EU Standards Research Articles

Impact of the EU Energy Markets Transformations on the Ukrainian Economy

As a result of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Ukraine is experiencing destruction of its energy infrastructure and is forced to move away from the clean energy model in production and consumption. Moreover, the whole Europe has become one of the most affected regions, having suffered serious energy, economic, and political consequences. Therefore, the analysis of the mutual influence of energy changes in the EU on the economy of Ukraine is important for the establishment of an effective economic and energy policy that will facilitate the adaptation of the Ukrainian economy to global and regional energy transformations. In this regard, the purpose of this research is to establish the features, patterns, and tendencies of changes occurring on the EU energy markets and assess their influence on the economic development of Ukraine. This study explores the profound impact of the EU energy market transformations on Ukraine’s economic landscape, highlighting opportunities and risks in light of geopolitical tensions and global energy changes. Key areas include Ukraine’s integration into the EU’s energy systems, prospects for renewable energy and challenges in policy adaptation amid the ongoing conflict and infrastructure damages. The analysis highlights the urgency of modernizing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to align with EU standards and implement green energy strategies. The research is carried out applying the comparative analysis, structural-logical, dialectical, generalization, and statistical data processing methods. As a result, the main trends of energy markets transformations in Europe are determined, which are related to a radical change in the European gas market structure, acceleration of the transition to renewable energy sources, reduction of final energy consumption, changes in price regulations on energy markets, filling of gas storage facilities, aggregate demand, and joint purchase of energy resources. In accordance with each established direction of transformation of the EU energy markets, the consequences of such changes for the Ukrainian energy system are determined and the risks associated with the reorientation of global trends in the energy market are identified. Accordingly, the consequences of such changes for the Ukrainian energy system are determined and the risks associated with the reorientation of global trends on the energy market are identified.

Risk-based evaluation of machine learning-based classification methods used for medical devices

BackgroundIn the future, more medical devices will be based on machine learning (ML) methods. In general, the consideration of risks is a crucial aspect for evaluating medical devices. Accordingly, risks and their associated costs should be taken into account when assessing the performance of ML-based medical devices. This paper addresses the following three research questions towards a risk-based evaluation with a focus on ML-based classification models.MethodsFirst, we analyzed how often risk-based metrics are currently utilized in the context of ML-based classification models. This was performed using a literature research based on a sample of recent scientific publications. Second, we introduce an approach for evaluating such models where expected risks and associated costs are integrated into the corresponding performance metrics. Additionally, we analyze the impact of different risk ratios on the resulting overall performance. Third, we elaborate how such risk-based approaches relate to regulatory requirements in the field of medical devices. A set of use case scenarios were utilized to demonstrate necessities and practical implications, in this regard.ResultsFirst, it was shown that currently most scientific publications do not include risk-based approaches for measuring performance. Second, it was demonstrated that risk-based considerations have a substantial impact on the outcome. The relative increase of the resulting overall risks can go up to 196% when the ratio between different types of risks (false negatives vs. false positives) changes by a factor of 10.0. Third, we elaborated that risk-based considerations need to be included into the assessment of ML-based medical devices, according to the relevant EU regulations and standards. In particular, this applies when a substantial impact on the clinical outcome / in terms of the risk-benefit relationship occurs.ConclusionIn summary, we demonstrated the necessity of a risk-based approach for the evaluation of medical devices which include ML-based classification methods. We showed that currently many scientific papers in this area do not include risk considerations. We developed basic steps towards a risk-based assessment of ML-based classifiers and elaborated consequences that could occur, when these steps are neglected. And, we demonstrated the consistency of our approach with current regulatory requirements in the EU.

