ABSTRACT This article examines how norms of 'legitimate' violence in EU deportation have transformed. Following serious injuries and deaths during removals from the 1990s to mid-2010s, there have been significant changes to the implementation of deportation, most notably the establishment of forced-return monitoring systems in nearly all EU states and Frontex. Despite this, academic attention to these developments remains limited. This article asks how the introduction of monitoring has shaped implementation and practitioners' understandings of 'legitimate' violence, and what effects emerge from regular interactions between monitors and escorts responsible for deportation. Using interviews, document-access requests, and documentary research, the article investigates these questions by focusing on relational dynamics from 2013 to 2023. To capture these dynamics within the international and multiorganisational context of Frontex and EU co-funded Forced-Return Monitoring projects, it proposes the analytical lens of norm translation in transnational grey areas. This approach reveals co-constitutive social spaces between written rules and their application on the ground, where escorts' and monitors' interactions can generate new normative views and shifts in behaviour over time. These actors shape, negotiate, and contest expectations of appropriateness, showing that bottom-up relational dynamics, beyond top-down EU standards, play a key role in driving change and informing practice.

The article examines the process of adapting Ukraine’s customs legislation to the standards of the European Union in the context of the country’s European integration course. It provides an analysis of the legal and regulatory framework in the customs sphere, including the provisions of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, the Customs Code of Ukraine, and other legal acts aimed at implementing the EU Customs Code norms. Particular attention is paid to the theoretical approaches of domestic legal and economic scholars regarding the harmonization of customs legislation, as well as the assessment of the practical implementation of European customs standards. The article identifies the key problems of adapting Ukrainian customs legislation, including insufficient institutional and personnel capacity of customs authorities, fragmented legal regulation, incomplete digitalization of customs procedures, limited integration of national information systems with EU customs systems, and the presence of corruption risks. It emphasizes that the formal transfer of EU customs law norms without proper organizational and technical support does not ensure their effective practical implementation. The impact of the martial law situation on the functioning of Ukraine’s customs system is also analyzed, particularly the increased workload of customs authorities due to the movement of humanitarian and critical goods, destruction of infrastructure, and limited financial resources. The need to balance the simplification of customs procedures with an adequate level of customs and national security under conditions of war and post-war recovery is substantiated. Based on the analysis of scientific sources and current legislation, proposals are formulated for improving the adaptation of Ukraine’s customs legislation to EU standards, including adopting a new Customs Code of Ukraine based on EU law, strengthening the institutional capacity of customs authorities, accelerating the digitalization of customs procedures, and enhancing anti-corruption mechanisms. It is argued that the implementation of these measures will contribute to increasing the efficiency of the customs system, strengthening the country’s economic security, and successfully integrating Ukraine into the European Union’s customs space.

Abstract Serbia, though aiming to join the EU, has developed a multifaceted relationship with China, dubbed “the steel friendship.” The authors delve into selected aspects of Sino-Serbian economic and security cooperation, examining infrastructure projects, as well as the opaqueness behind surveillance technology within the Belgrade-Beijing collaboration on security matters. These areas share, as a common denominator, political elites bypassing the existing legal framework and trying to enact new laws contrary to EU standards, leading to abuses of personal data, biometric surveillance, and deficiencies in the implementation of Chinese-backed projects, all of which reflect the authoritarian nature of the Serbian regime. The authors discuss a rarely addressed topic, focusing on the Serbian political elite’s exploitation of economic cooperation and its abuse of surveillance technology to infringe on citizens’ rights. Our article complements the scholarship on semi-authoritarianism, state capture, the Chinese role in the Western Balkans, and, most notably, security cooperation between Beijing and Belgrade.

