The European integration dimension of civil society development in Ukraine

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of international and European standards governing the activities of civil society institutions (CSIs) within the context of Ukraine’s European integration course and the functioning of the state under martial law. The purpose of the study is to determine the substance of international and European approaches to the legal status and participation of CSIs in public administration, as well as to assess the state of their implementation in Ukrainian national legislation.

The methodological framework of the research is based on formal-legal, comparative-legal, systemic, and structural-functional methods, as well as elements of institutional analysis. The provisions of legal instruments adopted by the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the European Union are examined, particularly the standards of organizational autonomy, financial independence, and participation of CSIs in public policy-making.

The study concludes that despite the formal compliance of Ukraine’s core legislative acts with international requirements, the mechanisms of effective civil society participation remain insufficiently institutionalized. Special attention is paid to the issue of financial sustainability of CSIs and the phenomenon of «project dependency» under martial law. The necessity of transitioning from a consultative model of interaction to a sustainable partnership between the state and civil society in accordance with the principles of good governance is substantiated.