EU Project Pravo-Justice Supported the Presentation of the 2025 Shadow Report by a Coalition of CSOs in Brussels

In Brussels (Belgium), a coalition of civil society organisations led by the Agency for Legislative Initiatives presented the Shadow Report on Chapter 23 ‘Justice and Fundamental Rights’ and Chapter 24 ‘Justice, Freedom and Security’ of the European Commission’s 2024 Ukraine Report.

The report was presented at the event ‘Justice and Resilience in Ukraine: Civil Society Insights and the Human Side of the Judiciary,’ organised with the support of EU Project Pravo-Justice, implemented by Expertise France, at the Permanent Representation of France to the EU. The event brought together representatives of Ukrainian civil society, judiciary, EU institutions and international expert community.

It should be noted that the Shadow Report focuses not only on Ukraine’s progress, but also on the challenges and obstacles the country faces in implementing European best practices in the areas of the rule of law (courts, public prosecution, the bar, legal education), the fight against corruption and organised crime, the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, visa policy, migration, etc. Experts from dedicated civil society organisations – including the Agency for Legislative Initiatives, Transparency International Ukraine, Human Rights Centre ZMINA, Tomorrow’s Lawyer, Europe Without Barriers and the Ukrainian Bar Association – have formulated over 500 recommendations.

Wolfgang Nozar, Head of Unit for Rule of Law, Anti-Fraud and Financial Management at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, said that the path to EU membership is a choice Ukraine has made for itself.

“The reforms that need to be implemented are substantial. We fully support Ukraine in its reform efforts, but Ukraine has to take ownership and determine the specific timelines. It is important that these timelines are both ambitious – as Ukraine aims to join the EU quickly – and realistic, so that the reforms can genuinely be implemented,” he said.

Serhii Tereshko, Deputy Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the European Union, noted the contribution of civil society organisations to producing the Shadow Report, which provides an alternative perspective on the development of the rule of law, human rights protection and the situation in the judiciary in Ukraine. He also thanked the EU, in particular EU Project Pravo-Justice, for supporting such initiatives.

“The Ukrainian government remains firmly and consistently committed to promoting the rule of law. We are well aware that without adherence to key European principles, progress towards EU membership is impossible,” he said.

Oksana Tsymbrivska, Team Leader at EU Project Pravo-Justice, noted that the most important part of the Shadow Report is its recommendations.

“This is where civil society brings real added value: they do not merely criticise or point out gaps – they also offer a clear vision of how to address them. In wartime, their role becomes even more important, as civil society actors are not only watchdogs but also a powerful source of expertise for the country. European integration can succeed only if this voice is heard and reforms are inclusive,” she stressed.

“The Shadow Report acknowledges Ukraine’s progress in implementing reforms, while at the same time drawing attention to problems in the areas of the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organised crime, etc. It offers recommendations to help implement European best practices across all areas. The next step should be to translate intentions into tangible results. Ukraine can meet critical benchmarks – do its ‘homework’ from the EU and strengthen trust in key government institutions – if it follows this ‘roadmap,’” said Oleksandra Ehert, Deputy Executive Director for Operations and Project Coordination at the Agency for Legislative Initiatives.

During the presentation, EU Project Pravo-Justice also screened the documentary ‘In Your Name: Justice in Wartime,’ which premiered on 18 September in Kyiv. It tells the story of the resilience of the Ukrainian judiciary amidst full-scale war – of judges who continue to administer justice despite shelling, forced displacement and destroyed courthouses, as well as those who joined the Defence Forces to protect their country.

Olena Kovbii, a member of the HCJ and the film’s protagonist, also attended the screening. She shared her story and spoke about the priorities for the High Council of Justice.

“I want European partners to see Ukrainian judges not only as legal professionals, but as true defenders of democracy and human rights in the extreme conditions of wartime. This is also a message: even under air strikes and threats, we continue to serve justice – which is why support for the judiciary is critical for strengthening the rule of law in Ukraine,” emphasised Olena Kovbii.