ANTI-CORRUPTION PROVISIONS IN THE EU–UKRAINE ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT: LEGAL ANALYSIS AND IMPLEMENTATION

This article presents a comprehensive legal analysis of the anti-corruption provisions enshrined in the Association Agreement between Ukraine, of the one part, and the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the other part, focusing on their content, objectives, implementation mechanisms, and the actual level of Ukraine's compliance since the Agreement came into force.The study explores the systemic interrelation between anti-corruption obligations and Ukraine's broader process of European integration, particularly in the context of promoting the rule of law, transparency, and good governance.Key commitments derived from article 22 of the Agreement are examined, including those related to preventing corruption, establishing an independent anti-corruption infrastructure, ensuring the proper functioning of law enforcement and judicial institutions, and enhancing public participation in shaping anticorruption policy.Special attention is given to the legislative incorporation of these provisions into Ukrainian national law, especially through the establishment and functioning of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), and the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC).The article outlines the main achievements, challenges, and obstacles encountered by Ukraine in the course of fulfilling these obligations.A critical assessment is provided of the dynamics of legislative and institutional reforms, their alignment with European standards, and evaluations by international partners.The role of monitoring bodies such as the European Commission, GRECO, and the OECD in assessing the effectiveness of Ukraine's anti-corruption reforms is also discussed.Based on the research findings, conclusions are drawn regarding the current state of implementation of the anti-corruption components of the Association Agreement.The article also offers recommendations for future steps aimed at strengthening Ukraine's compliance with international, in particular European commitments in the field of anti-corruption and ensuring the sustainable development of anti-corruption policies in the context of European integration.