INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES OF CONVERGENCE OF REGIONAL MODELS OF UKRAINE AND THE EU

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to study the theoretical foundations of institutional convergence between Ukraine and Europe and develop practical recommendations for its implementation in the context of the country’s European integration policy. To achieve the goal, a systemic approach, methods of analysis and synthesis, deduction, generalization, etc. were used. The relevance of the topic is due to the fact that the regions of Ukraine have significant potential for economic growth and social development. However, their competitiveness depends on the effectiveness of institutional management structures and support from the state and international organizations. It is because of this that the convergence of regional models of Ukraine and the EU is a key aspect of this process. The article examines sectoral components within the framework of EU policy based on the principles of spatial development. Barriers to the use of the cross-border potential of border regions of Ukraine are identified. The principles of public management of regional development in the EU are highlighted. It is noted that in Ukraine an integrated approach is used to the formation and implementation of state regional policy, which involves the combination of industry-sectoral, territorial-spatial and managerial components of regional policy. The principles of territorial cohesion policy are revealed. The emphasis is placed on the fact that in the EU regional policy, significant attention is paid to increasing the level of competitiveness of regions based on comprehensive development and disclosure of internal potential. The following main directions of implementation of EU regional policy in the regional policy system in Ukraine in the post-war period are outlined: increasing the level of involvement of regions in international financial projects and in the number of participants in macro-regional ones; intensification of efforts to develop interregional projects to create a common transport infrastructure, lay new roads, form transport corridors by joint efforts of several neighboring regions, etc. These proposals can be used when updating the State Strategy for Regional Development of Ukraine.