The article presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of the legal regulation of requirements for candidates for civil service positions in Ukraine, European Union member states (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany), as well as in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with a focus on mechanisms for ensuring integrity, professional competence, and the prevention of corruption. The study is based on the analysis of national legislation, subordinate legal acts, and relevant international practices, which allows outlining current trends in the legal regulation of access to public service. It is established that the majority of the examined countries share common qualification criteria, including citizenship, proficiency in the official language, appropriate education, absence of criminal records, and adherence to ethical norms. However, the implementation of these requirements varies significantly in terms of selection procedures, the content of ethical standards, and approaches to assessing integrity. For example, in the United Kingdom, alternative access tools to civil service are widely used, particularly the “Fast Stream” and “Apprenticeship” programs, aimed at youth with limited professional experience. The Estonian, Latvian, and German models are characterized by a high degree of regulatory detail in the selection process, strict requirements regarding reputation and eligibility restrictions, and consistent support for ethical conduct at all stages of public service. The necessity of reforming Ukrainian legislation is substantiated, specifically regarding the legal formalization of procedures for involving youth in civil service at the early stages of professional development through the introduction of a specialized training program (Article 19¹), as well as the establishment of a system of annual ethics certification (Article 8¹), which includes the assessment of knowledge in anti-corruption legislation, ethical codes, and the ability to act in ethically challenging situations. This approach aligns with international standards of openness, transparency, and integrity in public administration. The implementation of the proposed changes will enhance the efficiency of the national personnel selection system, reduce corruption risks, strengthen the institutional capacity of public authorities, and bring Ukrainian legislation closer to the standards of public service established in the European legal space.
Mykhailovska et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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