Abstract. This analytical note outlines the main approaches and characteristics of legislative regulation and law enforcement practices in European Union Member States in the field of animal welfare; in particular, analyses legislative and subordinate regulatory acts, as well as acts of local authorities, which set out requirements for keeping dogs on a lead and in enclosures (including their design), conditions for handling them, certain restrictions or prohibitions, etc. A note has been conducted of the draft Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats, as well as the legislation of Germany, Austria, Sweden, Italy, France and Poland governing the keeping of dogs on a lead and in enclosures. Mechanisms of state control and liability for violations in this area have been analysed.

Keywords: European Union legislation on the treatment of dogs, animal welfare, conditions for keeping dogs on a lead, requirements for the design of enclosures, prevention of animal cruelty, administrative and criminal liability for breaches of animal welfare standards

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04/2026

Abstract. The informational reference sets out the results of the analysis of the draft Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Article 15 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Humanitarian Aid’ regarding the provision of transport services to the public during martial law on intercity and suburban public bus routes, the organisation of which is entrusted to state authorities” (No. 15102 dated 27 March 2026). Proposals have been analysed regarding the expansion and clarification of the range of entities that may use vehicles received as humanitarian aid for the provision of passenger transport services by road.

Key words: road transport, public bus route, humanitarian aid, passenger transport, publicly owned business entity, transport services.

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04/2026

Abstract. The informational reference examines the legal grounds for improving administrative liability for violations of the requirements of the legislation on water resources protection and water use. The analysis was conducted in the context of the proposals set out in the draft Law of Ukraine (No. 15096 dated 23 March 2026).

The draft law is considered to comply with the requirements of the Constitution of Ukraine, the fundamental principles of law-making activity, the norms of current legislation on administrative liability, and the laws of Ukraine in the field of environmental safety and nature protection.

The results of the research revealed risks that may further impede the proper implementation of the provisions of the draft law in law enforcement practice and the achievement of its stated objective, namely ensuring the rational use and conservation of water resources and preventing violations of environmental legislation by citizens and officials of business entities.

Key words: water resources protection, water use rules, business entities, offenses in the field of nature protection, violations of water legislation, administrative offenses, administrative liability, imposition of a fine.

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04/2025

Abstract. This informational reference presents the results of an analysis of the Draft Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to the Civil Code of Ukraine and Other Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding Legislative Support for Preserving the Right to Compensation, Payments, and Additional Payments Awarded to the Testator by a Court Decision for the Members of their Family and Heirs” (No. 15032 dated 16 February 2026).

Keywords: testator, members of the testator’s family, heirs, entitlement to payments, court decision.

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04/2026

Abstract. This information reference analyses the number and remit of parliamentary committees in European Union Member States that have similar competences to the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management, thereby identifying potential areas for improving the latter’s activities.

Keywords: environment, ecology, environmental policy, parliamentary committee, remit, Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Environmental Policy and Nature Management.

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04/2025

Abstract. The informational reference analyses the feasibility of amending the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses regarding the increase in fines for violations of legislation on financial matters in the context of the draft Law of Ukraine (No. 15043-1 dated 09 March 2026). It examines the compliance of the proposed amendments with the current administrative tort and financial legislation of Ukraine, legislation in the field of state financial control, as well as the requirements of regulatory drafting techniques, and identifies potential risks of the draft law.

The compliance of the proposed amendments with the current administrative tort and financial legislation of Ukraine, legislation in the field of state financial control, as well as the requirements of regulatory drafting techniques is analyzed, and potential risks of the draft law are identified.

Key words: financial discipline, state financial control, economic security, administrative penalty, administrative liability.

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04/2026

Abstract. This review dossier examines specific aspects of safeguarding children’s ‘digital rights’ in Ukraine, in particular access to information, educational e-services and digital technologies, privacy and the protection of personal data, as well as freedom of expression. Particular attention is devoted to the right of minors to online safety. The dossier also analyses trends in the development of European Union legislation aimed at improving the safety of online services for children.

Key words: children’s digital rights, digital space, educational e-services, digital platforms, digital content.

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04/2026

Abstract. This informational reference analyses the proposals set out in the draft Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine “On an Appeal to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Regarding the Adoption of Urgent Measures to Increase the Amount of the Old-Age Minimum Pension in 2026” (No. 15059 dated 09 March 2026).

Key words: pension system, pension provision level, minimum old-age pension, subsistence minimum, inflation rate.

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03/2026

Abstract. This informational note examines the legal grounds for the expediency of specialization among judges authorized to conduct criminal proceedings regarding criminal offenses against the established order of military service (military criminal offenses), criminal offenses against peace, the security of humanity, and the international legal order. These issues are analysed in the context of the proposals set forth in the draft Law of Ukraine (reg. No. 15084 dated March 17, 2026). The draft law’s compliance with the Constitution of Ukraine, the fundamental principles of lawmaking, the requirements of criminal and criminal procedure legislation, and legislative norms regarding the procedure for performing or undergoing military service is examined. The study identified risks that will hinder the proper implementation of the law during law application activities and the achievement of its stated goal, aimed at legislative improvement and enhancing the effectiveness of justice regarding criminal offenses of the specified category.

Keywords: criminal proceedings, judicial specialization, military criminal offenses, criminal offenses against peace, security of humanity, and the international legal order, subjects of criminal offenses, military personnel.

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03/2026

Abstract. This analytical note examines the issue of legal regulation of the principles of spatial planning in the Member States of the European Union (Sweden, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Germany, Poland, Spain, Belgium). It analyses activities of the subjects responsible for spatial planning, the necessary documents, objectives, etc.

Keywords: spatial planning, territorial planning, state territory, general plan.

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03/2026