TRANSFORMATION OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PARADIGM

Abstract

The article examines the transformation of the functions of the Prosecutor's Office of Ukraine within the framework of the European integration paradigm. The normative framework of the Council of Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly, the Venice Commission, and the Consultative Council of European Prosecutors is analyzed as a methodological basis for reform. It is established that the key vector of transformation is the transition from broad supervisory powers to a human rights-oriented model of prosecutorial activity focused on the protection of human rights, procedural guidance of pre-trial investigation, and the prosecution function based on the principle of adversarial proceedings. The problem of the legal status of the Prosecutor's Office within the system of state authorities is analyzed in the context of the recommendations of European institutions. It is substantiated that, at the present stage, the optimal model is an autonomous institution within the judiciary that retains organizational independence and functional autonomy. The role of the principles of the rule of law, legality, objectivity, and fairness as the foundations of the reformed Prosecutor's Office is highlighted. It is shown that Ukraine's acquisition of EU candidate status in 2022 has significantly accelerated institutional reforms in the field of prosecutorial activity. It is proved that the European integration transformation of the Prosecutor's Office is a comprehensive process encompassing normative reform, improvement of personnel policy, strengthening of guarantees of prosecutorial independence, and implementation of democratic oversight mechanisms. The conclusion is drawn that the further development of the Prosecutor's Office should proceed toward full harmonization with European standards while maintaining a balance between national legal traditions and international obligations.