Administrative and legal principles of public procurement for refurbishment of historical and architectural monuments

Abstract

The protection of cultural heritage monuments in Ukraine is a strategic task that influences the national identity and security of the state. In particular, monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, such as «Kyiv: St. Sophia Cathedral», «Lviv – Historic Center Ensemble», and «Historic Center of Odessa» require special care and restoration. This task requires efficient management through public procurement mechanisms that organize funding for works from both state and local budgets.

This article examines the administrative and legal principles of public procurement in the sphere of monument restoration, specifically within the framework of the «Big Construction» program. It analyzes key normative and legal acts, including Ukrainian Laws and National Standards that regulate restoration processes. A number of terminological and legal ambiguities have been identified, which complicate the effectiveness of public procurement in this field. In particular, there are difficulties in classifying architectural and historical monuments, leading to inaccuracies during project implementation.

Special attention is given to discrepancies in terminology, specifically the lack of clear definitions for "architectural monument" and "historical monument" in normative acts, which complicates the restoration process. International restoration standards, such as the Athens and Venice Charters, which define the main principles of cultural heritage protection, are also discussed. To improve the situation, it is proposed to enhance the legislation, specifically to amend the Ukrainian Law «On Public Procurement» and to introduce a requirement for the mandatory presence of scientific and project documentation when preparing tenders.

It is recommended to strengthen the transparency of procurement procedures and involve independent experts in evaluating proposals, which will help reduce the risk of corruption and improve the efficiency of public funds utilization. Implementing international experience and standards in public procurement will ensure proper preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.