Authors

Discussion

From learner to leader: comparing national approaches to participatory budgeting in Poland and Ukraine

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the national approaches to participatory budgeting in Poland and Ukraine. Following the introduction of PB in Ukraine in 2014, largely influenced by Polish expertise, Ukraine has evolved from a beginner to one of Europe’s leaders in participatory governance. The proposed framework evaluates both countries' PB models through key dimensions such as policy development, institutional support, citizen participation, and adaptability to local contexts. While Poland provided initial guidance to Ukraine’s PB processes, the models in each country have diverged significantly over time. Ukraine’s model has rapidly expanded, incorporating innovations that distinguish it from the more established Polish approach. Using a combination of policy analysis, stakeholder interviews, and comparative metrics, this paper assesses how each country’s political, social, and institutional contexts have shaped their PB strategies. The findings explore how Ukraine's unique path from learner to leader in PB offers lessons for enhancing citizen participation and democratic engagement in post-transition societies, while also reflecting on the established framework of Poland.