The article proposes and substantiates a model of integrated social responsibility of agribusiness, based on the principle of balancing the interests of stakeholders as a systemic alternative to the shareholder paradigm of industry management. The theoretical basis of the model is formed at the intersection of stakeholder theory and the triple bottom line concept, which covers the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of efficiency and provides a basis for reconciling divergent interests in the agricultural value chain. Three key determinants for the implementation of the model in Ukraine in 2024–2026 have been identified: structural asymmetry between stakeholders, requirements for harmonization with EU standards under the modernized Association Agreement, and the need for transparent mechanisms for the distribution of renewable resources among participants in the industry chain. Four key stakeholder groups have been identified — small farmers, large agricultural producers, state institutions, and rural communities — between which there are structural conflicts regarding market consolidation, access to financing, and sectoral policy priorities in wartime. The model operates through four components: transparency mechanisms based on a unified state agricultural register, structured participation tools through industry advisory groups and farm sustainability monitoring systems, climate adaptation measures in line with the requirements of the EU's common agricultural policy, and economic incentives in the form of grants, subsidies, and credit guarantees. The effectiveness of the model will be assessed by the level of coverage of producers by state support, the spread of monitoring systems, and progress in harmonization with EU agricultural standards by 2028, which will ensure balanced representation of stakeholders and long-term competitiveness of the industry.

This study investigated the effects of domestic waste dumpsite soil during wet and dry seasons of 2024 in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from nine dumpsites and one control were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, Hg) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance using statistical analysis software (SAS) version 9.0 and all the results revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.05). Heavy metal concentrations in soil during wet season recorded the highest values of Pb (725.10)> Ni (70.30)>Cr (51.47)> Hg (44.13)>Cd (34.45 mg/kg) respectively. There was general decrease in mean concentration of total values of the heavy metals during dry season except Cr and Hg that had an increased values when compared with wet season Pb (334.8)> Cr (224.7)> Hg (51.6)> Ni (33.4)> Cd (18.9 mg/kg) respectively. All the total mean concentrations in both seasons were above the permissible limit for EU and WHO standards in several locations. The control had the least concentration of all the selected metals. The study concludes that domestic waste dumping substantially alters soil chemical properties, increasing heavy metal accumulation beyond safe limits. It is therefore recommended that wastes management and remediation strategies should be impose because they are essential for reduction of heavy metal contamination in soil and provide environmental protection and human health.

The article examines the European Union enlargement process in 2025, focusing on the assessment of progress made by candidate and potential candidate countries for EU accession, in particular Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia, based on the European Commission’s annual reports. The study analyzes the implementation of the European Commission’s recommendations within the framework of negotiating clusters, evaluates the pace of reforms and their compliance with EU criteria, and highlights the role of financial instruments, such as the Western Balkans Growth Plan, in stimulating reforms and preparing countries for EU membership. The article presents key information on Montenegro’s progress, which has made significant strides in negotiations, opening and provisionally closing several chapters, and receiving financial support to continue reforms. The achievements of Albania are analyzed in detail, including the opening of six negotiating clusters, implementation of judicial reforms, combating corruption and organized crime, and the prospects of completing negotiations by 2027. The situation of North Macedonia is discussed, emphasizing the need to implement constitutional amendments, strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, and ensure alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy.The article also highlights the role of the European Commission’s annual monitoring in systematically assessing the progress of candidate countries, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and formulating recommendations for further reforms. It is emphasized that the EC reports serve as an important tool for preparing countries for EU membership, ensuring transparency and predictability in the enlargement process, and supporting the integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU’s economic and legal framework. The article analyzes practical aspects of financial support through the Western Balkans Growth Plan and evaluates the effectiveness of mechanisms controlling reform implementation, underlining the importance of maintaining a steady pace of reforms to achieve successful EU membership. The article also pays particular attention to the analysis of the interrelation between political and economic aspects of reforms in the candidate countries. The impact of internal political stability, the effectiveness of state institutions, and anti-corruption policies on the pace of EU standards implementation is examined. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a comprehensive approach that combines legislative changes, strengthening of the judiciary, and the implementation of socio-economic reforms, as the successful integration of these factors largely determines the readiness of countries for full EU membership.