Legal regime of stay in the EU of citizens of Ukraine

The article focuses attention on the factors that became catalysts for the adoption of Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382, which establishes the presence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine within the meaning of Article 5 of Directive 2001/55/EC and introduces temporary protection. The above-mentioned decision became the basis for the appearance of a legal regime for the stay of Ukrainian citizens in the EU, which did not exist before - this is the regime of temporary protection. Focuses on the Council conclusions of 27 May 1999 on displaced persons from Kosovo, Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof. The article highlights all existing legal regimes of a Ukrainian citizen’s stay in the EU (temporary protection; tourist; refugee) and characterizes them. It is emphasized that the regime of temporary protection is limited in time, it is not the same as permanent protection and that it provides that EU member states take measures necessary for the voluntary return of persons who enjoy temporary protection or whose temporary protection has expired - to Ukraine. If the legal regime of a tourist - a citizen of Ukraine independently ensures his stay in an EU member state, he does not have the right to work in the EU. Refugee status can be acquired by a citizen of Ukraine who proves that he has a justified danger of being persecuted because of race, religion, nationality, belonging to a certain social group or political beliefs. Under the legal status of a refugee, a person gains access to the labor market if the application for granting refugee status has not received a final review within 9 months. It is emphasized that EU law establishes only minimum standards of protection that each EU member state must ensure. National protection standards (EU member countries) are higher compared to EU standards.

Artificial intelligence and its use to ensure the unity of judicial practice as a component of trust in the court

This article explores the timely issue of employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure the uniformity of judicial practice in Ukraine, which is considered a vital component of trust in the court. The author analyzes the possibilities and prospects of implementing AI in the activities of the Supreme Court, particularly for automating the processes of analyzing court decisions, identifying inconsistencies, and formulating generalized legal positions. It is emphasized that the uniformity of judicial practice is a fundamental value that guarantees the realization of the principle of equality, ensures the predictability of justice, and strengthens trust in the judicial system. The potential of AI to enhance the efficiency of courts at all levels is highlighted, but it is stressed that its implementation requires a balanced approach considering potential risks. The article argues that AI can serve as an effective tool for streamlining court operations and unifying legal interpretations. Furthermore, the research delves into the current state of digitalization within the Ukrainian judicial system and identifies existing challenges, such as the large volume of cases and the need for improved analytical tools. The author also connects the discussion to Ukraine's European integration aspirations, emphasizing that a unified judicial practice aligns with the principles of the rule of law and legal certainty, which are cornerstones of European legal standards. Furthermore, the active implementation of AI in the judiciary will contribute to strengthening the rule of law, approximating EU standards, and improving Ukraine's international image. Ultimately, the research concludes that integrating AI into the judicial process represents a crucial step towards a more efficient, consistent, and trustworthy legal system. Key words: artificial intelligence, unity (coherence, consistency, stability) of judicial practice, Supreme Court, principle of equality, fairness, reasonable predictability (principle of legal certainty, principle of legitimate expectations), efficiency, motivation, principle of procedural economy, legal position (conclusion), discretion, derogation, trust in the court.

European and EU Standards of Rights and Protection of Child Victims of Crime and Their Implementation in the Polish Criminal Process Through Amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure in 2020–2023

The basic assumption of the article is to examine to what extent the latest amendments to the Polish Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP) are in line with international standards of rights and protection of child victims of crime. It should be noted that between 2020 and 2023, the Polish justice system has undergone significant evolution in this area, striving to meet the standards of child-friendly justice specified by legal acts of the Council of Europe and European Union legislation. The following acts were of particular importance here: of 13 January 2023, 7 July 2023, 27 July 2023 amending the provisions of CCP introducing, among others, the institution of individual assessment of the needs of victims (Article 52a), the legal representative of a minor victim (Article 51 § 2a) and amending the procedures for interviewing minor victims and witnesses specified in Articles 185a–185c and f of the Polish CCP. All these amendments will be assessed in the context of the standards set by the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against sexual exploitation of 25 October 2007 and the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence of 11 May 2011. Regarding EU standards, it is necessary to examine the standards of rights and protection of child victims of crime contained in Directive 2011/93/EU of 13 December 2011 on combating sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and Directive 2012/29/EU of 25 October 2012 on minimum standards of protection, rights and support for victims of crime and the draft amendments to this directive of 23 July 2023. This article highlights the most important of the Polish CCP changes in 2020–2023 and presents the current state of implementation of the above mentioned European and EU standards into Polish criminal procedure.

