Mediation in administrative proceedings: European experience for Ukraine

Abstract

The article reveals the European experience of using mediation in administrative proceedings and the implementation of its best practices in Ukraine. Mediation in administrative proceedings has successfully proven itself in European countries. The tradition of alternative resolution of public legal disputes exists in Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway and other countries. The ability to use mediation in administrative proceedings is substantiated, the effectiveness of which depends on the peculiarities of each legal system, the organization of public administration and the existing practice of resolving public legal disputes.
 It is indicated that the Code of Administrative Procedure of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine «On Mediation» are favorable for the use of mediation. The main problem of implementing mediation in administrative proceedings lies in the political will and legislative capabilities of the subjects of power. A certain category of public-law disputes can potentially be resolved through mediation, provided there is a more stable practice and demarcation of discretionary powers of the relevant subjects.
 It is proposed to continue to introduce pilot projects on mediation, in particular in tax disputes, as well as with the participation of local self-government bodies, with further scaling to the entire territory of Ukraine. The necessity of continuing the training of mediators, who would have knowledge of highly specialized legal norms in the field of law and public administration (concerning licensing, registration procedures, property valuation, assessment of taxes or social assistance, etc.) is indicated. It is recommended to introduce relevant disciplines into educational programs, to introduce certificate courses for training mediators that would form relevant competencies, to conduct a large-scale company to popularize procedures for resolving public legal disputes through mediation.