The article analyzes the transformation of Ukraine's regulatory policy in the field of seeds in the context of European integration processes and modernization of the agricultural sector. It is substantiated that deregulation and harmonization of legislation with EU standards are critical factors in increasing the competitiveness of domestic seed producers in international markets. The key areas of reforming the system of state regulation of the seed market are investigated, in particular, the abolition of outdated reservation mechanisms, simplification of administrative procedures and the introduction of a risk-based approach to certification. It is proven that the rejection of centralized approaches of the Soviet era in favor of market mechanisms contributes to the optimization of costs, acceleration of production cycles and attraction of investments in breeding programs. The features and results of the implementation of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 403 and amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Seeds and Planting Material”, which covered labeling requirements, packaging standards and registration procedures, are analyzed. The effectiveness of these reforms is assessed through the prism of reducing the administrative burden on producers, reducing the deadlines for compliance with requirements and achieving production targets of 500,000 tons of seeds. The impact of technological progress in breeding on the feasibility of regulatory changes is determined through the analysis of the achievements of CRISPR-Cas9, genomic breeding based on artificial intelligence and rapid breeding methods. Examples of the application of innovative technologies in increasing yields and reducing crop development cycles are given as a justification for the transition from static state reserves to dynamic market supply systems. It is substantiated that the recognition by the European Union of the equivalence of the Ukrainian seed certification system is a key milestone in the integration of the domestic seed industry into the European agricultural space. The chronology and details of recognition for grain crops (2020) and oilseed and industrial crops (2025) are given with an emphasis on trade and economic consequences. The main advantages of harmonizing legislation for Ukrainian seed exporters are identified, including unlimited access to EU markets without tariff quotas, the absence of repeated field inspections and increased confidence of international partners in product quality. A comparative analysis of regulatory regimes for the export of seeds and commercial grains was carried out, demonstrating the strategic advantages of the seed sector. It was concluded that comprehensive deregulation and harmonization of standards are determining factors of the competitiveness of the Ukrainian seed industry. The reforms ensure the transition to a modern regulatory model based on international practices, technological innovations and market principles, which creates the potential to achieve export revenues of $ 600 million by 2030.

The article examines the challenges involved in drafting a new edition of the Customs Code of Ukraine that is fully aligned with the corresponding norms of the European Union. Given that the European Union is, first and foremost, a customs and economic union, the implementation of EU customs standards is one of the factors that may accelerate Ukraine’s accession to the Community. An analysis of the draft Customs Code highlights the need to clarify certain customs-related terms which, due to the borrowing of concepts used in the EU, have acquired meanings that differ from those contained in Ukrainian customs legislation. The anticipated outcomes of implementing EU customs rules include the creation of a paperless environment for customs and trade, the simplification of requirements, the use of modern tools and technologies, the introduction of uniform procedures, and the establishment of greater consistency for businesses through unified and harmonised rules on guarantees. Significant benefits are expected for authorised economic operators, such as simplified clearance, shorter control times and priority checks. The use of information technologies must be accompanied by standardised and harmonised application of customs-control procedures to ensure a uniform level of control across the EU and to avoid distortions of competition. The article considers the procedure for discussing the draft of the new Customs Code, the involvement of designated members of the working group, scholars, practitioners, business representatives and policymakers, as well as the main expectations and risks associated with legislative change. The conclusions emphasise that the implementation of EU standards in national customs legislation will result in faster, more transparent and more user-friendly customs procedures. This will create favourable conditions for participants in foreign economic activity, reduce corruption risks and contribute positively to Ukraine’s integration with the EU. At the same time, it is noted that while Ukrainian customs authorities and businesses adapt to the new framework, EU customs law will continue to evolve, which will predictably require further refinement of Ukraine’s customs legislation.

Education and mobility have become central pillars of the European Union’s strategy for promoting integration and influence beyond its borders. This paper investigates the impact of international student exchanges on Europeanization and soft diplomacy, taking Albania as a case study. By analyzing the Erasmus+ programme through a documentary and analytical approach, the study explores how academic mobility operates as a vehicle for transmitting European norms, values, and institutional models in candidate countries. Drawing on official EU reports, national statistics, and existing literature, the paper identifies Erasmus+ as a dual instrument educational and diplomatic that contributes to both individual transformation and institutional alignment with EU standards. The analysis highlights how participation in Erasmus+ strengthens students’ European identity, intercultural competence, and perception of the EU as a normative power, while also influencing domestic higher education governance through policy learning and adaptation. However, persistent challenges remain, including unequal access, limited institutional absorption, and weak mechanisms linking returnee alumni to national academic development. The findings emphasize the strategic role of educational diplomacy as a bottom-up process of Europeanization that extends the EU’s soft power in the Western Balkans. The paper concludes by underlining the relevance of Erasmus+ as a catalyst for shaping pro-European social attitudes and enhancing Albania’s integration trajectory. Received: 13 October 2025 / Accepted: 16 December 2025 / Published: January 2026

