On July 11, Roman Chumak, coordinator of the Kharkiv Regional Council on Justice Reform of the EU Project "Law-Justice", Chairman of the Board of the Non-Governmental Organization "Interregional Expert Center "Pro Justice", attended the first meeting of the management committee of the third phase of the EU Project "Pravo-Justice".
The EU project "Pravo-Justice" summed up the results of its work in the first half of 2024.
During the first meeting of the management committee, key achievements and plans for the future were discussed. The main areas of activity include reform of the prosecutor's office, judicial reform, enforcement of court decisions, protection of property rights and support of European integration in the field of justice. The project contributes to the harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with European standards, supports the investigation of war crimes and the strengthening of the rule of law, and also helps in negotiations regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU.
The event was traditionally attended by representatives of the EU Representation in Ukraine, the French Embassy in Ukraine, the Expertise France agency, national stakeholders and the Project team.
A significant number of speakers spoke at the meeting.
Oksana Tsimbrivska, head of the Pravo-Justice EU Project, presented current information on project management, emphasized that activities will be adjusted in view of the challenges of the war and negotiations regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Lyudmila Sugak, Deputy Minister of Justice for European Integration, Head of the Supervisory Committee of the EU Pravo-Justice Project, noted that the EU Law-Justice Project is an important partner of the Ministry of Justice, characterizing the cooperation as fast, effective, efficient and expert.
Stefan Schlöning, head of cooperation programs of the EU Representation in Ukraine, called the EU Project "Pravo-Justice" the EU's flagship program in the sector of the rule of law, emphasizing its role in justice reform.
Francois Cottel, political advisor of the French Embassy in Ukraine, noted that France, together with the EU, will support Ukraine on its way to the EU, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law and justice and security issues in the negotiations. He also emphasized the important role played by the EU Project "Pravo-Justice" during the reform process in Ukraine.
Mathieu Diskour, Director of the Governance Department of Expertise France, emphasized that the Project is a flagship program for Expertise France as well, which will continue to help implement key reforms in the justice sector, adapting activities to the needs of beneficiaries and contributing to the Ukraine Facility plan.
The head of the High Council of Justice, Hryhoriy Usyk, noted the challenges of the judicial system, in particular, the shortage of personnel, which complicates the establishment of the rule of law and access to justice, noted that the issue of the rule of law and citizens' access to justice is a subject of special attention from the EU.
Viktoriya Litvinova, Deputy Prosecutor General, spoke about the assistance provided by the EU Law-Justice Project to the Ukrainian Prosecutor's Office to implement systemic changes on the way to European integration, ensure the rule of law, punish war criminals and restore justice for victims.
Oleksiy Movchan, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, noted that the scope of cooperation with the Project will only grow, as the Committee on Economic Development of the Verkhovna Rada seeks to become its beneficiary for more fruitful work on the tasks of European integration.
Alban Biossa, sector manager of the EU Representation in Ukraine, noted that one of the goals of the project is to increase the level of public trust in justice in Ukraine, called the project a leading EU program in the field of justice, which will play a central role in coordinating stakeholders and increasing support from foreign partners .
The event emphasized the key role of the project in strengthening the rule of law, increasing public trust in justice and supporting the European integration of Ukraine. The participation of representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Prosecutor's Office, the High Council of Justice and international partners indicates broad coordination and cooperation for the successful implementation of reforms.