Fetko, Yu. Legal Foundations of International Cooperation of Local Public Authorities of Ukraine / Yu. I. Fetko. — Uzhhorod, 2020. — in Ukrainian. – 278 p.

The dissertation is of significant theoretical and practical importance, as it addresses an underexplored aspect of Ukrainian legal science — the legal regulation of international cooperation of local public authorities. In the context of Ukraine’s European integration and decentralization reforms, the study provides a comprehensive legal analysis of cross-border and interterritorial cooperation mechanisms, which are essential for the effective participation of Ukrainian regions and communities in European territorial cooperation initiatives. The research fills a noticeable gap in domestic legal scholarship, where most existing studies have focused on economic, political, or administrative dimensions of international cooperation, while the legal framework and mechanisms of such cooperation have remained insufficiently examined. By identifying the shortcomings of current legislation and proposing directions for its improvement, the dissertation contributes to the development of national legislation, the harmonization of Ukrainian legal norms with European standards, and the enhancement of local authorities’ legal capacity in the field of international and cross-border cooperation. Therefore, the research provides both theoretical value — by expanding the doctrinal understanding of public international law at the local level — and practical relevance, offering concrete recommendations for policymakers and local government practitioners engaged in international collaboration.

Lazur, Ya. , Ochkai, D., Sanchenko, A. , Fetko, Yu., Ustymenko V., & Yatsenko, S. (2019). Institutional and legal dimension of Ukraine’s participation in the European groupings of territorial cooperation (V. A. Ustymenko & Ya. V. Lazur, Eds.). Uzhhorod: National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Institute of Economic and Legal Research; Uzhhorod National University. – 156 p.

The monograph “Institutional and Legal Dimension of Ukraine’s Participation in the European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation” has important scientific, practical, and applied significance. The publication presents the results of a comprehensive study of the legal and economic aspects of strengthening cross-border cooperation through the establishment and functioning of European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) in the context of European law and Ukrainian legislation. The work deepens the theoretical foundations of understanding the role of EGTCs as an instrument of European integration, which promotes cooperation between local self-government bodies and state authorities at the regional level. Particular attention is paid to institutional and legal mechanisms that ensure interaction between Ukrainian territorial communities and their partners from the EU Member States. The monograph has considerable applied value, as it provides practical recommendations for public authorities and local self-government bodies of Ukraine on overcoming obstacles to the development of EGTCs and expanding their use as an effective tool for regional and local socio-economic development. The results obtained can also be used to improve Ukraine’s legal and regulatory framework in the field of cross-border cooperation, contributing to the harmonization of national legislation with European standards.

Yevchak, Yu. B., Zardi, A., Lazur, Ya. V., Ochkai, D., Sanchenko, A. Ye., Soshnikov, A. O., Ustymenko, V. A., & Fetko, Yu. I. (2020). Cross-Border Cooperation: Legal Foundations and Successful Practices [Electronic handbook] (V. A. Ustymenko, Ed.; A. K. Huk & A. Ye. Sanchenko, Comps.). Kyiv: LLC Publishing House “Yuston.” – 152 p. URL: https://rm.coe.int/posibnuk-tks/1680aedce1

The handbook “Cross-Border Cooperation: Legal Foundations and Successful Practices” has significant theoretical and practical value, as it provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal foundations of cross-border cooperation in the context of Ukrainian legislation and European law. The publication presents the Council of Europe and EU instruments as well as practical examples of cross-border cooperation implemented in various countries and in Ukraine, contributing to the promotion of European standards of good governance. The handbook serves as a useful resource for public authorities, local self-government bodies, scholars, and practitioners interested in the development of cross-border cooperation as an effective tool for Ukraine’s European integration.

Fetko, Yu. I., Zhuravskyi, V. S., Lazur, Ya. V., Mendzhul, M. V., Mulesa, O. Yu., & Petretska, N. I. (2024). The Legal Nature of International and Cross-Border Cooperation: Monograph (V. S. Zhuravskyi & Ya. V. Lazur, Eds.). Uzhhorod: RIK-U Publishing House. – 200 p.

