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12.11.2024
forumIdei

Judicial reform in Ukraine: successes, challenges, and future priorities

  • Mychajło Żernakow
  • Jarosław Kuzyszyn
  • Nestor Barczuk

The report outlines the structure of the Ukrainian judiciary, assesses the reforms implemented from 2014 to 2024, and provides recommendations for further necessary changes.

The report provides an in-depth review of judicial reforms in Ukraine from 2014 to September 2024, prepared in collaboration with experts from the Ukrainian analytical center DeJure. These judicial reforms are a key component of Ukraine’s progress towards European Union membership. The report highlights key achievements, challenges, and strategic priorities within the reform process. It examines the historical context and reasons for past reform failures and underscores the value of international expertise in implementing innovative solutions, including the establishment of the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court. The report also details future steps that are essential to ensure the transparency and independence of the judiciary in line with EU integration standards.

Particular attention is paid to developments after 2021, when the Verkhovna Rada adopted two important laws to restructure the High Qualifications Commission of Judges (HQCJ) and The High Council of Justice (HCJ), the bodies responsible for judicial selection and disciplinary oversight. The restructured HQCJ and HCJ  began their work in 2023. The report assesses the trends and effectiveness of these bodies and highlights the need for further reforms in critical institutions, including The Constitutional Court, The Supreme Court, and The Higher Administrative Court, which remain focal points for Ukrainian society and international partners.