Improving state control in the sphere of local self-government under contemporary conditions

Abstract

Relevance. The effectiveness of state control in the sphere of local self-government has become increasingly important in the context of decentralization, digital transformation of public administration, and wartime challenges. The expansion of the powers of territorial communities, the increase in public financial resources, and the implementation of post-war recovery programmes require the improvement of control mechanisms capable of ensuring legality, transparency, and efficiency in the activities of local self-government bodies while preserving their institutional autonomy. Purpose. To investigate the theoretical and legal foundations, the current state, and the problems of the functioning of state control in the sphere of local self-government and to substantiate directions for its improvement in accordance with the contemporary needs of public administration. Methods. The study employed systemic, formal-legal, comparative-legal, and structural-functional methods, as well as methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization, and systematization of scientific and legal sources. Results. The theoretical and legal foundations of state control were examined, and its role within the public administration system was determined. Contemporary mechanisms, forms, and instruments of state control over the activities of local self-government bodies were analysed. The impact of decentralization, digitalization, and wartime challenges on the transformation of state control was assessed. The principal legal, organizational, and institutional problems affecting the functioning of the state control system were identified, including fragmented legal regulation, overlapping control powers, insufficient interagency coordination, uneven digital capacity of territorial communities, and the absence of unified methodological approaches to assessing the effectiveness of control activities. The necessity of transitioning to a risk-based model of state control founded on the integration of digital technologies, interagency cooperation, and preventive risk management was substantiated. Conclusions. It was established that improving the effectiveness of state control requires the systematic enhancement of the legal framework, the development of digital infrastructure, stronger institutional coordination, and the introduction of modern analytical instruments in accordance with European standards of good governance. Further research should focus on the development of legal mechanisms for the digitalization of state control, the improvement of risk-based models for evaluating the activities of local self-government bodies, and the adaptation of European approaches to state control to the conditions of Ukraine's post-war recovery.