SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The article states that in the conditions of the ongoing war and post-war reconstruction, the ability of united territorial communities to adapt to new socio-economic realities and effectively manage resources is of particular importance. Despite reform initiatives, many communities remain dependent on state funding, which reduces their ability to develop independently. Weak institutional capacity combined with economic instability creates risks for ensuring quality social services and sustainable growth. It is substantiated that, taking into account the above problems, a comprehensive analysis of the existing socio-economic and institutional mechanisms for managing territorial communities is necessary. Such an analysis will help identify key barriers, develop recommendations for overcoming them, and create conditions for increasing the efficiency of regional development in Ukraine, which is extremely relevant in the context of modern challenges and strategic priorities of the state. Territorial communities in Ukraine have become a key element of the decentralization reform in recent years, aimed at expanding the powers of local self-government and strengthening regional development. It is analyzed that the development of territorial communities is complicated by the impact of military operations, which created additional challenges for ensuring stability, security and sustainable development of regions. The regulatory and legal framework for the management of united territorial communities in Ukraine is constantly being improved, taking into account the challenges of decentralization and the need to strengthen regional development. Economic instruments that ensure the financial autonomy of communities include tax benefits, inter-budgetary transfers. It is found that the war in Ukraine has increased the need to form effective socio-economic and institutional mechanisms for managing communities, as local authorities have found themselves on the front lines of ensuring the livelihoods of the population. Many territorial communities have suffered significant destruction of infrastructure, lost economic potential, and have also faced mass displacement of citizens. In such conditions, effective management becomes not only a matter of development, but also a vital necessity. These tools stimulate the development of communities, create conditions for the implementation of important projects and strengthen their financial stability, which is especially relevant in the context of military challenges.