and the optimization of logistical routes. The analysis reveals that while some regions have managed to increase their foreign trade volumes, others have struggled due to the ongoing conflict and logistical constraints. Based on the analysis, the article offers several recommendations to strengthen the resilience of regional foreign trade activities and support their economic development amidst current global and local challenges. Key factors expected to influence external trade and the broader economy include global food prices, the development of logistics infrastructure along Ukraine’s western border, currency market stability, and the mitigation of risks associated with infrastructure damage caused by military attacks. Additionally, reforms aimed at supporting exporters and diversifying trade partners will be crucial in reducing dependence on ongoing crises and promoting stable economic development.
Ukraine’s foreign trade, foreign trade activity of the regions, openness of Ukraine’s economy, regional import substitution, conditions of instability
The article discusses the problems of managing Ukraine’s economic recovery after the Russian-Ukrainian war, which should be taken into account when planning the process of regional and local recovery and the solution of which will help economic growth. The author outlines the results of the decentralization and regional development reforms implemented in Ukraine after 2014: development of a detailed policy, management, and financing systems for regional development; growth of financing for regional and local development; empowerment of regional and local authorities; improvement of the quality of administrative and social services; creation of various policy coordination bodies at the national, regional, and local levels, e.g., regional development agencies. The article analyzes the following development problems and territorial imbalances: mechanisms and practices of financing regional development in Ukraine (need to be strengthened, as their deficiencies significantly affect investment results), the capacity of regions and territorial communities (its strengthening is crucial for effective promotion of post-war recovery), the lack of a clear division of tasks and responsibilities between levels of government (a major problem for the effectiveness of the process of Ukraine’s recovery after the war), poor coordination between national, regional, and local authorities (limits the efficiency and performance at different levels of government). The author suggests implementing the following steps to ensure Ukraine’s recovery after the war, taking into account the peculiarities of regional and local development: to continue the reforms of regional development and decentralization; to promote the exchange of experience between Ukraine and other countries; to ensure that informed, factual, and evidence-based decisions on reconstruction and recovery are made at the regional and local levels; to create mechanisms to prevent corruption in the process of using recovery funds by local authorities; involve regions and territorial communities in the development of immediate recovery schemes and long-term development strategies; to introduce mechanisms at the national and local levels to support the transparent use of funding for Ukraine’s recovery by regional and local governments; to limit the number of regional and local recovery funds to avoid fragmentation of investment costs; to assist (with the support of international partners) regions and territorial communities to strengthen capacity and develop expertise in areas important for the post-war recovery period; to build the technical capacity of authorities at all levels to create, analyze, and disseminate geographically disaggregated socio-economic, demographic, and welfare data. Special attention is paid to the need to simultaneously address urgent recovery tasks and long-term development objectives, as well as to ensure a strong and inclusive recovery, taking into account existing territorial imbalances and governance problems. It will be a feature of Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
post-war recovery, recovery management, reforms, development problems, regional development, local development
The article emphasizes the significant role of environmental factors in the development of sustainable tourism and the need to strengthen the environmental component in the development of the tourism and recreation sector of the oblasts of the Carpathian region. The authors note the reviewing of the environmental requirements for the functioning of economic entities as their number is increasing in the western regions under the conditions of war. The main elements that impact the environmental stability of the tourism and recreation sector are substantiated. The main measures to improve the quality of water resources in the region are determined. The current state and prospects for expansion/modernization of wastewater treatment facilities in Zakarpatska, Ivano-Frankivska, Lvivska, and Chernivetska oblasts are analyzed. Ways to reduce the level of atmospheric air pollution in the region are identified. Suggestions for reducing emissions from industrial enterprises are developed. Attention is drawn to significant volumes of emissions from the private sector and proposals for their reduction are offered. The importance of urban greening measures in improving atmospheric air quality is indicated. The article emphasizes that the preservation of natural heritage and the development of ecotourism and ecologically responsible tourism are key factors for the sustainable development of the tourism industry. It is important to introduce science-based approaches to natural resource management and adaptation to climate change, which will enable the Carpathian region to remain an attractive tourist destination for many years to come. The definition of the “green” economy in the tourism and recreation sector of Ukraine is substantiated. Ways to increase the competitiveness of the tourism and recreation sector in the Carpathians through the integration of environmental principles and sustainable development are considered. Measures for the development of ecotourism in the Carpathian region are outlined. The authors emphasize that during 2020-2023, a general trend was observed for the oblasts of the Carpathian region in the field of waste management. There was a low level of waste treatment and disposal and a high rate of its disposal in landfills. The development of the waste management system in Zakarpatska, Ivano-Frankivska, Lvivska, and Chernivetska oblasts during the research period is analyzed. The authors conclude with the fact that while the war undoubtedly creates additional difficulties in the modernization of the tourism and recreation sector of the region, however, it can also become an incentive for rethinking priorities and developing a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly economy. Ongoing coordination and cooperation between various parties, including government agencies, local communities, tourism businesses, and community organizations, are crucial factors for success.
