The discussion of a new model of local government in Ukraine should be completed by October 1 this year, as it is an important element of European integration, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Vilkul has said.

"The discussion of a new model of local government should be completed by October 1, i.e. ahead of the EU summit in Vilnius. Ukraine hopes to sign the association agreement, and one of the areas of cooperation is the implementation by Ukraine of the European Charter [on Local Government], in particular, the adoption of a new model for the development of local government," Vilkul said at a round table in Kyiv on Wednesday.

He said that "better management of the regions in accordance with best international practices is an important element of European integration of Ukraine."

Vilkul said that the issue concerns the redistribution of powers in favor of local authorities, rather than a redrawing of administrative-territorial units in Ukraine. In addition, people in the regions have to understand what positive changes they will see thanks to the introduction of a new system of local government: economical development, wage growth, the creation of new jobs, and increasing the comfort of living and social protection, he added.