THE ROLE OF EUROPEAN PRACTICES OF THE YOUTH POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN THE FORMATION OF YOUNG POLITICAL ELITE IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the organization of student self-government in two European countries, such as France and England. The relevance of the study is due to the need to analyze and thus introduce the best experience of leading universities in Western Europe on the functioning of student unions. Student activity in European HEIs is aimed not only at obtaining high-quality higher education but also at active social and public activities. As a result, in various unions, students acquire primary skills in organizing election companies and acquire the basics of management and political experience. The article reveals that the activities of student self-government in France are mainly reflected in the work of the various student unions. Students should be elected and work in councils of students and, therefore, gain experience in electoral campaigns. Student unions are politically oriented, and their members have certain political preferences, but they do not openly support any political party. Student union activity in England is characterized by excessive politicization, which is a consequence of the history of its establishment. Hence, all forms of political life in England are reflected in the activities of student unions. Through their activities, student unions seek to involve more young people in public life. For this, seminars and conferences are held, various manuals are printed and different projects are implemented. Financial support for the work of student councils not only creates good conditions for their activities but also requires justification for the use of funds and is constantly monitored. Thus, students acquire the skills of correct and balanced use of finance and timely reporting on expenditures. According to the results of the study, the authors found that the experience of student government in France and England is essential for the development of student democracy in Ukraine, as well as for determining the form of youth involvement in social and political life (both within their community and within the state). Prospects for further research include an analysis of the impact of the activities of student self-government bodies of Ukrainian HEIs on the formation of the civic position of youth, as well as the development of a new political elite of the country.