The monograph “The Legal Nature of International and Cross-Border Cooperation” is devoted to the study of problematic aspects of the internationalization and universalization of models of normative regulation of cooperation, as well as to the analysis of the impact of globalization and digitalization processes on national legislation. The research highlights the need to modernize the institution of international and cross-border cooperation in the context of European integration and current security challenges.The monograph has significant theoretical and practical value, combining scientific analysis of supranational forms of cooperation with practical approaches to their legal implementation. The publication contributes to the development of modern legal science, particularly in improving the legal mechanisms of international interaction and the protection of Ukraine’s national security.

Guarantees of National Information Security and Cross-Border Cooperation: Monograph. Lazur, Ya. V. (Ed.), & Mendzhul, M. V. (Ed.). (2025). Uzhhorod: RIK-U Publishing House. – 496 p. The monograph “Guarantees of National Information Security and Cross-Border Cooperation” is devoted to the study of key legal and organizational aspects of ensuring national information security in the context of cross-border cooperation. It represents a relevant and comprehensive scientific work, combining theoretical analysis and practical approaches to addressing information security challenges arising from international and cross-border interactions. The publication contributes to the advancement of modern legal science, particularly in developing effective mechanisms for safeguarding information security and protecting national interests within international cooperation frameworks.

Fetko, Yu. I. (2024). Prerequisites for the Formation and Development of European Integration: Theoretical and Legal Foundations. Legal Position, 4(45), 139–141. (Peer-reviewed journal). The article “Legal Foundations for the Formation and Development of European Integration” possesses significant scientific and practical value, as it provides a comprehensive analysis of the process of formation and evolution of the legal basis of European integration – a topic that has remained largely unexplored in Ukrainian legal scholarship. The study has high theoretical importance, as it systematizes the historical stages of the development of the European Union, identifies the regularities of its legal evolution, and defines the main trends that have shaped the current structure of the European legal space. In its applied dimension, the results of the research can be used to improve academic courses in European law, comparative jurisprudence, and international public law, as well as to enhance analytical approaches to the European integration policy of Ukraine. Thus, the article contributes to the development of the theory of European law, broadening scientific understanding of integration processes and their influence on the legal system of Ukraine amid contemporary political and security challenges.

Fetko, Yu. I. (2024). The Institutional Structure of the European Union: Theoretical and Legal Foundations. Law and Public Administration, (3), 319–324. (Peer-reviewed journal).

The article “The Institutional Structure of the European Union: Theoretical and Legal Foundations” has significant scientific and practical value, as it provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework and institutional mechanisms of the European Union, a topic that remains insufficiently explored in Ukrainian legal scholarship. The study has important theoretical significance, as it systematizes the process of formation and evolution of the EU’s institutional structure, identifies the main trends and characteristics of its development at different historical stages, and examines the powers and functions of key EU institutions — including the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, the European Commission, the Court of Justice of the EU, and other bodies. In its applied aspect, the research is valuable for understanding the mechanisms of decision-making, transparency, and accountability within the EU’s institutional system, as well as for the adaptation of European experience to Ukrainian legislation in the context of deepening European integration. Thus, the article makes a significant contribution to the development of European legal theory, enhances the understanding of the institutional foundations of the European Union, and provides a legal perspective relevant to Ukraine’s integration into the EU.

Fetko, Yu. I. (2025). Legal Foundations for the Formation and Development of Cross-Border and Regional Cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union. Analytical and Comparative Jurisprudence, (1), 959–962. (Peer-reviewed journal). 

The article examines the legal foundations for the formation and development of cross-border and regional cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union. It emphasizes that the implementation of Ukraine’s European integration policy is impossible without active interaction with the EU, particularly in the field of cross-border cooperation, which contributes to strengthening institutional capacity, attracting financial resources, and fostering good-neighbourly relations. A review of specialized legal literature shows that this topic remains insufficiently explored in Ukrainian legal scholarship. The study analyzes the evolution of legal regulation in this area — from the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Ukraine and the EU to the Association Agreement — identifying key trends in the development of the legal framework and outlining directions for its improvement. Particular attention is paid to the need for the unification of terminology, the clear definition of the competences of local authorities, and the legal status of CBC bodies. The results of the research have theoretical and practical significance, as they can be used to improve national legislation, develop effective mechanisms for cross-border cooperation, and strengthen Ukraine’s European integration efforts.

