The importance of the administrative procedure for ensuring the availability of administrative services

This article examines the importance of administrative procedure as an important step in the process of Ukraine’s European integration. It is concluded that the Law of Ukraine ‘On Administrative Procedure’ increases the accessibility of administrative services and fundamentally transforms the relationship between the state and citizens by implementing European principles of good governance. The administrative procedure establishes a unified procedural framework in the field of public administration that meets European standards. The study provides a comprehensive assessment of how the main European principles of public administration, such as the rule of law, legality, equality, fairness, proportionality and protection of legitimate expectations, are incorporated into domestic legislation. Particular attention is paid to innovative mechanisms for improving the accessibility of services, such as the digital platform ‘Diia’, expansion of the network of administrative service centres and service centres of public authorities, the provision of tacit consent, etc. The article discusses in detail the procedural guarantees for enhancing citizen participation in administrative decision-making, such as the right to be heard, no decision without the citizen’s knowledge, and effective remedies through administrative appeal. Despite implementation challenges exacerbated by the Russian invasion, such as the need for further reform of administrative institutions and infrastructure development, the Law of Ukraine ‘On Administrative Procedure’ demonstrates Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to administrative modernisation even in wartime. By bringing administrative procedures in line with EU standards, the Law not only fulfils Ukraine’s obligations under the Association Agreement, but also creates the basic conditions for potential EU membership by establishing administrative procedures compatible with EU member states.