ENHANCING INTEGRITY IN PUBLIC SERVICE OF POLAND AND UKRAINE: IS THE ABSENCE OF FINANCIAL COMPENSATION DURING THE "COOLING-OFF PERIOD" JUSTIFIED?

The present study examines the regulation of the "cooling-off period" in public service, focusing on Ukraine and Poland, and explores European experience in providing financial compensation for former public servants during such periods. The "cooling-off period" is a legal mechanism that restricts post-employment activities of former public officials in the private sector with a view to preventing conflicts of interest, misuse of official connections, and to ensure public trust. While the legislation is undoubtedly effective in safeguarding the public interest, it must be noted that it also imposes limitations on the constitutional right to work, which may result in financial and professional disadvantages for former officials. Ukraine and Poland are currently implementing a "cooling-off period" without providing financial compensation, resulting in the imposition of disproportionate restrictions and a concomitant diminution of the attractiveness of public service, particularly in challenging socio-economic conditions. In Poland, analogous regulations are applicable to former public servants, including senior officials. However, no financial compensation is currently provided, thereby underscoring the necessity to reconcile legal restrictions with personal rights. A comparative analysis of European practices, including EU institutions and countries such as Austria, Spain, Norway, Portugal, and Finland, reveals that financial compensation is often granted to former politicians and senior civil servants, with the duration and amount of payments being aligned with post-employment restrictions. The purpose of compensation is multifaceted, including the balancing of public and private interests, the assurance of proportionality of restrictions, the mitigation of income loss, and the reinforcement of ethical compliance. The study identifies the key features of such compensation, including its special legal nature, temporariness, monetary form, salary-based amount, and target positions. It also emphasises its role as a state guarantee. The conclusions emphasise the theoretical and practical necessity of introducing compensation mechanisms in Ukraine and Poland to align the "cooling-off period" with European standards, ensuring fairness, proportionality, and protection of former public servants' rights while maintaining effective anti-corruption safeguards.