tourism and recreation sector, competitiveness, environmental factors, region, “green” economy, sustainable development
Water is a resource on which the stability and development of economies around the world depend. Due to the depletion of clean fresh water reserves experienced by most countries, there is a need to improve economic methods of water protection based on the principles of sustainable development. The article shows the value of water resources for society in terms of ensuring the production of goods and services and considers the concept of accounting for environmental costs, which allows preventing water depletion and pollution. The main goals of applying economic methods of water protection are revealed. The main economic instruments for regulating water consumption and water conservation are identified. The concept of environmental cost accounting is analyzed, which takes into account the real costs of mitigating pollution and depletion of water resources. The article reveals that economic methods take into account the long-term consequences of activities and are aimed at maintaining and developing ecosystem services, which contributes to the sustainability of water systems. The principles of determining the economic value of water and the costs associated with water supply are considered: direct and indirect costs; benefits; reliability of supply; quality. The essence of the modern approach to water resources protection is analyzed and the fact that it consists in preventing misuse and preventing pollution is proven. The author emphasizes the need to develop an effective regulatory and legal framework for this area and the need for its continuous improvement. The importance of monitoring the implementation of international agreements on the use of water bodies to which Ukraine is a party is determined. The article shows that market mechanisms designed to help allocate limited resources in the most efficient manner, minimizing losses and maximizing public welfare, do not always work properly. The article systematizes the tasks of the state in the field of water use and outlines the ways to solve them. The relationship between the rent for water resources and the consumer price index in the relevant period is traced. The peculiarities of the formation of rent for special water use and tax on discharges of pollutants into water bodies are shown. The author analyzes the peculiarities of the work of water suppliers to the population in different regions, regional tariffs, and their formation in modern conditions.
water supply infrastructure, rent, tariffs, taxes, martial law, Ukraine
If the attempt to avoid taxation was the main reason for shadow employment in the country before the war, mobilization became a pretext for official employment due to the full-scale invasion, leading to the destabilization of the labor market. The purpose of the article is to study the main factors of the functioning of shadow employment in the conditions of the unfolding of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war and to determine possible ways of their elimination. A systematic methodical approach in combination with methods of statistical research was used in the process of carrying out scientific research to realize its goal. The article analyzes the trends in the labor market in wartime conditions and reveals that the ratio of vacancies and resumes has reached a critical level - one to one, which indicates an acute shortage of personnel. The authors tested and confirmed the hypothesis that the attempt to avoid mobilization is the main reason for shadow employment. For this purpose, the data on the number of created individual entrepreneurs and concluded civil law contracts were analyzed by gender. The influence of the tax burden and shadow employment is examined, in particular, foreign experience and innovations of the draft Law on Amendments to the Tax Code of Ukraine regarding the peculiarities of taxation during the period of martial law are analyzed. Possible ways of reducing the risks of shadow employment are identified, namely: filling the budget through revision of the system of collecting and administering personal income tax (at the taxpayer’s place of residence) and transferring the powers to administer local taxes and fees to local governments. The possibilities and problems of the transition to the system of personal income tax deduction based on the taxpayer’s place of residence are analyzed. The transition process is slowed down by the need to attract additional financial resources, the need to establish interdepartmental coordination, and discrepancies between the actual and officially registered place of residence.
