Administrative and legal framework for selection and entry into public service in the customs authorities of Ukraine

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the administrative and legal regulation of the selection and admission process for public service in the customs authorities of Ukraine. It is established that the formation of a professional personnel structure is one of the key conditions for the effectiveness of customs authorities and for ensuring the principles of integrity, competence, and transparency. The study characterizes the main normative and legal acts regulating this process, including the Law of Ukraine «On Civil Service» and the Customs Code of Ukraine. The article examines the specifics of the competitive selection of candidates and identifies the main issues in its implementation, among which are the presence of corruption risks, a subjective approach to candidate evaluation, and potential favoritism. It analyzes scholarly approaches to defining the subjects of selection, their functions, and their responsibilities in ensuring the transparency of personnel procedures. Special attention is given to the issue of staffing customs authorities under martial law conditions, during which significant legislative changes have occurred, allowing for appointments without a competitive selection process. The study considers both the positive and negative consequences of this approach. On the one hand, a simplified appointment procedure facilitates the prompt filling of vacant positions in crisis conditions, enabling a rapid response to challenges related to the functioning of customs authorities. On the other hand, it creates risks of forming an incompetent workforce, increasing corruption manifestations, and undermining the principles of equal access to public service. Based on the conducted analysis, recommendations are proposed for improving the administrative and legal mechanism of personnel selection in Ukraine’s customs authorities. In particular, emphasis is placed on the necessity of maintaining the competitive selection process as the primary method of recruiting civil servants, even under martial law conditions. It is proposed to enhance mechanisms for monitoring competitive procedures, ensure independent oversight of personnel appointments, and strengthen the role of civil society in ensuring the transparency of the selection process. The study concludes that further reform of the personnel selection system in customs authorities should align with European standards of public administration. The adoption of international best practices in competitive selection, the development of clear candidate evaluation criteria, and the implementation of advanced digitalization practices in the selection process will contribute to improving the professionalism and integrity of Ukraine’s customs service.