European Union’s Legal System: Essential Features and Tendencies of Modern Development

The purpose of the article is to determine the essential features of the EU legal system, as well as the tendencies of its modern development. The article employs a variety of research methods, including systemic and structural, dialectical, formal and legal, and comparative approaches. This paper uses an approach that looks at the structural parts of the EU legal system, how they interact with national legal rules, and how modern international legal processes affect all of these things. The correlation between legal norms, institutional structures, and the axiological foundations of the EU legal system receives particular attention. The author has analyzed the current processes of the EU expansion and strengthening its influence on other states, resulting in the growing influence of its law on the legal systems of other states, primarily those that are candidates for joining the EU. It was decided that the way the EU's legal system is changing today shows that the EU wants to adapt its own legal system to modern challenges, strengthen its institutional and ideological foundation, and make sure that the rights and freedoms of its citizens are protected at the right level while also promoting integration between EU member states. The study's findings can be used to improve Ukraine's national legislation, to adapt legal norms to EU standards, and to develop strategies for harmonizing national law with the EU legal system. It will strengthen Ukraine's institutional capacity in the process of European Union integration.

Environmental and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and toxic elements in the red sea using Monte Carlo simulation

This research evaluates the environmental and health risks linked to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and PAHs along the western coast of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. This study investigated the concentration of 16 PAH compounds in the Suez Gulf, revealing significantly higher levels than the EU (0.20 µg/L) and US (0.030 µg/L) standards. The average total PAH concentration across eight locations was significantly higher, with the Suez area having the highest concentration at 479 µg/L. Pyrene (Pyr) was the dominant PAH with a concentration of 443 µg/L in Suez, while acenaphthylene (Ace) had the lowest concentration at 0.120 µg/L in Northern Zaafarana. Carcinogenic PAHs (CAR) ranged from 8.67 µg/L at Ras Gharib to 29.62 µg/L at Suez, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures. Confirmatory ratios pointed to industrial and shipping influences as petrogenic sources. Elevated total organic carbon (TOC) levels in Suez Bay indicated aggravated organic pollution, exacerbated by oil rigs and refineries. The ecological risk assessment highlighted substantial risks, particularly in Suez, necessitating immediate interventions to combat PAH contamination and preserve the environmental balance of the Red Sea. The dominant metals in water samples were arranged in descending order as follows: Pb > Fe > Cr > Cu > Zn > Mn > Cd > Ni. The study evaluated environmental and human health risks using a multifaceted approach, including cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and various indices (HPI, RI, MI, HQ, HI, and CR). Most water samples exhibited high pollution risks, surpassing permissible limits for HPI (> 100) and MI (> 6). Notably, HI oral values indicated significant non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children. While HI values for adults suggested low-risk dermal contact, those for children showed a substantial proportion in the high-risk category. Most water samples displayed CR values exceeding 1 × 10–4 for Cd, Cr, and Pb, indicating vulnerability to carcinogenic effects in both age groups. Monte Carlo simulations reinforced these findings, revealing a significant carcinogenic impact on children and adults. The identified clusters, reflective of industrial, petroleum-related, and urban runoff contamination sources, were consistently validated and clarified through PCA, enhancing the reliability of the findings. In light of these results, urgent and comprehensive water treatment measures are imperative to mitigate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. These insights provide a foundation for implementing targeted management strategies to effectively address the challenges of heavy metal contamination in the Red Sea.

Better regulation by standards? Harmonized technical standards, transparency, and the rule of law

p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"font face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT, serif"This article outlines the characteristics and latest developments of the EU standardization system and analyses recent case law, particularly the Malamud case (Case C-588/21P). It then considers the future of this innovative governance system.The authors argue that, in view of the use of harmonized technical standards in areas with considerable potential societal impact (such as the Artificial Intelligence Act), and the fact that harmonized technical standards are now considered to form part of EU law, certain changes to the EU standardization system are required in order for harmonized technical standards to fully comply with the requirements inherent to the rule of law. The authors propose targeted improvements to the EU standardization system that aim for progressive and evolutionary improvement as opposed to a complete overhaul. The focus of these proposals is on retaining the system’s core philosophy and dynamics while addressing its weaknesses in transparency, accountability, and governance. /font

