EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE AS A WAY TO EFFECTIVE ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY IN UKRAINE: PERSPECTIVES AND REALITIES

Abstract

The article examines the European experience in the fight against corruption, with an emphasis on key practices and mechanisms used in the countries of the European Union. Effective strategies are analyzed, in particular, the independence of anti-corruption bodies, the system of verification of declarations of income and property of officials, as well as the role of civil society in the fight against corruption. The main focus is on three key aspects: the independence of anti-corruption bodies, the effectiveness of the system of monitoring and verification of officials’ income and property declarations, as well as the participation of civil society in anti-corruption activities. Based on the analysis of the successful experience of such countries as Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Finland, the main principles and approaches that contribute to the successful fight against corruption have been determined. It is also very important to pay attention to the possibilities of adapting these practices to Ukrainian realities in order to increase the effectiveness of anti-corruption policy in Ukraine. The article contains recommendations for improving the Ukrainian anti-corruption system based on European experience, which can be an important step for strengthening state control and involving citizens in the fight against corruption. In particular, emphasis is placed on the need to ensure the independence of such bodies as NABU, improving the mechanisms for checking electronic declarations, strengthening the role of public control and creating favorable conditions for the participation of citizens in exposing corruption. The effective fight against corruption requires not only the implementation of modern technical tools, but also political will, active public involvement and intersectoral cooperation. In addition, the need to integrate anti-corruption policy into the broader context of reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law and democratic values is emphasized. Particular attention is paid to the development and implementation of an effective system of witness protection, which could become a key tool for encouraging citizens to expose corruption offenses, ensuring their safety and confidentiality. The implementation of such a mechanism is critically important for stimulating the participation of civil society in the fight against corruption and building trust in anti-corruption initiatives. Ukraine has a unique opportunity, relying on the best European practices, to improve its anti-corruption system, strengthening the rule of law and democratic values. Only by integrating anti-corruption measures into the wider process of social and state reforms can a long-term basis be created for the formation of a virtuous environment that will contribute to the social and economic progress of Ukraine