How can hromadas make sure that school canteens and shelters are built on time, with high quality and at a justified cost? This was the key question addressed at the training “Pricing and Control in Construction: Practical Aspects for Communities” organised by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the EUACI on 1 October. About 400 participants from across Ukraine took part, including heads of educational institutions, local officials.
In 2026, the Ukrainian Government approved the distribution of subventions for modernising school canteens and for the arrangement of shelters in schools. The training aimed to help local officials better plan and conduct projects funded by the state subventions.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Anastasiia Sofiienko, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Allan Pagh Kristensen, Head of the EUACI, and Orest Stepaniak, Head of the School Nutrition Reform Team.
“Construction procurement is a complex area where decisions made at the planning and procurement stages can have a significant impact on the final cost, quality and transparency of a project. Our objective is not simply to identify problems after they occur, but to help hromadas prevent risks at an early stage and make well-informed decisions throughout the procurement and implementation process. We believe that combining monitoring, practical support and cooperation with our institutional partners is essential for strengthening transparency, accountability and integrity in construction procurement,” said Allan Pagh Kristensen.
The recording is available at: https://youtu.be/lVWFM1Kk3Jc
Pricing in construction is currently one of the most pressing issues for hromadas. Inflated estimates, unclear contract terms and insufficient oversight can significantly increase costs and affect the quality of work.
Among the speakers were representatives of the State Audit Service of Ukraine. As the key state body responsible for financial control, the Service brings unique expertise in detecting violations in the use of public funds. They explained what auditors pay attention to during inspections and which irregularities hromadas most often face. This practical insight will help participants avoid similar mistakes in their own projects.
The training was also delivered by experts from the EUACI, the State Enterprise “National Institute for Infrastructure Development” and an interior designer.
Speakers covered the following topics:
- pricing in construction, including common problems and practical solutions;
- key aspects to consider in procurement contracts for works;
- the State Audit Service’s experience in controlling and monitoring construction works;
- organisation of construction monitoring by the EUACI and the role of preventive control;
- design and layout solutions for premises and approaches to their approval.
Experts shared real cases from their practice and explained how to detect risks at an early stage, before they turn into overrun costs or poor-quality work.
The EUACI continues to work with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the School Nutrition Reform Team to promote integrity in the use of public funds, while helping hromadas build the capacity needed to implement infrastructure projects effectively.
The EUACI experts have prepared a set of guidelines and recommendations on modernising school canteens.
Instructions and requirements for uploading reports: https://cutt.ly/oynTEiOM
Procurement and risk management guidelines: https://cutt.ly/GynTRW7R
