INSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT SYSTEM OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

Abstract

B a c k g r o u n d . Improving the efficiency of local self-government is of strategic importance in the context of European integration. Ukraine is undergoing an institutional renewal of public administration, which includes harmonization of legislation, strengthening the potential of communities and subregional councils. The results of the reforms reveal territorial inequality, personnel imbalance and insufficient integration of public administration mechanisms at different levels. The study aims to analyze the factors affecting the efficiency of local self-government and identify ways to adapt the EU experience to strengthen the institutional stability of the system.
M e t h o d s . The following methods were applied: comparative analysis of Ukrainian and European models of local self-overnment; content analysis of regulatory legal acts, analytical materials, and media publications; structural-functional method to determine the relationships between institutional capacity, regulatory frameworks, management processes and public trust. Empirical data analysis and survey results served to assess the practice of local self-government.
R e s u l t s . The effectiveness of local self-government depends on the coherence of public administration mechanisms, the competence of officials, the quality of communication with the public, and the degree of digitalization. Comparative analysis confirmed that EU countries demonstrate higher efficiency indicators due to democratic tools, strategic planning, and effective interaction between the state and communities. The following problems persist in Ukraine: uneven development of territories, insufficient institutional coordination, and fragmented decisionmaking. The survey results showed a discrepancy between formal procedures and their practical implementation.
C o n c l u s i o n s . The effectiveness of local self-government can be increased through integration it is substantiated that the effectiveness of local self-government can be increased through the integration of European practices, strengthening institutional capacity, improving the professionalism of employees, digitalization, and transparency. Key goals include the synchronization of management mechanisms, promoting citizen participation, and focusing on sustainable development. The implementation of European approaches will ensure the resilience of local government in the face of socio-political, economic, and security challenges.