The article examines the impact of geopolitical risks on food security in the context of globalization. It proves that ensuring food security is one of the main challenges of the modern world, which is characterized by growing instability. Geopolitical risks are assessed in historical retrospect. The main geopolitical risks affecting the global economy are analyzed. The authors identify main geopolitical factors that affect the stability and availability of food resources, including military conflicts, political sanctions, economic crises, and changes in international trade relations. Attention is focused on the need to transform the global food system and the problems that prevent countries from fulfilling their commitments in various areas, including health care, social protection, nutrition management, etc. The link between food security and the Sustainable Development Goals is confirmed. The article analyzes the dynamics of global hunger and finds that in 2023, 152 million more people suffered from hunger than in 2019. It identifies the main trends in food security and the regions where this problem is particularly acute. Hunger is assessed across regions and quite striking differences are found between regions in terms of the proportion of the population facing hunger. Africa ranks first and Asia second. The authors argue that food security depends on the demographic situation and urbanization, which increases food vulnerability and limits the ability to ensure food availability. The problems of malnutrition and their impact on the health of the population, especially children, are identified. The article shows that different forms of malnutrition coexist simultaneously. It emphasizes the problems of the spread of overweight and obesity as the proportion of children suffering from obesity and overweight is increasing in most regions, and the proportion of adults is increasing in all regions. The trends in the prevalence of malnutrition in countries and the factors that influence these processes are outlined. The article notes that conflicts are the driving force behind food crises, and their most devastating impact is where there is weakness in institutions. The role of agricultural production in ensuring food security is defined. The role of the food industry in the economic system of the state and the creation of strategic food reserves is confirmed. The need for adaptive strategies and global coordination to ensure the resilience of food systems in the context of growing geopolitical tensions is emphasized.
geopolitical risks, food security, globalization, supply chains, military conflicts, international trade, economic instability, sanctions, food systems, international cooperation
The article substantiates the role of public diplomacy in modern international relations. The necessity of establishing institutional frameworks for public diplomacy is argued, and the main features of institutionalization are highlighted. Characteristics that reflect the institutional nature of Ukrainian public diplomacy are proposed. The main laws, by-laws, strategies, and regulations that form the institutional component of Ukraine’s public diplomacy are analyzed. The article confirms that the Constitution of Ukraine defines the institutional component of foreign policy and diplomacy in general. The main principles of foreign policy (in the context of public diplomacy) are analyzed in accordance with the legislation. An analysis of the Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and Decrees of the President of Ukraine regulating activities in the field of public diplomacy is carried out. The role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in coordinating public diplomacy, its tasks, and changes in activities in response to challenges and the need to strengthen Ukraine’s image on the international stage are determined. The role of public diplomacy in strengthening information support and enhancing Ukraine’s international image is revealed. The prerequisites that led to the creation of the Public Diplomacy Department within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, which includes the Cultural Diplomacy Division, are identified. The main provisions of the Concept for Promoting Ukraine in the World and Advancing its Interests in the Global Information Space approved in 2016 are analyzed. The role of the Ukrainian Institute in the development of Ukraine’s public diplomacy is revealed. The role of Ukraine NOW in the institutionalization of Ukraine’s public diplomacy is confirmed. The role of Ukraine’s Public Diplomacy Strategy 2021¬–2025, which became the main initiative of public diplomacy and the Communication Strategy, is revealed. The main directions of public diplomacy according to the Public Diplomacy Strategy are highlighted. The role of Ukraine’s Information Security Strategy in public diplomacy is determined. The challenges for Ukraine’s public diplomacy, especially after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, are identified. The new role of public diplomacy and the peculiarities of opening the Ukrainian Institute representations outside Ukraine are substantiated.