OVERVIEW OF COMPLIANCE OF UKRAINE TAX LEGISLATION WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE EU DIRECTIVES

The article is devoted to assessing Ukraine's commitments regarding the harmonization of its tax legislation with the requirements of the European Union Directives. The study underscores the significance of this process as part of Ukraine’s integration into the European economic area, highlighting the necessity of aligning national fiscal policies with EU standards to foster mutual trust, economic stability and sustainable development. The relevance of this topic stems from Ukraine's aspiration to deepen cooperation with the European Union and the strategic importance of adopting uniform tax regulations to ensure transparency, fairness and efficiency in taxation. The primary aim of the research is to identify the scope and evaluate the current status of Ukraine's legislative efforts in achieving compliance with EU tax directives. The methodological approach includes systematic analysis, comparative legal analysis and qualitative assessments. The results of the study reveal significant progress in Ukraine’s legislative initiatives to align with EU directives, particularly in areas such as VAT and corporate profit tax. However, the research identifies several gaps where further alignment is required. Implementing certain EU directives may require amending other Ukraine legislative acts. In particular, implementing rules on arbitration processes may require amending the Constitution of Ukraine; implementing Directives on cross-border mergers of enterprises will require changes to civil legislation. The article’s practical value lies in its potential to inform policymakers, civil servants and other stakeholders involved in the tax harmonization process about the current inconsistency with the requirements of the EU Directives and underline such discrepancies. Moreover, the insights provided can serve as a framework for developing strategic roadmaps aimed at bridging identified gaps and achieving full harmonization. The harmonization process is not solely a legal or technical endeavor. By aligning its tax system with EU standards, Ukraine can pave the way for increased foreign investment, improved business climates and enhanced trade relations.

STATE TRANSPORT POLICY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION: MODELS AND EXPERIENCE FOR UKRAINE

The article elaborates the theoretical foundations of the formation and implementation of the state transport policy of the EU and suggests ways of implementing the best foreign experience in the conditions of post-war Ukraine. The existence of a clear understanding in the developed countries of the world of the strategic role of the transport industry in ensuring the real sovereignty of the country is substantiated. The key tasks of the transport policy of the European Economic Community are defined, in particular, the expansion of interconnection of multimodal trans-European and regional transport networks, decarbonization and digitalization of transport services and infrastructure. It has been proven that speeding up Ukraine’s accession to the EU requires, in terms of public management, the harmonization of Ukrainian and European legislation through the implementation of EU regulatory documents, reforming Ukrainian state transport policy in accordance with EU standards.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ФІНАНСОВОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ ДОМОГОСПОДАРСТВ В «СТАРИХ» КРАЇНАХ ЄС В ПЕРІОД КРИЗОВИХ ЯВИЩ В ЕКОНОМІЦІ ТА ЗМІН В ОПОДАТКУВАННІ

Introduction. Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022-2025 forced our country's authorities to cut social spending and raise taxes (primarily indirect taxes), which worsened the level of financial security of most Ukrainian households. The article, based on the analysis of such categories as “household finances” and “household financial security”, reveals the peculiar6+ities of ensuring the latter in the so-called “old” EU countries during economic crises and economic downturns in the twenty-first century. The purpose of the article. The purpose of the study is to analyze the experience of the “old” EU members in terms of household financial security in the face of economic crises and recessions and ways to overcome them in the twenty-first century. This is also important because in 2023 Ukraine received the status of a candidate for EU membership, which imposes on our country the obligation to comply with EU standards in tax and social policy, to prevent significant stratification in household income during crises, which is still typical for Ukraine. Methods. The study used such general scientific methods of cognition as generalization and comparison, analysis, and a systematic approach. Results. The article also identifies the risks in the functioning of household finances in wealthier and less wealthy countries of the European Union, primarily during the crises of 2008-2009 and in 2022-2024 and the economic downturn in 2020-2021. Based on this analysis, the author substantiates for the Ukrainian authorities the directions for optimizing household expenditures during this period under the influence of the state policy of reducing public spending during crises. The article pays considerable attention to changes in income taxation in the “old” EU countries and their impact on the financial security of households during financial instability, which is important to take into account in our country. Conclusions. All of this made it possible to substantiate the necessary changes in ensuring the financial security of Ukrainian households during the crisis of 2022-2024 and during the recovery of its economy, taking into account the experience of the “old” EU countries.

