Stimulating the socio-economic development of the regions of Ukraine on the basis of financial decentralization

Relevance. In modern conditions of integration with the EU countries, the regulatory framework of the socio-economic development of the regions of Ukraine is supplemented from the standpoint of decentralization of local authorities in accordance with European requirements for reforming the domestic economy. The main reasons for improving regional management, taking into account the experience of developed countries of the world, are: unsatisfactory level of financial support for the regions of Ukraine; improper delineation of administrative-territorial powers; unproductive distribution and redistribution of income and expenses between the state and regions; imperfect management of the processes of formation and use of financial resources at the local level. All this makes the balanced development of both the regions of Ukraine and territorial communities, the main subject of socio-economic progress of a certain territory, virtually impossible. Goal and tasks. Identification of challenges and threats to stimulate the socio-economic development of regions on the basis of financial decentralization. Results. The article presents the results of a theoretical and practical study of the process of stimulating the socio-economic development of the regions of Ukraine based on financial decentralization. The most significant problems of socio-economic development of Ukraine are identified. The role of state regional policy in solving these problems is revealed. The role of decentralization as a factor in regional development is substantiated. The essence of the concept of "decentralization" and its types is revealed, its mission is indicated. The results of observations of the processes of financial decentralization of local governments and territorial communities are presented. Positive changes and threats were identified regarding the stimulation of the socio-economic development of the regions based on financial decentralization. Findings. The financial decentralization of power has created new opportunities for the development of territories through new approaches to financing and managing the areas of community life (education and health), increasing the sources of local budgets, expanding the managerial powers of local governments and opportunities for public-private and inter-municipal partnerships, increasing the volume of supporting the implementation of projects of socio-economic and infrastructural development of territories. However, the issues of relations between such levels as the territorial community – district – region – state; financing of territorial development programs. The issue of economic self-sufficiency of territorial communities is not considered, which could, provided the rational use of the resource base, strengthen it and improve the financial situation. Consequently, the development of a territorial community at the local level is possible only if the correct state policy and the policy of local authorities based on financial decentralization are formed.