TERRITORIAL COMMUNITY AS A SPACE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL IDEA: THE GOVERNANCE DIMENSION

Abstract

The article examines the relationship between the internal policy of territorial communities and the Ukrainian national idea in the context of contemporary transformations in the public administration system. It substantiates that in the process of decentralization and under martial law, territorial communities acquire special significance as the basic level for the implementation of state policy, the formation of civic identity, and the ensuring of social cohesion. The internal policy of a territorial community is considered not only as a set of managerial decisions and administrative mechanisms, but also as a value-oriented process aimed at affirming national priorities, democratic principles, and the accountability of local authorities to the community.

Scientific approaches to the interpretation of the Ukrainian national idea as an integrative foundation of state-building are analyzed, and its influence on shaping the goals and priorities of the internal policy of territorial communities is determined. It is emphasized that the implementation of national value-based guidelines in the activities of local self-government bodies contributes to increasing the legitimacy of managerial decisions, enhancing civic participation, and strengthening the institutional capacity of communities. The main directions for implementing the Ukrainian national idea in the internal policy of communities are identified, particularly in the humanitarian sphere, communication policy, the development of civil society, volunteer activities, and the support of national culture. It is concluded that the integration of the Ukrainian national idea into the internal policy of territorial communities is an important condition for effective public administration, ensuring societal resilience and the sustainable development of Ukraine. The authors noted that communities act as carriers of state policy and values, which are embodied in specific projects: the development of Ukrainian education, support and teaching citizens the Ukrainian language, cultural events that form the identity of a citizen of Ukraine, protection of historical heritage, and the formation of a comfortable and safe community environment.