Institutional and legal mechanisms for implementing the principle of good governance in the exercise of civil protection powers by local self‑government bodies

Issue: № 4, 2026

Doi: https://doi.org/10.37634/efp.2026.4.4

Introduction. The paper examines the central role of local self‑government bodies in Ukraine’s civil protection system, emphasizing that territorial communities constitute the primary level for implementing public safety policy. It stresses that effective cooperation between state and local institutions is essential for timely response to natural, technological, and military threats. The principle of good governance-legality, transparency, accountability, efficiency, participation, and community‑oriented decision‑making is presented as the methodological basis for ensuring population safety and community resilience. The purpose of the paper is to identify the content and specific features of implementing the principle of good governance by local self‑government bodies when exercising their civil protection powers. Results. The paper shows that good governance in civil protection requires clear legal regulation of local competences and sufficient institutional capacity. Local authorities act as key actors in risk management, responsible for prevention, planning, coordination, and operational response. Their own and delegated powers include developing civil protection programs, maintaining protective structures, organizing evacuation and alert systems, ensuring fire and technological safety, creating material reserves, supporting rescue services, and coordinating actions within the unified civil protection system. These functions reflect decentralization, subsidiarity, transparency, and accountability. Special attention is given to exclusive powers of local councils, control over engineering and technical safety, and the integration of financial mechanisms into civil protection policy. Conclusion. Local self‑government bodies are crucial actors in civil protection, responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling measures aimed at preventing emergencies, responding to them, and eliminating their consequences. Effective implementation of these powers requires adherence to good governance principles, which strengthen public trust, improve decision‑making, and enhance community resilience. The study concludes that civil protection effectiveness depends on institutional capacity, professional competence, coordination mechanisms, and a culture of responsibility within local authorities.

Keywords : principle of good governance, local self‑government body, civil protection, territorial community, security, resilience

References:

1. Basko A.V. Implementation of state policy in the field of civil protection by local self‑government bodies. Analytical and Comparative Jurisprudence. 2024. № 3. pp. 272-277. URL: http://journal-app.uzhnu.edu.ua/article/view/308314/299801 (in Ukrainian).

2. European Charter of Local Self-Government of 15.10.1985. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/994_036#Text (in Ukrainian).

3. Civil Protection Code of Ukraine (2012). Law No. 5403‑VI of October 2, 2012. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/5403-17#Text (in Ukrainian).

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