Integrating the European Green Deal into local governance: administrative capacities and institutional challenges for territorial communities

Purpose. The study aims to assess the administrative capacity and institutional features of integrating the principles of the European Green Deal into Ukraine’s local governance system (case study of territorial communities of the Western macro-region). Methodology / approach. The research methodology combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to assess the administrative capacities and institutional challenges of territorial communities in the Western macro-region of Ukraine in implementing the principles of the European Green Deal. An expert survey of representatives of local governments in 107 communities across seven oblasts (25.2% of their total number) was conducted in July–September 2025, covering 28 out of 30 areas and ensuring a high level of territorial coverage. The sample included urban, rural-type settlement, and village communities of various types and population sizes to take into account the specific characteristics of urbanised, mountainous, agricultural and industrial areas. Some of the results obtained are compared with data from European studies. This comparison contributed to understanding the extent to which the identified trends are consistent with European practices. The questionnaire was drafted without using the term green transition directly, which minimised respondent bias and ensured the objectivity of the assessments. Results. The results show that local governments in the Western macro-region have a low level of awareness of the European Green Deal: partial understanding prevails, while the proportion of those who are fully aware is significantly lower. Compared to EU municipalities, the level of awareness of Ukrainian communities is weaker: in Europe, the majority have at least basic awareness, while a much lower proportion of the population is completely unfamiliar with green approaches. Urban communities (especially oblast centres) are leaders in this area, while village and rural-type settlement communities show lower levels of engagement and awareness. Institutional barriers are systemic in nature: many councils do not have separate environmental or energy management departments, or these functions are performed on a part-time basis. This is reflected in planning: only a few communities have local energy plans (despite the requirement to adopt them by October 2025), while sustainable development action plans and waste management documents are present unevenly. Real green projects mostly focus on energy-efficient modernisation and renewable energy sources, with urban communities systematically more active than village ones. Meanwhile, specific measures are implemented more often than comprehensive policies are developed. Originality / scientific novelty. The novelty lies in conducting a comprehensive empirical assessment of the management capabilities of territorial communities in the context of integrating the European Green Deal, making it one of the first large-scale indicator surveys of its kind in Ukraine. A survey of over a hundred communities in the Western macro-region made it possible not only to identify the specifics of institutional barriers and environmental management practices, but also to compare Ukrainian trends with corresponding indicators for municipalities in EU countries. The results obtained provide an analytical basis for improving the green transition policy and developing a multi-level governance system in Ukraine that takes into account European approaches and standards. Practical value / implications. The practical significance of the results lies in their potential use by local governments, regional authorities, and national institutions in preparing development strategies, local energy plans, and environmental programmes. The empirical data obtained allows us to identify administrative gaps, staffing needs, and institutional barriers that hinder the implementation of the European Green Deal principles at the local level. In practice, the results can be used to develop targeted measures to improve the administrative capacity of communities, develop training programmes for local government specialists, and adapt European green transition tools to Ukrainian conditions.