THE IMPACT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESSES ON THE REFORM OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of European integration processes on the reform of vocational education for public servants in Ukraine in the context of contemporary challenges and the state's strategic course towards integration into the European Union. The author argues that professional education for public servants is a key element in the transformation of the public administration system, which must comply with the principles of transparency, accountability, efficiency, and good governance. The study focuses on regulatory, legal, and institutional changes, in particular the adoption of the new Law of Ukraine «On Service in Local Self-Government Bodies» and the planned amendments to the Law «On Public Service», which lay the foundation for the introduction of uniform standards for training and professional development of personnel in the public sector.Particular attention is paid to the activities of the National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service, in particular the implementation of a unified state electronic platform for professional training that meets modern requirements for digitalisation, openness and flexibility. The author also analyzes international experience and recommendations from the SIGMA program and the European Commission's Communication «Enhancing the European Administrative Space (ComPAct)», which form the framework for the transformation of the Ukrainian model of public administration. The author also considers the challenges that hinder the implementation of reforms, namely: the fragmented implementation of innovations, the uneven professional level of civil servants in the regions, limited motivation to learn, the gap between theory and practice, and the lack of unified training standards.The results of the study emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to the reform of professional education, taking into account the needs of wartime, Ukraine's commitments, and the importance of developing leadership, digital, and intercultural competencies among public servants.