CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN CONCEPTS OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND THEIR LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

This article presents an in-depth exploration of conceptual and legal approaches to public administration reform in European countries amid the digital transformation of the public sector. The primary aim is to analyze how classical administrative traditions, the New Public Management paradigm, and the emerging model of Good Governance are evolving under the influence of digital technologies and to determine how legal frameworks support this transition. The study is grounded in the need to understand how institutional modernization can balance efficiency, accountability, and democratic legitimacy in rapidly changing information environments. The research applies a comparative legal and administrative methodology, synthesizing structural-functional analysis with systematization of legal norms and institutional practices. The analysis considers regulatory developments at both the European Union and national levels, as well as structural adjustments in public administration aimed at incorporating digital innovations. The methodology includes the classification of governance models, critical assessment of legislative instruments, and contextual evaluation of their operational impact in practice. The findings of the study reveal that the digital transformation of public administration in Europe does not replace traditional governance models but rather stimulates their hybridization. The classical model remains relevant where legal stability and procedural formality are essential, but it has been enhanced through digital document management and automation. New Public Management, while facilitating efficiency and performance orientation, integrates digital tools such as e-services and online performance metrics, though it faces criticism for potentially undermining democratic inclusivity. Good Governance emerges as a value-based response, incorporating digital platforms for transparency and participation, supported by robust legal safeguards like data protection, identity verification, and open data regulations. Each model shows adaptability when reinforced by targeted legal provisions that enable responsiveness to technological advancements while upholding the principles of rule of law and administrative justice. The study concludes that the future of European public administration lies in combining legal robustness with technological flexibility, ensuring that digital transformation serves public interest through transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance systems.