EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REFORMS IN UKRAINE: A SYNERGY OF CHANGES

Abstract

The article comprehensively examines the strategic and existential importance of European integration for Ukraine in the context of full-scale armed aggression by the russian federation. The author emphasises that the European integration course today goes far beyond a foreign policy priority – it is transforming into a comprehensive state-building process that affects the basic parameters of the political, legal, administrative and institutional architecture of the state. The choice of the European path of development becomes not only a desire to integrate with the democratic community, but also a condition for the survival of the Ukrainian nation, a guarantee of security, stability, democratisation of governance and public trust in the authorities. Public consultations, electronic petitions, participatory budgeting tools and public councils attached to government bodies are being introduced in Ukraine. However, the effectiveness of these instruments is often limited by formal procedures, weak institutionalisation of civil society and an insufficient level of political culture. To achieve real compliance with European standards, it is necessary to strengthen public influence on policy, ensure feedback and transparency in the formation of management decisions.

Particular attention is paid to the analysis of requirements for reforming the public administration system in the context of harmonisation with European standards. It is not only about the technical adaptation of legal acts, but also about the creation of a qualitatively new model of public administration that will meet the principles of good governance –  the rule of law, effective management, openness, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, equal access to administrative services and citizen involvement in decision-making. These standards are not abstract – they are based on the experience of EU countries and are enshrined in numerous documents, including the Code of Good Governance and the Council of Europe’s recommendations.