The article examines the conceptual and methodological approaches to identifying the functional types of territories as a key analytical and governance tool for shaping modern regional policy in Ukraine in the context of post-war recovery and European integration. It substantiates the need to shift from a uniform, compensatory model of regional policy to a differentiated, place-based development policy that accounts for territorial functions, economic specialization, spatial interdependencies, and the evolving roles of territories within the national economy. The study analyzes the evolution of the regulatory and legal framework for the implementation of functional typology, including recent amendments to national legislation, updates to the State Regional Development Strategy, and the methodological approach established by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on the classification of territorial communities. Particular attention is paid to the institutionalization of functional types of territories and their role in aligning Ukraine’s regional policy with the principles of EU cohesion policy. Based on empirical research, the paper identifies functional types of territories in Lvivska Oblast, a region characterized by significant socio-economic and spatial diversity. The study specifies the features of key functional types, including territories with special development conditions (low socio-economic development, natural constraints like mountainous areas, just transition territories, protected areas, and rural territories), as well as regional growth poles, urban agglomerations, and sustainable development territories. The findings reveal that, although the current methodological framework allows for the identification of major functional types and reflects territorial diversity, it also exhibits several limitations. These include the presence of communities not classified under any functional type, data constraints, and the incomplete integration of the typology into strategic planning, budgeting, and sectoral policies. As a result, functional typology currently plays primarily an analytical rather than an operational role. The article further assesses the consistency of existing policy instruments with the logic of functional typologization and finds that support mechanisms remain fragmented and insufficient for most types of territories. At the same time, selected practices, particularly in just transition and agglomeration development, demonstrate the potential for more effective, territorially targeted policy interventions. The article concludes that the institutionalization of functional typology is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of regional policy, improving the targeting of public investments, and achieving balanced territorial development. 

regional policy, functional types of territories, place-based approach, post-war recovery, European integration, Lvivska Oblast, just transition, agglomeration