foreign policy, public diplomacy, institutionalization of public diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Public Diplomacy Strategy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, national interests, international image, cultural diplomacy
Urban agglomerations in the regions of Ukraine play an important role in the development of the economy and social infrastructure, especially in the context of a full-scale war, when new challenges and opportunities for adaptation arise. In view of this, the purpose of the study is to review the development of agglomeration processes in Ukraine in the context of current global urban trends and wartime challenges. The article poses the following research questions: 1) What are the peculiarities of the development of agglomeration processes in Ukraine? 2) What is the place of agglomerations in the strategic vision of the development of Ukrainian regions? 3) What are the challenges and opportunities for the further development of urban agglomerations in the regions? It has been established that global trends in the development of urban agglomerations are focused on polycentric development, transport integration, greening, and the introduction of digital technologies to improve management efficiency. In Ukraine, these trends are party being implemented through the development of decentralisation, attempts to integrate public transport within agglomerations, and environmental initiatives, although their progress is slowed down by limited resources and the impact of the war. The article reviews the prerequisites for the development of urban agglomerations in the regions of Ukraine since independence, including demographic changes, economic concentration in large cities, transport infrastructure, and decentralisation reforms, which have created conditions for the spatial integration of settlements. The article studies the transformation of the role of agglomerations in the state vision of the strategic development of Ukrainian regions. The role of agglomerations in the state strategies of regional development of Ukraine has increased significantly in recent years. They have become important tools for stimulating economic growth, creating new jobs, and improving social services. In addition, agglomerations have become key to post-war recovery and adaptation to new economic realities, especially in the context of integration of internally displaced persons and infrastructure rehabilitation. The article examines the current challenges and opportunities for the development of urban agglomerations in Ukraine in the context of a full-scale war. It is established that the development of agglomerations in the regions of Ukraine faces a number of challenges, such as imbalances in the development of cities and suburbs, weak infrastructure, the influx of IDPs, environmental problems, and the impact of war. However, decentralisation creates opportunities for more effective governance. Continued adaptation of global trends can contribute to the sustainable development of Ukrainian agglomerations. Urban agglomerations in Ukraine have significant potential for development due to decentralisation, which creates conditions for cooperation between communities, and the growth of urbanisation processes. Integrating transport infrastructure, attracting investment in satellite cities, and implementing sustainable environmental and digital solutions can drive their progress. An important factor is the development of a legislative framework for the functioning of agglomerations in Ukraine, which is critical to ensure effective management of territories, infrastructure development, and improvement of the quality of life of the population. Such a legal framework will help to stimulate inter-municipal cooperation, integration of public transport, and implementation of environmental and economic initiatives within agglomerations.
urban agglomerations, war, urbanization, infrastructure, migration, reconstruction, sustainable development
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of medium-term budget planning (MTBP) in Ukraine, which is a vital instrument for the state's financial policy, especially in the context of war. The study examines whether MTBP can effectively function under conditions of extreme uncertainty caused by ongoing conflict and economic instability. The focus is on the difficulties in applying MTBP in a wartime economy, where macroeconomic indicators are unpredictable, and the instability of revenue inflows complicates accurate forecasting. The article explores key challenges, such as the prioritization of defense expenditures over long-term investments in socio-economic development, the significant role of international financial aid, and the difficulties in aligning budget strategies with the shifting dynamics of military and humanitarian needs. A critical issue raised is the potential mismatch between the expectations of international partners, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union, and the reality of Ukraine’s ability to maintain financial discipline during wartime. The study draws on examples from other countries that have implemented MTBP during crises, such as nations in Central and Eastern Europe, to propose strategies for Ukraine. These examples highlight the necessity of institutional reforms and the creation of adaptive mechanisms that can respond to the unpredictability of war. The author argues that, despite the high level of uncertainty, MTBP remains crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in Ukraine's fiscal policy, which is a key demand from international donors. Moreover, the article underscores the importance of building institutional resilience, improving the state’s capacity for effective financial management, and maintaining flexibility in budget planning to account for unforeseen circumstances. These factors are essential to ensure that MTBP does not become a mere formality designed to satisfy the requirements of foreign creditors but rather a functional tool that can help stabilize Ukraine’s economy in the long term. In conclusion, the study suggests that while MTBP faces significant obstacles in the current wartime context, its continued implementation is vital for Ukraine’s financial stability. The article provides several key recommendations, including the need to develop clear quantitative indicators for evaluating budgetary programs, increase institutional capacity to handle financial uncertainties, and ensure the transparency of the budget process. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of leveraging international support not only for financial aid but also for knowledge and expertise in budget planning. These measures will help Ukraine maintain a robust fiscal policy during the war and lay the groundwork for post-war economic recovery. With these insights, the article contributes to the broader discourse on how wartime conditions affect fiscal policy and offers practical recommendations for improving MTBP in Ukraine during this challenging period. The study highlights the balance between adapting to immediate needs, such as defense and humanitarian efforts, and ensuring that long-term financial strategies remain viable despite the war's unpredictability. Key recommendations include improving institutional capacity, creating flexible mechanisms for responding to economic shocks, and ensuring transparency throughout the budget process.
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