Conflict of interest: approaches to the implementation of the definition in the legislation of Ukraine

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The article continues the scientific and legal discourse surrounding the definition of «conflict of interests». The relevance of this topic stems from the growing incorporation of the concept into public administration systems in countries integrating into the international community. At the national level, mechanisms for preventing and managing conflicts of interest are developed by implementing international treaties and adopting methodological recommendations from international organizations, which provide the organizational and legal framework. However, the specific features of state governance and legal traditions influence how the concept is applied within a country’s existing political and legal system. While many scholars have explored the issue of conflicts of interest, the approach to its conceptual implementation within national legal frameworks, in our view, remains underdeveloped. The definition of «conflict of interests» and the approaches to its application in law-making and law-enforcement activities remain subjects of debate. This article examines current approaches to defining the definition of «conflict of interests» and explores modern strategies for creating a legal framework to address conflicts of interest in Ukraine. It also highlights the law­enforcement aspect of the issue. The article argues that the integration of anti-corruption laws with professional ethics standards into a unified legal system in Ukraine is largely declarative. Moreover, it is noted that the current legal definition of «conflict of interests» lacks the precision, clarity, and certainty required for legal norms. In conclusion, the article emphasizes that a clear conceptual understanding the definition of «conflict of interests» is essential for shaping national policies aimed at preventing and managing conflicts of interests. The article emphasizes the importance of mechanisms for regulating the professional behavior of officials as an essential aspect of the concept of conflict of interests.