Legal and practical aspects of international cooperation of territorial communities through the prism of the implementation of the european neighbourhood policy

The legal grounds for establishing cooperation between local self-government bodies and territorial communities of foreign countries, which are subjects of cross-border cooperation are considered in the article. 
It has been established that local self-government bodies carry out their activities in accordance with and within the limits of current legislation. The basic international legal acts and legal acts of Ukraine, which regulate the process of formation and functioning of local self-government bodies, define the list of functions and powers exercised by such bodies independently, determine the role and place of territorial communities in the development of cross-border cooperation. 
The main factors that influence nowadays the formation and effective functioning of local communities are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the communities located within the Transcarpathian region on the state border with the member countries of the European Union. It has been established that such a geographical position, in turn, leads to the intensification of international and cross-border cooperation and contributes to the further sustainable development of territories. 
The subject of Ukraine's participation in the programs of the European Neighbourhood Policy (hereinafter - ENP) is disclosed, the main advantages are characterized and the existing shortcomings are identified. It has been studied that Ukraine takes part in a number of cross-border programs within the framework of the ENP and contributes both to the Europeanization of Ukrainian society and to an increase in the standard of living of the population in the border areas of countries that are partners in cross-border projects through international technical assistance projects. 
Another opportunity for the participation of local communities in the development of international cooperation, which is membership in the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is considered. A special role is given here to cities in communities and the wide possibilities of establishing municipal partnerships and the formation of national and international associations. It has been proven that the creation of such organizational forms of international cooperation and the participation of territorial communities in them is an additional stimulus for the development and implementation of joint international programs and projects between municipalities.