European governance of deterrence and containment. A legal perspective on novelties in European and Danish asylum policy

ABSTRACT This article confronts novelties in Danish asylum policy with current and future EU standards from the perspective of deterrence and containment. The interaction between Danish policy and EU harmonisation is discussed to identify the aims and measures reflecting deterrence strategies. In this context, the terminology routinely used to depict and analyse these phenomena is reconsidered with a view to enhance understanding of the regulatory and physical barriers hindering access to territory, procedures and eventually protection. As these barriers include non-arrival and non-admission measures it is proposed to adjust the conceptual approach and focus on containment in parallel with deterrent measures. EU asylum policy is increasingly characterised by deterrence and containment of asylum seekers, yet recent Danish policy initiatives go even further in restricting asylum rights. The ‘paradigm shift’ towards temporary asylum has resulted in the revocation of asylum for Syrian refugees with subsidiary or temporary protection and in secondary movements of ‘former refugees’ to neighbouring countries with different protection policies. In addition, plans for transferring asylum seekers to a non-European country have been introduced in Danish legislation. These national developments have raised complex issues under EU law leading to the entanglement between legal and political aspects of asylum governance.

Bilateral relations as a key element of international cooperation — 48–54

Today, domestic institutions and organizations maintain bilateral relations in the scientific field with more than fifty countries around the world, and the number of existing bilateral agreements reaches five thousand. For Ukrainian scientists, integration into the European Research Area is an opportunity to deepen cooperation with the EU scientific community, and for the state, it is a tool for adapting EU standards and norms in the field of science and innovation. The article examines the place of bilateral relations as a key element of strengthening international cooperation. The insufficient level of research on assessing the level of influence of the scale of bilateral cooperation on the development of international cooperation is emphasised. The main stages of the development and strengthening of bilateral scientific and technical cooperation (contributions of the parties, project implementation, obtaining scientific returns and practical results, determining medium and long-term consequences) are considered. The main directions of international cooperation in the scientific field with the EU and NATO countries in the framework of Ukraine’s integration into the European Scientific Area and the role of bilateral scientific and technical cooperation in this process are analysed. It is emphasized that modern research project support programmes already at the application stage require that the participating organization has a foreign partner in one of the participating countries, which encourages domestic organizations to enter into bilateral agreements to access grant opportunities. The article also outlines further prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation in Ukraine.

Comparative analysis of atmospheric air and surface water quality standards in Ukraine and EU

Comparative analysis of atmospheric air and surface water quality standards in Ukraine and EU

Ukraine's journey towards European integration: Successes and future outlook

A fundamental objective of Ukrainian state policy is the integration of the country's political, economic, and social structures with those of the European Union. This endeavour, referred to as European integration, constitutes a pivotal aspect of Ukraine's foreign policy. Since achieving independence in 1991, Ukraine has steadily progressed towards EU integration, with the aim of aligning its legislative and institutional frameworks with European standards. A landmark in this journey was the signing of the Association Agreement in 2014, which enabled Ukraine to establish a comprehensive free trade area with the EU and advance its reform agenda. This study aims to evaluate Ukraine's achievements and prospects in the European integration process. The research employs a systematic and comparative analysis of existing literature, drawing on historical and legal frameworks to identify key stages of Ukraine's European integration. Particular attention is given to the institutional adjustments required to align domestic legislation with EU standards, with a primary focus on economic reforms and their influence on the integration process, as well as the associated social transformations. The findings highlight that, despite notable progress, significant obstacles remain, including political instability, pervasive corruption, and external aggression from Russia, all of which hinder Ukraine's full integration into the EU. The practical significance of this study lies in its ability to inform recommendations for advancing Ukraine's European integration process. These recommendations have the potential to strengthen political and economic stability while improving the quality of life for the Ukrainian population.

