EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS AND THE ADAPTATION OF UKRAINIAN ELECTORAL LEGISLATION: ISSUES IN THE POST-WAR PERIOD

Abstract

Introduction. This article examines the specifics of adapting Ukraine’s electoral legislation to European Union standards in the context of European integration processes and preparations for participation in elections to the European Parliament. It argues for the need for systemic changes in national legislation, particularly at the constitutional level, as a prerequisite for ensuring the legal framework necessary to hold such elections in Ukraine. An analysis of scientific works by domestic and foreign researchers within the scope of the chosen topic has been conducted. The relevance of further research was driven by the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union beginning in 2024 and the prospect of integration into the European legal space.

Summary of the main results of the research. The research found that the legal framework governing elections to the European Parliament is based on a combination of EU law and the national legislation of Member States, necessitating comprehensive adaptation of Ukrainian electoral legislation as early as the stage of EU accession negotiations. It is argued that such adaptation must be systematic in nature and involve not only amending current legislation but also introducing constitutional changes, in particular concerning the expansion of the electorate in accordance with EU standards. It is established that Ukraine’s participation in elections to the European Parliament entails the formation of a single electoral area, within which citizens of EU Member States exercise their electoral rights regardless of their country of residence.

Conclusion. Adapting Ukraine's electoral legislation to EU standards requires systemic changes, including the introduction of a proportional representation system with open lists, a review of the voting age, and improvements to the organisation of the voting process and appeal procedures, which will help to strengthen democratic institutions and facilitate Ukraine's effective European integration. To ensure the inclusiveness of the electoral process, it is necessary to strengthen safeguards for the exercise of voting rights by people with disabilities.