The cooperation of the government and CSOs in reforms

Civil society organisations play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s governance reforms, particularly in PAR and open data initiatives. Their dual role as both partners of the government and independent watchdogs ensures accountability, transparency and responsiveness in policymaking and implementation.

CSOs have been instrumental in driving and monitoring PAR, advocating for higher standards of governance and professionalising civil service. They provide essential policy input, expertise and reform monitoring, playing a crucial role in advocating for transparent, merit-based civil service hiring. Additionally, CSOs support the implementation of donor-driven reforms by bridging gaps between donors and government institutions. However, several challenges persist. The fragmentation of donor support leads to inconsistencies in implementation, as multiple international donors operate with differing priorities. Furthermore, despite active engagement, CSOs often struggle to be formally included in decision-making structures, and high turnover within the civil service, coupled with inadequate financial incentives, reduces the sustainability of reforms. To ensure long-term governance improvements, improved coordination between donors, government agencies and CSOs is essential. Institutionalising CSO participation in policymaking and ensuring adequate resources for reform implementation will further enhance progress.