Context
Although it has great potential, Ukraine has the lowest gross domestic product in Europe. To improve living conditions, policy-makers are increasingly relying on international cooperation with the German Government and other European countries. In 2017 the European Union (EU) and Ukraine signed an association agreement which aimed to start bringing the countries closer together. This agreement contains reforms that would enable the adoption of EU legal and economic standards. However, implementation of these reforms and cooperation with international institutions remain a major challenge. The Ukrainian Government lacks capabilities on an institutional and personal level. Inadequate structures and processes are slowing the reform work. The central stakeholders need more specialist knowledge if they are to correctly apply the new guidelines.
Objective
Ukrainian government officials are familiar with modern administrative processes and work together with international partners.
Appoach
On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is supporting the Ukrainian Government in its cooperation with Germany and other European countries.
Each year, 15 Ukrainian government officials receive training on EU standards from international experts. They attend seminars to learn about the relationships between Ukraine, Germany and the EU. They also find out more about the administrative structure of the Federal Republic of Germany and expand their knowledge of intercultural management. In addition, they are taught techniques for successful communication, presentations and negotiations, as well as for better stress and conflict management.
Results
Between 2001 and 2018, 246 Ukrainian government officials from various ministries completed the programme. They have used their newly acquired skills in their day-to-day work processes and in European cooperation. On study trips to Germany, the participants gained a direct insight into the working methods of German institutions and cooperation at European level. Contact with colleagues in German ministries resulted in networking and knowledge sharing. This cooperation allows the reforms in Ukraine’s administrative bodies to be implemented faster, stimulates the economy and, not least, improves the living conditions of the Ukrainian population.