Shadow Report on Chapter 23 ‘Justice and Fundamental Rights’ was Presented in Kyiv. EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová Attended the Event
On 29 October, a coalition of NGOs headed by the Agency for Legislative Initiatives, with the support of EU Pravo-Justice Project, presented the key learnings of the Shadow Report to Chapter 23 ‘Justice and Fundamental Rights’ of the European Commission’s 2023 Report on Ukraine. The event took place in Kyiv. During the event, representatives of national authorities and civil society, together with international partners, discussed the key steps for Ukraine to take towards EU integration in the areas of Justice, Anti-Corruption and Fundamental Rights.
Olha Stefanishyna, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, addressed the participants via a pre-recorded video. She noted that cooperation between national authorities and civil society is the foundation of reforms that bring Ukraine closer to EU membership.
"Mutual mobilisation and cooperation contributed to achieving what seemed impossible a few years ago, and we have done it amid a full-scale war," she said.
Olha Stefanishyna also emphasised that the goal of Ukraine is not only to join the EU but also to consolidate European principles and values in legislation, institutions and our mindset.
Katarína Mathernová, EU Ambassador to Ukraine, said that justice system reform is fundamental not only for the future of Ukraine in the EU, but also for the future of Ukraine as such.
"This also applies to other issues related to Fundamentals cluster, such as fighting corruption, human rights, etc. The role of civil society and professional associations in monitoring the steps taken by national authorities towards European integration and reporting on the progress achieved is also of no less importance," said the Ambassador.
According to her, it is crucial for national authorities to implement the recommendations outlined in the Shadow Report.
"We can only congratulate both the authors of this report and the organisations that facilitated this work. You should be proud of its findings," emphasised Katarína Mathernová.
In her address, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Iryna Mudra stated that integration of Ukraine into the EU depends on the willingness and capacity of our national institutions to transform the justice system pursuant to EU requirements. It should lead to positive changes that will strengthen the national justice system.
"It is crucial that national authorities and civil society work in synergy. This is the only way to reach the best possible results and indicators required by our international partners," said Iryna Mudra.
She also noted that the Presidential Office has drawn up a draft Strategy for the Development of the Justice System and Constitutional Justice for the period until 2030. It identifies strategic goals and objectives intended to address problems in judiciary, prosecution, bar, and legal education.
Svitlana Matvienko, Executive Director of the Agency for Legislative Initiatives, emphasised that the main purpose of the Shadow Report was to document the current state of affairs in the areas of rule of law, fight against corruption and human rights.
"In the report, together with our partners in the coalition, we have provided strategic and practical recommendations for effective reform of these areas. We believe that our findings and recommendations will become part of Ukraine’s roadmap for European integration reforms," she said.
Svitlana Matvienko noted that the presentation of the Shadow Report served as a professional and open dialogue between civil society and representatives of national authorities.
"We are very grateful to the leadership of the judiciary and anti-corruption authorities, particularly, for their willingness to cooperate, listen to critical feedback and respond to comments. It is extremely valuable and gives us hope that Ukraine will effectively pursue the path to EU accession," she emphasised.
Oksana Tsymbrivska, Team Leader of EU Project Pravo-Justice, emphasised the unique nature of this professional expert dialogue. She thanked all the attendees for participating in the event. She also stressed that this is the beginning of a long journey with civil society as a partner and active stakeholder on Ukraine’s path towards the EU, particularly in the context of justice.
"The work is just about to begin. We are going to have another Shadow Report. EU Project Pravo-Justice will definitely keep supporting this initiative," summarised Oksana Tsymbrivska.