Introduction. The effectiveness of public administration largely depends on the transparency and efficiency of public procurement, which ensures the implementation of state programs and meets the needs of government bodies and municipal institutions. Properly organized procurement contributes to the rational use of budget funds, reduces corruption risks, and strengthens citizens’ trust in the state. Therefore, the need to examine the current state of the public procurement system, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and develop practical recommendations for improving procedures determines the relevance of the topic and its importance for enhancing the efficient use of budget funds and fostering a competitive environment. The purpose of the paper is to identify and systematize modern procedures and electronic mechanisms of public procurement in Ukraine, evaluate their efficiency and transparency, and develop practical recommendations to enhance the efficiency of public spending and promote competitiveness in the public procurement market. Results. The analysis of Ukraine’s public procurement system revealed significant improvements in transparency, competitiveness, and efficiency following the implementation of electronic mechanisms, particularly the Prozorro system and Prozorro Market platform. The study classified procurement procedures into open tenders, competitive dialogue, negotiated procedures, simplified procurement, and defense procurement, highlighting the specific purposes, advantages, and limitations of each. Statistical data from Prozorro indicate a steady increase in the number and volume of procurement transactions conducted through electronic platforms, reflecting greater openness and control over the use of budgetary funds. Open tenders ensure maximum competition and cost-effectiveness, while competitive dialogue and negotiated procedures provide flexibility for complex procurements requiring detailed specifications and stakeholder engagement. Simplified and defense procurement procedures demonstrated high efficiency in urgent or specialized cases, allowing rapid response while maintaining legal compliance. Legislative reforms and government strategies between 2022 and 2024 are also analyzed. These reforms introduced measures aimed at harmonizing Ukrainian procurement regulations with EU directives. As a result, procurement efficiency has increased, corruption risks have been minimized, and trust in public institutions has been strengthened. Overall, the results confirm that the combination of legal modernization, procedural diversification, and digitalization of procurement processes contributes to a more transparent, competitive, and effective public procurement system in Ukraine. Conclusion. The effective functioning of Ukraine’s public procurement system is a key factor in ensuring transparency, competitiveness, and efficiency in the use of state funds. The analysis of legal, organizational, and electronic mechanisms, particularly the Prozorro system and Prozorro Market platform, confirms that digitalization and open procedures significantly improve control over budget expenditures, reduce corruption risks, and foster competition in the procurement market. The classification of procurement procedures open tenders, competitive dialogue, negotiated procedures, simplified procurement, and defense procurement provides a clear framework for understanding the diversity and specificity of modern public procurement in Ukraine. Legislative changes and government strategies implemented from 2022 to 2024 show the state’s commitment to harmonizing national procurement regulations with EU standards and enhancing the professional competence of participants.

The paper analyzes the current state and development trends of electronic services within the customs administration system of Ukraine. The paper emphasizes the strategic role of digitalization in increasing the transparency of customs procedures, reducing administrative barriers for business entities, and strengthening interaction between enterprises and the state. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the main digital tools currently used by Ukrainian customs authorities, such as the “Single Window for International Trade,” the electronic cabinet for foreign economic activity (FEA) entities, the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS), and the “Electronic Border Queue”. The paper identifies major challenges that hinder the efficient implementation of electronic customs services, including uneven technical development, gaps in legislation, limited interoperability with European information systems, and persistent cybersecurity risks. It is noted that overcoming these obstacles requires a comprehensive approach to digital transformation, modernization of IT infrastructure, and harmonization of Ukrainian customs regulations with EU standards. The paper substantiates the prospects for creating an intelligent “Smart Customs” ecosystem aimed at establishing a unified digital customs administration space. Such a system would enable real-time data exchange with European customs authorities, enhance analytical capabilities, and strengthen risk management and anti-corruption mechanisms. The implementation of innovative digital solutions is expected to contribute to improving the efficiency and transparency of customs operations, fostering a favorable business environment, and accelerating Ukraine’s integration into the European digital customs landscape. Ultimately, the success of this digital transformation hinges on a sustained commitment to public-private partnership, ensuring that the design and evolution of these systems directly address the real-world needs of businesses and logistics operators. This collaborative approach is essential for building a resilient, user-centric digital ecosystem that not only meets current EU standards but also possesses the adaptability to integrate future technological advancements and regulatory changes.

