On 1 July, a new four-year project, PravoJustice4EU, was launched in Ukraine to support the country’s justice system on its path towards European Union membership and strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to pursue accountability for international crimes.

The Project is implemented by Expertise France. The Project has a total budget of EUR 21 million, with EUR 20 million provided by the European Union and EUR 1 million by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The Project is organised in two pillars structured around well-defined themes: judicial reforms for EU integration and accountability for core international crimes.

Justice Reform and European Integration

Pillar 1 of the Project will support Ukraine in aligning its justice system with EU standards and the EU acquis, while advancing the reforms needed for Ukraine’s continued progress towards EU membership.

It will specifically focus on supporting the implementation and coordination of the Rule of Law Roadmap, improving legal frameworks, strengthening the institutional capacity of judicial and prosecution bodies and institutions, ensuring independence, accountability and integrity, and developing merit-based procedures for selection, evaluation and career advancement.

The Project will also work on improving access to justice, legal education and professional training. Moreover, the Project will support reforms in the enforcement of court decisions, insolvency, forensic and judicial expertise, the penitentiary and probation systems, the bar and legal aid, alternative dispute resolution, and notarial services.

Accountability for International Crimes and Transitional Justice

Pillar 2 of PravoJustice4EU focuses on supporting Ukraine’s efforts to pursue accountability for core international crimes in line with European and international standards.

The Project will contribute to developing a coherent strategic and practical approach to investigating and prosecuting international crimes, while strengthening the capacities of prosecutors, investigators, judges, defence lawyers and other criminal justice actors.

It will also support the development of practical tools and guidance, case analysis, evidence processing and case strategy, as well as anchoring Ukraine within European and international cooperation and accountability mechanisms and professional networks.

It will also support the development of a comprehensive transitional justice approach encompassing both judicial and non-judicial accountability mechanisms and centred on victims' needs and rights.

Another important element of PravoJustice4EU will be supporting civil society organisations, strengthening their engagement in justice reform, fostering coordination among key partners, and promoting public dialogue on the reform process.

The Project will be implemented in partnership with Ukrainian justice-sector institutions, relevant public authorities, legal professional bodies, training institutions, law-enforcement agencies and civil society organisations, with Ukrainian citizens as the ultimate beneficiaries.