Fetko, Yu. I. (2024). Legal Foundations of Ukraine’s Integration into the European Union. Legal Scientific Electronic Journal, (10). (Peer-reviewed journal).

The article “Legal Foundations for the Formation and Development of Ukraine’s Integration into the European Union” has considerable scientific, practical, and socio-political value, as it provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal foundations of Ukraine’s European integration — a process that today constitutes a strategic and constitutionally enshrined priority of the state’s development. The study has significant theoretical importance, as it systematizes the stages of legal relations between Ukraine and the European Union — from the adoption of the first political and legal acts by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the conclusion of the Association Agreement and the ongoing bilateral dialogue on the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to EU law. The author identifies the main trends, principles, and patterns in the development of this integration process, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of its legal nature and evolution. In its applied dimension, the results of the research are valuable for improving Ukraine’s legal framework, harmonizing national legislation with EU law, and supporting the practical implementation of the state’s European integration strategy. The article makes a significant contribution to the development of European and international public law theory, forming the legal basis for Ukraine’s further progress toward full membership in the European Union.

Fetko, Yu. I. (2023). Prerequisites for the Formation and Development of the Legal Status of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation. Prykarpattia Legal Bulletin, 1(48), 132–135. (Peer-reviewed journal).

The article “Prerequisites for the Formation, Development, and Regulation of the Status of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation” has significant scientific and practical value, as it examines the legal foundations governing the functioning of European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) — one of the key instruments for regional integration and cross-border collaboration within the European Union. The study has considerable theoretical importance, as it traces the evolution of the legal regulation of EGTCs — from the concept of the European Economic Interest Grouping to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No. 1082/2006 and Regulation (EU) No. 1302/2013, which define the objectives, legal personality, financing mechanisms, and operational framework of these groupings. The author substantiates the role of EGTCs as a legal mechanism enabling structured cooperation between EU Member States and third countries, including Ukraine. In its applied dimension, the article provides practical value for improving Ukraine’s legislation in the field of cross-border cooperation. It emphasizes the need for adopting a specific law regulating the legal status and participation of Ukrainian legal entities in the establishment of EGTCs, similar to the legislative approaches of the Visegrad Group countries. The findings can be used to harmonize national legislation with EU law, promote Euroregional cooperation, and strengthen Ukraine’s legal and institutional integration into the European framework.

Fetko, Yu. I. (2023). Legal Foundations for the Establishment of the European Grouping of 

Territorial Cooperation. Scientific Notes of V. I. Vernadsky Taurida National University. Series: Legal Sciences, 34(73)(1), 82–85. (Peer-reviewed journal).

The article is devoted to the study of the legal foundations for the establishment of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) as an effective instrument for strengthening interaction between Ukraine and the member states of the European Union. The paper identifies the regulatory framework governing the functioning of EGTCs in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1082/2006 and Regulation (EU) No. 1302/2013, which define the procedures, objectives, and legal status of such groupings. It is emphasized that the current Ukrainian legislation, in particular the Law of Ukraine “On Cross-Border Cooperation,” only partially regulates the procedure for establishing EGTCs and restricts the participation of legal entities other than cross-border cooperation actors, which contradicts the provisions of the above-mentioned EU regulations. The scientific value of the study lies in identifying the legal gaps and inconsistencies between Ukrainian legislation and EU law, as well as outlining directions for their harmonization. The article substantiates the need to expand the legal framework for the participation of Ukrainian legal entities in EGTCs, which will contribute to deeper integration of Ukraine into the European legal space and the enhancement of regional cooperation along the EU’s external borders. In its applied dimension, the research provides practical significance for improving the national legal framework on cross-border cooperation, strengthening the institutional capacity of local self-government bodies, and facilitating access to EU financial instruments for regional development. The implementation of an effective EGTC mechanism will promote good-neighborly relations, socio-economic growth of border regions, and the successful realization of Ukraine’s European integration goals.