Slovenia has engaged with Health Technology Assessment (HTA) for over two decades, but its system remains fragmented and underdeveloped. Until recently, responsibilities for evaluating health technologies were dispersed across multiple institutions without a central coordinating body or standardized methodology. Medicinal products have been subject to structured evaluation through the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia, while other health technologies, including medical devices, diagnostics, and preventive interventions, have followed less consistent pathways under the Ministry of Health. The adoption of the European Union Health Technology Assessment Regulation), entering into force in January 2025, has provided new impetus for reform, requiring Slovenia to designate a national HTA body to participate in joint clinical assessments and align national processes with EU standards. A mixed-methods analysis combining a narrative overview of HTA in Slovenia with findings from two multi-stakeholder workshops held in 2025. These workshops, which convened Slovenian and international experts, policymakers, clinicians, and patient representatives, explored opportunities and challenges for developing a robust HTA framework. Key findings highlight the need to strengthen methodological capacity, introduce systematic stakeholder engagement, ensure transparency, and integrate real-world evidence into decision-making. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding HTA to medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health technologies, and on anticipating future innovations such as artificial intelligence. Slovenia now stands at a pivotal juncture. Establishing a central HTA body with a clear legal mandate, building national expertise, and leveraging regional and European collaboration is essential to creating a transparent, evidence-based, and patient-centred HTA system.

There is a growing focus on enhancing environmental safety in Serbia. The development of hydrosphere protection technologies is one of the priority tasks, the solution of which will considerably improve the quality of life for the population and bring the country closer to the EU standards. The Sava River is one of the largest waterways running through Belgrade. In this work it was shown that the use of complex titanium-containing coagulants allows not only for the efficient removal of dispersed particles from water and a 70 % reduction in organic compound content, but also a 66 % decrease in the level of microbiological contamination. The use of sodium ferrate, a coagulant and bactericide, allows for a significant reduction of pollutant content in water as well as complete water decontamination. It was demonstrated that the use of a complex titanium-containing reagent considerably increases the sedimentation rate of coagulation sludge by 20 to 30 % and the filtration rate by 10 to 20 %.

The article examines the transformation of the legal institution of state control in the sphere of economic activity. It is substantiated that the large-scale aggression against Ukraine caused a reorientation of the model of public economic management to ensure economic security, preserve the defense potential, proper functioning of critical infrastructure and prevent shadowing of economic activity. It is noted that the moratoriums on inspections introduced during the war period, although they had a supporting effect for business, at the same time caused an increase in the risks of violations, a reduction in budget revenues and a decrease in the level of consumer protection. It is proven that such a situation actualizes the need to rethink the legal nature of state control: from excessive administrative pressure to an intellectual mechanism for managing economic processes, capable of promptly responding to crisis challenges. The paper analyzes the key functions of state control, namely: preventive, regulatory and protective, as well as their relationship with constitutional guarantees of freedom of enterprise. Particular attention is paid to the involvement of the National Police of Ukraine in ensuring economic security within the framework of the state’s security function, in particular in combating offenses in the sphere of circulation of critical resources and the use of budget funds for defense and humanitarian purposes. It is emphasized that the expansion of state influence instruments should be carried out in compliance with the principles of proportionality, legal certainty and equality of market participants. Promising guidelines for the modernization of Ukraine’s control policy are identified: implementation of a risk-oriented supervision model in accordance with EU standards; deepening the digitalization of control procedures; ensuring transparency and minimizing corruption risks; guaranteeing real protection of the rights of business entities. It is concluded that state control in the sphere of economic activity should be considered as a system-forming institution of the post-war restoration of the Ukrainian economy, aimed at achieving a balance between public interests and freedom of entrepreneurship, as well as strengthening the economic sovereignty of the state.

