CONSTITUTIONAL REGULATION OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REFORM

Abstract

Introduction. The article examines the constitutional regulation of regional development in the context of public administration reform in Ukraine. It defines the role of the Constitution of Ukraine as the primary source of law, which ensures the integrity of the administrative-territorial structure, delineates the scope of authority, and organizes the activities of state authorities and local self-government bodies. Current trends in the transformation of territorial organization of power are analysed, driven by the need to overcome structural shortcomings of the centralized management model and implement the principle of subsidiarity, which expands the rights and powers of local self-government bodies. The significance of financial autonomy and budgetary capacity of communities is highlighted as a key condition for effective regional development and an indicator of the democratic nature of the state system. Particular attention is paid to the influence of European integration processes on constitutional regulation, including the implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, the ratification of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, and the adaptation of national legislation to European Union standards. The purpose of the study is to provide scientific basis for a comprehensive and internally consistent constitutional and legal model capable of ensuring dynamic, balanced, and sustainable development of territories within a unitary state. Materials and methods. In conducting this study, works by domestic scholars who have researched issues of regional development, as well as domestic and international regulatory and legal acts in this area, were utilised. The article employs a comprehensive methodological approach based on the principles of objectivity and consistency. The main methods used include dialectical, systemic, formal-logical, and empirical methods of analysis of regulatory and legal acts. A comprehensive methodological approach allows us to achieve the research objectives and ensures the theoretical and practical significance of the results obtained for post-war reconstruction in Ukraine, taking into account the practical needs of the regions. Results. The necessity of creating modern regional governance models that comply with the principles of good governance, effectively utilize the internal potential of territories, stimulate innovation processes, and enhance regional competitiveness is emphasized. Prospects. The scientific justification of the constitutional foundations of regional development aims to establish a coherent legal framework that ensures balanced socio-economic development, territorial integrity, and the integration of Ukraine into the European space.