Topical issues of harmonization of tax legislation of Ukraine with the requirements of the European Union

The article deals with the main directions of harmonization of Ukrainian tax legislation in accordance with the EU standards, key measures to optimize the taxation system of Ukraine in accordance with European norms. Considerable attention is paid to the harmonization of Ukraine’s tax policy with the approaches used in the EU. The article identifies the main principles and objectives of the EU tax policy, analyses the priority areas for improving the Ukrainian tax system in the context of its adaptation to European standards. The author emphasizes that direct taxation in the EU is based on harmonization of standards for taxation of individuals and legal entities, especially in the context of preventing tax evasion and resolving the issue of double taxation. Ukraine has already implemented some European and international standards, which helps to stabilize the basic principles of taxation, create a coherent tax base and improve the mechanisms of tax assessment and collection. The author comes to the conclusion that at the present stage the main difficulties of the Ukrainian tax system include: predominance of the fiscal function of taxes over the regulatory function; numerous regulations from other areas of law which partially regulate tax relations; insufficient level of legal guarantees for all participants of tax relations. Considerable attention is paid to the analysis of international experience in the field of indirect taxation, which demonstrates the effectiveness of accumulating tax revenues for economic development, supporting low-income groups of the population, stimulating scientific and technological progress and increasing the country’s labor potential. The article suggests ways to overcome the challenges in harmonizing the tax legislation of Ukraine and the EU. Integration into the EU is a priority of Ukraine’s foreign policy, and harmonization of legislation is an important step in this process. Improving the efficiency of the tax system contributes not only to the financial stability of the state, but also to the intensification of business activity.

European legal standards of personal data protection

The article considers the main European legal acts that ensure the protection of personal data and confidential information about a person. After all, taking into account the European integration direction of Ukraine’s development, the experience of legal regulation of the institution of personal data on the European continent is important for our country. It was emphasized that the rapid technological development and globalization lead to the emergence of new difficulties for the protection of personal data: the scale of collection and sharing of personal data has increased significantly; technologies allow both private companies and public bodies to use personal data on an unprecedented scale in order to implement their activities and individuals are increasingly providing access to personal information to the public and on a global scale. It is emphasized that the protection of personal data as one of the fundamental human rights is currently guaranteed by an effective combination of various EU legal instruments, in particular the founding treaties of the EU and the EU Charter, which are acts of primary EU law, as well as acts of secondary EU law. The Council of Europe Convention «On the Protection of Individuals in Relation to Automated Processing of Personal Data» dated January 28, 1981 No. 108 was analyzed as the first international legally binding document that deals exclusively with issues of personal data protection, which outlines the key principles of personal data processing , the rights of a person in connection with the processing of his personal data, basic norms regarding cross-border data transfer. The author emphasizes the importance of Ukraine’s international legal obligations arising from the AA and the EU candidate status, which has once again raised the issue of the need to update and implement the latest EU standards in the field of personal data protection into national legislation. It is noted that rapid technological development and globalization lead to new challenges for personal data protection. The scale of collection and sharing of personal data has increased significantly. Technologies allow both private companies and public authorities to use personal data on an unprecedented scale to carry out their activities. Individuals are increasingly providing access to personal information to the public and on a global scale. The author emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s international legal obligations arising from the AA and the acquisition of the EU candidate status, which once again raised the issue of the need to update and implement the latest EU standards in the field of personal data protection into national legislation. The result of the development of a joint pan­European regulatory act in the field of regulating the processing and protection of personal data was the adoption of the General Regulation on the Protection of Personal Data with the aim of adapting the rules of personal data protection to the era of digital technologies, the main substantive novelties of this legal act were determined. The main tasks of the European Council for the Protection of Personal Data have been clarified.

Child Protection and Legal Standards for Children in Criminal Justice with Regards to the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child

Children are the most vulnerable members of our society and cannot manage the risk of poverty and social exclusion alone. Crimes against children are common. The European Unions’s (EU’s) Strategy on the Rights of the Child is a policy framework that enforces children’s rights as a horizontal issue in EU policies and legislation. The implementation aims to support European and national efforts to promote children’s well-being and reduce child poverty. The issue of age is of paramount importance from the point of view of criminal prosecution and applicable legal consequences, notably whether we speak about child protection or a criminal justice case. The EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child follows a holistic approach, and its overall goal is to create a better society in the EU and worldwide in six major areas, containing the child-friendly justice, which is in the focus of this study. The aim of the study is to explore the deepening of children’s rights in criminal proceedings, to list some relevant case law of the European Court of Justice (CJEU) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), and to point out that the incorporation of European legal standards into Hungarian jurisprudence is crucial for improving the protection of children’s rights. The relationship between EU standards and child-friendly justice in Hungarian criminal proceedings is complex and requires careful consideration; it can help to ensure a more child-centred enforcement of children’s rights, while at the same time highlighting the European requirements already in place in our criminal proceedings.

