The thesis is devoted to the study of theoretical framework and methodological approaches to the improving the state regulation mechanisms of cross - border cooperation (CBC) in Ukraine. The paper presents the essence, features, principles and duties of regional policy. It is especially noted that the essential features, directions, advantages and problematic issues of cross-border cooperation were investigated, the forms of the CBC were characterized and classified, and the legal framework and organizational base of cross-border relations in Ukraine were defined. The conceptual and categorical framework of public administration science in the field of CBC was supplemented and refined, in particular the variation of such concepts as «cross-border cooperation», «euroregion», «cross-border cluster», «border trade». An analysis of the legal framework and organizational basis of cross-border cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Poland has been conducted. It being noted that the fencemending of partnership between the countries provides the extension of cross-border relations in trade, economic and energy cooperation, the development of border infrastructure, the search for common interests in logistics and transport, the environmental issues, dwelling on humanitarian cooperation and youth policy.
The author investigates the socio-economic status of the Ukrainian-Polish cross-border region. There is a significant asymmetry in the development of the Ukrainian border regions and Polish provinces. Cross-border clustering processes within the cross-border region were analyzed. The major existing cross-border clusters in the border areas of Ukraine were described, as well as groups that have all the necessary potential conditions to become crossborder clusters in the future.
It is established that one of the key trends and problematic aspects of the UkrainianPolish border is the large-scale broadening and unregulated development of cross-border trade. The main reasons that give an impulse to cross-border trade: the price differences, low purchase costs, favorable price and sales discount programs, variety of goods and better assortment, favorable outlets, infrastructure trade features, good marketing supermarket policies. The existing motives of border trade have been defined, the issue of unregulated and uncontrolled cross-trade volume has been revealed, and its impact on the national commodity producer has been considered.
The author has determined that there is an objective need for the delivery of output to create an organizational mechanism to optimize trade and eliminate barriers to its activation. Successful border trade requires transparent relations between Ukraine and EU countries, legislative regulation, open flow of information, organization of interstate statistical records of goods and cargoes.
The organizational structure and legal regulation of the Euroregion as one of the most common forms of CBC in the Carpathian Euroregion has been investigated. The article describes the current trends in the formation of cross-border relations within the Carpathian Euroregion, studied a number of cross-border initiatives and projects that have been implemented within the Euroregion. The basic problems and prospects of expanding the state regulation instruments and mechanisms of cross-border cooperation within the Euroregions and cross-border clusters have been also identified. The defender of thesis proposed a number of initiatives to enhance and improve the mechanisms of public administration forms of CBC.
It has been established that the process of cross-border clustering is accompanied by the implementation of national policy aimed at supporting scientific and technological progress, innovative development of the country, financial, economic, administrative, regulatory reforms, and the development of national and regional strategies for the development of territories. The author has been examined the experience of foreign countries in terms of state regulation and state support of clustering processes. It was suggested to use the Euroregions as coordinating structures of those cross-border clusters, the participants of which are economic entities of the Ukraine’s border territories.
The author has proved that due to the asymmetry development of Ukrainian and European customs infrastructure, integrated border management is becoming increasingly important, which is an improving element of the state policy effectiveness in the field of border security and the European standards introduction of border management. The experience of post-socialist countries in the aspect of using cross-border cooperation tools in the field of customs and border infrastructure modernization, introduction of e-customs, equipping with innovative technologies and resources, creation of IT infrastructure was studied and analyzed.
