While the Lviv authorities have begun organizing public hearings themselves (joining them seen as being less dangerous than figting them!), they seem less interested in taking heed of what the public is telling them

This excellent initiative has already raised its original target and looks set to prove not only that Ukrainians want the choice to watch films in Ukrainian, but also (and not for the first time!) that they know better than politicians how to join forces and affirm their rights

More than 600 people have already supported the initiative which was launched the day before yesterday in response to the effective refusal by film distributors to translate films being shown in Ukrainian cinemas

A project has been launched aimed at increasing the influence of local territorial communities in Ukraine on decision making by state authorities and local administrations focusing particularly on public hearings

The first, but seemingly not last, such agreement aimed at improving the level of openness and accountability of the local authorities and public participation in decision making

A new Internet resource - the Lviv Civic Portal -will promote public participation in decision making and in monitoring the activities of the local authorities

Promising initiatives for consolidating public participation and control in the Chernihiv region

The new Resolution passed by the Cabinet of Ministers enables representatives of civic organizations and others at their own initiative to be included on the boards of local state administrations

The "visit" today by over 70 Lviv journalists and their statement achieved one aim - a commission has been created. Postive as a beginning, but by no means enough ...

An association of civic networks and organizations from different regions of Ukraine which have formed one network to work together in the interests of civic society. They extend an invitation to all who support the enclosed Declaration to join them

A call to think soberly about the tasks ahead

The instantaneous reaction of the media and Ukrainian society to the recent attack on journalists would suggest that certain political factions who assume carte blanche is restored would be well advised to think again

More on the suffocating effect of the law restricting ’political campaigning"

The present pre-election campaign suggest a downside to unlimited freedom of expression

A look ahead to the March parliamentary elections in the light of the present crisis. The author analyses the roots of Ukraine’s political malaise and provides biting criticism of the “Disneyland” world of the Verkhovna Rada

An in-depth analysis of Russia’s economic and political objectives with the New Year Ukrainian gas crisis both as far as Ukraine is concerned, and in broader geo-political terms.

On the planned amendments to the Constitution (the “political reform”): “I am a citizen. …. I simply have rights which I will not give up without a fight. My barricades are the Constitution. Each time anybody attempts to take these rights away, they will have to take the barricades by storm. And we’ll see who wins, since there are a lot of us”

It was written much about the absence of efficient protection of rights and interests of citizens in Ukraine. However, in spite of general declarations, intentions and promises to improve the situation, no concrete measures were taken: the operating laws were not changed, and new laws were not created