The importance and benefits of the EU single market for Georgia

Relevance of the topic: The European Union's (EU) Single Market is one of the most integrated and competitive economic regions in the world. As countries in the EU's neighborhood, such as Georgia, seek closer economic ties with the Union, understanding the dynamics of the Single Market and its implications becomes increasingly crucial. Georgia, with its strategic geopolitical position and aspirations for deeper integration with the EU, presents a unique case for studying the potential benefits, challenges, and opportunities of aligning with the EU Single Market. Purpose of the article: The primary aim of this article is to analyze the implications of Georgia's potential integration with the EU's Single Market, exploring the benefits, challenges, and policy recommendations for enhancing Georgia's economic cooperation with the EU. Scientific work topic: This research examines the intersection of EU economic integration, particularly the Single Market, and the challenges faced by Georgia in aligning its economy with EU standards. The study focuses on trade, regulatory alignment, and sectoral opportunities for Georgia in the context of EU integration. Research object: The object of this study is the economic relationship between Georgia and the European Union, specifically Georgia's participation in the EU Single Market and the policies that could facilitate its closer integration. Research methods: The research employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including a review of existing literature, policy analysis, case studies, in both Georgia and the EU. Statistical data on trade flows, regulatory changes, and economic performance are also analyzed to support the findings. Practical significance: This article provides policymakers, business leaders, and academics with insights into the practical steps Georgia needs to take to deepen its economic ties with the EU. It offers recommendations for aligning Georgian regulatory frameworks with EU standards and fostering a more robust trade relationship. Results and discussion: The analysis shows that Georgia stands to gain significantly from deeper integration with the EU Single Market, especially in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of regulatory harmonization, infrastructure development, and overcoming non-tariff barriers. Additionally, the article discusses the political dynamics influencing Georgia's EU aspirations and how these might impact future integration prospects. Conclusion: Georgia's closer integration with the EU Single Market offers significant opportunities for economic growth, regulatory modernization, and enhanced trade relations. However, to fully realize these benefits, Georgia will need to continue implementing reforms, aligning its regulatory frameworks with EU standards, and addressing political and economic barriers that could hinder progress. Future research should focus on sector-specific analyses and the long-term impacts of EU integration on Georgia’s economy. Keywords: European Union, Single Market, Georgia, EU integration, trade relations, regulatory alignment, economic cooperation, Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), policy reforms.

Деякі аспекти правового регулювання здійснення зовнішньоекономічної діяльності на підставі Угоди про асоціацію з Європейським Союзом

Abstract. The article highlights the relevance and necessity of reforms in the field of foreign economic activity, which is closely related to the legal regulation of services. The article analyzes in detail the existing concepts of legal regulation of services and emphasizes the differences between tangible and intangible services, their legal classification and specificity in the context of foreign economic activity. The study is aimed at identifying gaps and shortcomings in the national legislation regulating foreign economic activity, with the aim of developing proposals for their elimination and the introduction of more effective regulatory mechanisms. The impact of the association agreement with the European Union on the development of the service sector of foreign economic activity in Ukraine and the development of recommendations to increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian companies in the international arena are evaluated.The definition and features of services as contractual obligations are presented, especially with an emphasis on their intangible result. The article discusses the impact of the Association Agreement with the EU on the improvement of the legal framework for foreign economic services in Ukraine, as such modernization opens the door to mutual liberalization of services and expansion of international cooperation. In particular, the importance of consistent implementation of changes to national legislation in order to adapt to EU requirements and standards regarding various types of services, including financial, banking and insurance services, was considered. The authors single out key aspects affecting the effectiveness of service provision in the field of foreign economic activity, such as regulation of contractual relations, currency regulation and international financial transactions. It was also emphasized the need to remove administrative barriers to attract foreign investors and support domestic producers of services. In general, the article offers a comprehensive view of the processes and possibilities of modernization of the legal field of Ukraine in the sphere of providing services of foreign economic activity with the aim of integration into the European economic space. Keywords: foreign economic activity; services; legal regime; harmonization; modernization.