The article is devoted to the study of the criminal law regulation of illegal medical practice in Ukraine and in the Member States of the European Union. The starting methodological basis is the constitutional provision recognising human life and health as the highest social value, as well as the provisions of the basic acts of national legislation and international legal instruments in the field of public health. Particular attention is paid to the comparative legal analysis of the relevant legislative provisions of Germany, France, Italy and Spain. It is shown that in Germany and France the respective acts are criminalised in special laws and public health codes, whereas in Italy and Spain they are regulated by the provisions of the criminal codes establishing liability for the unlawful exercise of professional activities in general. It is established that foreign models of criminalisation are more detailed: they define the concept of medical practice, specify the range of acts constituting the offence of illegal activity, and clearly delineate the requirements for the offender. The article also identifies qualified types of offences characteristic of foreign legal systems, such as practising during the period of disciplinary sanctions, the use of electronic means in criminal activity, instigation of the offence or directing illegal practice, and the public assumption of professional status. The sanctions determining the type and degree of punishment for the offences committed are examined, including fines, terms of imprisonment and additional penalties in the form of confiscation and temporary or permanent bans on the exercise of professional activity. On the basis of the comparative analysis, a conclusion is drawn as to the possibility of improving Article 138 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine by specifying the elements of the actus reus, the characteristics of the offender and differentiating criminal liability depending on the gravity of socially dangerous consequences. It is emphasised that further comparative legal research will contribute to the harmonisation of Ukrainian legislation with EU standards and to the development of an effective model of criminal law protection of human health.

The article examines the interrelationship between food security and the level of development of the agricultural sector in Ukraine in the context of global challenges and military threats. The main focus is on the etymology of the concept of “food security”, its evolution in international and national legislation, as well as contemporary approaches to defining its components. The main trends in the functioning of the agricultural sector are analysed, particularly in the context of destabilising factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the war with Russia. Key problems are identified: disruption of logistics supply chains, complications in the sowing campaign, reduced yields, restricted access to international markets, and loss of infrastructure. Particular attention is paid to agricultural export indicators, which, despite significant losses, remain a determining factor in Ukraine's macroeconomic stability and integration into the global economic space. It has been proven that the agricultural sector is the strategic basis for food security, ensuring the satisfaction of domestic demand, the formation of foreign exchange earnings and the strengthening of Ukraine's position as one of the world's leading suppliers of grain and oilseeds. It is shown that food security encompasses three interrelated aspects: availability, access and consumption, each of which directly depends on the effectiveness of agricultural production development and state support policies. The prospects for the development of the agricultural sector, particularly in the field of crop production and oilseed seed production, as well as the importance of humanitarian initiatives such as “Grain from Ukraine” for strengthening the country's international image, are substantiated. The importance of adapting agricultural policy to EU standards, developing innovative technologies and providing systematic support to agribusiness as necessary conditions for ensuring sustainable development and strengthening food security in Ukraine and the world as a whole is emphasised.

The article presents a comprehensive study of the implementation process of the environmental component of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, which constitutes a key element in the country’s system of European integration reforms. Since September 1, 2017, after the Agreement entered into full force, Ukraine has assumed clear obligations to harmonize national legislation with EU law, particularly in the field of environmental protection. The study analyzes the legal and regulatory framework for the implementation of 26 EU directives and 3 regulations concerning air and water quality, waste management, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and industrial pollution prevention. Special attention is paid to the implementation of Directive 2010/75/EU on Industrial Emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) and the introduction of an integrated permitting system, which serves as the primary tool for controlling industrial emissions in EU countries. The content and significance of the Law of Ukraine “On Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control,” adopted on July 16, 2024, are examined; this law established a new model of state environmental governance focused on the application of Best Available Techniques and Methods (BAT/BEP). The main stages of reform implementation, its advantages, and associated risks are identified, particularly in the context of military actions, economic instability, and the need for industrial sector modernization. A separate section is devoted to analyzing the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, which introduces a river basin–based approach to water management. The creation of basin councils, development of river basin management plans, and implementation of a national water monitoring system in line with EU standards are highlighted. The adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to other water-related directives is also considered, including urban wastewater treatment, nitrate pollution, flood risk management, and the assurance of drinking water quality. The conclusions emphasize that fulfilling environmental obligations is not only a requirement of the Association Agreement but also a fundamental condition for Ukraine’s transition to a sustainable economy and for enhancing environmental security. The need to strengthen institutional capacity, provide financial support for eco-modernization of enterprises, and continue regulatory convergence with EU law is underscored.