Fetko, Y., Mendzhul, M., Badyda, A., Fridmanskyy, R., & Fridmanska, V. (2021). Eutanasia: legal regulation in European countries and prospects for legalization in Ukraine. Laplage em Revista (International), 7, 479–486.

The article presents a comparative legal analysis of the legalization of euthanasia in European countries and Ukraine, focusing on the evolution of legal and ethical approaches within the framework of European human rights law. The authors examine the dynamic interpretation of euthanasia and assisted suicide in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), emphasizing how the Court seeks to balance the right to life and the right to personal autonomy under Articles 2 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The scientific and theoretical value of the research lies in its systematic examination of different legal models of euthanasia across Europe and the identification of the role of ECHR jurisprudence in shaping national policies. The article offers a classification of European states according to their legal stance on euthanasia—those that have legalized active euthanasia, those allowing only passive euthanasia, and those that prohibit it entirely—thus providing a structured framework for further legal analysis and policy development. The applied significance of the study is that it offers practical insights for Ukraine as it considers potential directions for reforming its national legislation in light of European standards and human rights principles. By drawing parallels with the experiences of EU member states, the research contributes to the harmonization of Ukrainian legal doctrine with European human rights law and supports informed public and academic debate on the prospects for the legalization of euthanasia in Ukraine.

Fetko, Yu., & Gus, A. (2019). European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation as an institutional form of development of cross-border cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. Scientific Bulletin of Public and Private Law, 6(1), 72–77.

The article examines the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) as an institutional form that promotes the development of cross-border cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union. The authors analyze the legal nature, institutional structure, and regulatory framework of EGTCs in the context of European integration and international law. Particular attention is paid to the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the Regulations (EC) No. 1082/2006 and No. 1302/2013, which govern the establishment and functioning of EGTCs in EU member states. The theoretical value of the research lies in its comprehensive analysis of the EGTC as a modern form of supranational cooperation, providing a conceptual understanding of its role in regional development and European integration processes. The study identifies key institutional and legal mechanisms that ensure effective participation of local and regional authorities in cross-border initiatives. The applied significance of the article is reflected in its practical recommendations for improving Ukraine’s legal framework for cross-border and interregional cooperation. The findings contribute to the enhancement of Ukraine’s institutional capacity to participate in European cooperation programs and to the harmonization of national law with EU standards, which is crucial for the country’s European integration strategy.

Fetko, Yu. Legal Foundations of International Cooperation of Local Public Authorities of Ukraine / Yu. I. Fetko. — Uzhhorod, 2020. — in Ukrainian. – 278 p.

The dissertation is of significant theoretical and practical importance, as it addresses an underexplored aspect of Ukrainian legal science — the legal regulation of international cooperation of local public authorities. In the context of Ukraine’s European integration and decentralization reforms, the study provides a comprehensive legal analysis of cross-border and interterritorial cooperation mechanisms, which are essential for the effective participation of Ukrainian regions and communities in European territorial cooperation initiatives. The research fills a noticeable gap in domestic legal scholarship, where most existing studies have focused on economic, political, or administrative dimensions of international cooperation, while the legal framework and mechanisms of such cooperation have remained insufficiently examined. By identifying the shortcomings of current legislation and proposing directions for its improvement, the dissertation contributes to the development of national legislation, the harmonization of Ukrainian legal norms with European standards, and the enhancement of local authorities’ legal capacity in the field of international and cross-border cooperation. Therefore, the research provides both theoretical value — by expanding the doctrinal understanding of public international law at the local level — and practical relevance, offering concrete recommendations for policymakers and local government practitioners engaged in international collaboration.

Fetko, Yu. (2020). Modern scientific and normative approaches to the definition and content of international cooperation of local and regional authorities. Legal Novels, 11, 29–37.

The article explores modern scientific and legal approaches to defining the concept and content of international cooperation of local and regional authorities. The author systematizes theoretical interpretations and legal frameworks that determine the institutional role of local self-government bodies in international relations. The research highlights the growing importance of decentralized cooperation as a tool for enhancing governance, fostering sustainable development, and strengthening the role of local and regional entities in the process of European integration. The theoretical significance of the study lies in its contribution to the clarification of the legal nature and structural characteristics of international cooperation at the subnational level. By analyzing national and international legal instruments, the article deepens the understanding of how local authorities can exercise external relations within the boundaries of constitutional and international law. The applied value of the research is reflected in the proposed directions for improving Ukraine’s legal framework governing local authorities’ participation in cross-border and interregional cooperation. The findings have practical relevance for policymakers, legal scholars, and practitioners, as they help to enhance the institutional capacity of local governments and support the implementation of Ukraine’s European integration strategy through the development of effective international partnerships at the regional level.

Fetko, Y., Tikhonova, M., Bermudes, D., Kyselov, V., & Maksymenko, L. (2022). The problem of the obligation of a child athlete to comply with the provisions of the anti-doping legislation of Ukraine. SPORT TK-Revista EuroAmericana de Ciencias del Deporte, 11, 1–9. The article investigates the legal and ethical aspects of applying anti-doping legislation to child athletes in Ukraine. The authors analyze the principles of international and national anti-doping regulations, focusing on the challenges of ensuring legal responsibility and procedural guarantees for minors involved in sports. The study also examines Ukraine’s compliance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards and the mechanisms for adapting international norms to the national legal system. The theoretical significance of the research lies in the substantiation of a complex legal problem determining the limits of responsibility of underage athletes under anti-doping law and balancing the protection of minors’ rights with the need to preserve the integrity of sport. The article contributes to the formation of a legal framework that aligns Ukraine’s sports law with international human rights standards. The applied value of the study consists in the development of recommendations for improving Ukraine’s anti-doping legislation with a special focus on youth sports. The findings have practical relevance for policymakers, sports federations, and legal professionals, as they provide a foundation for creating fair and effective mechanisms for the prevention of doping among young athletes and ensuring Ukraine’s alignment with global sports ethics and European legal standards.

1. [ 2025 – Current], Eurocommunity: Financial Opportunities for Development and European Integration, Supported by the European Union and the International Renaissance Foundation under the joint initiative “Together We Enter the EU.”
2. [ 2025 – Current], Protection of personal data in the context of artificial intelligence and the Internet of things: legal and technical aspects, supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine
3. [ 2024 – Current], Protection of information security in the management of international cooperation projects on the basis of guaranteeing the national security of Ukraine supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine
4. [ 2024 – Current], Cross-border cooperation in Ukraine and the Visegrad Group states: in the search for examples of best practice supported by the International Visegrad Fund
5. [2023] EU integration of Ukraine across borders with the help of the Visegrad Group states was supported by the International Visegrad Fund
6. [ 2022 – 2023], Cross-border cooperation of universities: theoretic and legal basis was supported by the Initiative Fund of the Danube Conference of Rectors
7. [ 2022 – 2023] Cross-border cooperation between local and regional authorities of Ukraine and the Visegrad Group states was supported by the International Visegrad Fund
8. [ 2022 – 2023] Strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations and volunteer initiatives to improve access to quality services of the justice system in conditions of war was supported by the USAID
9. [2022 – 2023] Adaptation of IDPs to life in new communities was supported by the NGO "People in need"
10. [2022 – 2023] DRC Strategic Foresight was supported by the Fund of the Danube Rectors Conference
11. [2022 – 2023] Support of internationalization in the academic environment of Matej Bel University was supported by the Matej Bel University
12. [ 2021 – 2022 ] Safe and Inclusive Border between Slovakia and Ukraine was supported by the EEA and Norway Grants Fund
13. [ 2020 – 2022 ] With cross-border cooperation for the Europeanisation of Ukrainian borders

was supported by the International Visegrad Fund

1. [ 2019 – 2021 ] Ensuring the implementation of human rights of the fourth generation in the health care system

was supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine

1. [ 2019 – 2021 ] Decentralization and Local Government Reform in Ukraine was supported by the Council of Europe
2. [ 2019 – 2019 ] Positive impact of the creation and operation of the EGTC on the economic development of the EU and its external borders was supported by the Pallas Athéné Domus Educationis Fund