The study is devoted to the development of scientifically grounded recommendations for integrating the requirements of the European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD) and River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) into the process of calculating the maximum allowable discharges of pollutants from wastewater using current national methodologies. The Danube River basin is considered as an example based on monitoring data from 2015-2024. Special attention is paid to the assessment and forecasting of water quality, which are key elements of the water quality regulation procedure. The study analyzes the water legislation of the European Union countries regarding the assessment of surface water quality. According to the provisions of the WFD and at the initial stage of RBMPs, the water quality in a water body over a certain past period is considered compliant with EU standards if the probability of exceeding the normative values (assurance level) for each indicator does not exceed a specified limit, F. Based on this, it is proposed to carry out regulation, as well as the associated assessment and forecasting of surface water quality, using indicators with assurance level F. This approach ensures alignment of national methodologies for these calculations with EU legislative requirements. The proposed provisions were tested using the analysis of temporal variability of water quality indicators in the Danube river. It was shown that when using average values of indicators, the WFD and RBMP requirements are often not met because the assurance level of these values can significantly exceed the established limits for the frequency of MAC exceedances. To gradually achieve “good status” of surface water bodies according to the WFD and RBMPs, it is advisable to use values of indicators with assurance levels of 10%, 5%, and 2.5% as the design (background) values when regulating pollutant discharges from wastewater. In addition, when temporal trends of indicators are present, their values should be forecasted to ensure compliance with the WFD requirements, especially in the case of positive trends.

Background: This article examines European approaches to digital justice, focusing on how supranational regulatory models—ranging from digital rights principles to operational e-justice instruments—shape national practices across Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States. The study conceptualises digital justice as a multidimensional phenomenon that integrates technological tools, institutional design, data governance, and human-centred values. Particular attention is given to how these European developments may inform Ukraine’s justice sector reforms as the country progresses toward alignment with the EU acquis. Methods: The research employs a doctrinal legal methodology combined with comparative analysis. It systematically examines EU regulatory frameworks, CEPEJ instruments, and the Digital Decade monitoring architecture alongside civil procedure legislation and e-justice platforms in eleven EU Member States. Empirical insights are drawn from the EU Justice Scoreboard 2024–2025 and Digital Decade Country Reports. This methodological approach enables the identification of patterns, divergences, and implementation models, forming a basis for assessing Ukraine’s digital justice trajectory. Results and Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that the European Union has developed a coherent, value-oriented architecture of digital justice that unites legally binding standards, interoperable technological solutions, and principles of inclusiveness, transparency, and human oversight—particularly in the context of high-risk AI. The Baltic States provide the most integrated and technologically advanced model, whereas Central and Eastern European jurisdictions exhibit more gradual or fragmented pathways. Systemic integration—characterised by mandatory electronic filing, unified data-exchange infrastructures, and machine-readable judicial data— correlates with stronger performance across EU indicators. Conversely, fragmented or parallel systems constrain accessibility, interoperability, and data-driven justice. Ukraine has achieved notable progress through UJITS, automated case management, and electronic document flow; however, substantial gaps persist in interoperability, machine-readability, user-centred design, and AI governance. Structural fragmentation and the absence of a comprehensive digital justice strategy limit its convergence with EU standards. Drawing on comparative insights, priority directions for Ukraine include full implementation of machine-readable formats (XML/JSON and ECLI), consolidation of fragmented subsystems into a unified ecosystem, mandatory digital procedures for professional participants, and the development of a rights-based AI governance framework aligned with the EU AI Act. Ensuring that digitalisation enhances–rather than restricts —access to justice requires balancing technological innovation with procedural safeguards, institutional resilience, and user inclusion.

The article examines the process of creating a real estate cadastre in Ukraine and the directions of development based on the analysis of the experience and practices of the European Union. It is emphasized that the importance of correcting the misunderstandings created in this area of relations regarding the definition of real estate adopted in Ukraine and in the World, taking into account the recommendations of the World Bank on the unification of fragmented institutional approaches to property registration, its valuation and tax administration. The emphasis is on the continuous development of integration processes in this area in the EU countries and the World on the basis of a coordinated view of the future development of these systems, taking into account the conclusions drawn from the practice of implementing the future vision of the modern cadastre by 2014 and from the perspective of 2035, as well as on the importance of Ukraine's accession to this process to create favorable conditions for the development of market relations and the activation of investment activities. It is determined that the strategic direction in the context of European integration is the harmonization of Ukraine's cadastral policy with EU standards. It is proposed to continue the implementation of the Decree of the President of Ukraine on the cadastral system of 2003 by creating a multifunctional cadastre, which will include property rights registers, cadastral valuation of property and other state registers and cadastres. The article emphasizes the importance of unification and modernization of the system to increase its efficiency and compliance, based on proven modern practices, with international requirements.