The high-level event “Rule of Law Roadmap: One Year After Commitment” took place in Kyiv bringing together representatives of public authorities, parliament, the judiciary, civil society, business community, and Ukraine’s international partners. Participants discussed progress in implementing the Roadmap, key challenges, key challenges and future priorities for reforms in the areas of justice, fight against corruption and protection of fundamental rights, as well as the importance of the rule of law for economic recovery, investor confidence and Ukraine’s progress towards European Union membership.
Particular attention was paid to the practical implementation of reforms, strengthening institutional capacity, and the need to ensure the sustainability of reforms amidst a full-scale war.
The discussion took place as part of the celebrations marking the first anniversary of the adoption – on 14 May 2025 – by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, of the Rule of Law Roadmap – a comprehensive strategic document that sets out priority reform areas in the fields of the judiciary, prevention and fight against corruption, protection of fundamental rights, as well as justice, freedom and security. The document forms part of Ukraine’s commitments under the EU accession process and reflects the state’s political will to consistently align national institutions, legislation and practices with EU standards and values.
One year after the Roadmap’s adoption, its implementation has entered a crucial phase of practical implementation. Participants stressed that at this stage, it is particularly important to move from political commitments to tangible results, while ensuring coordinated action among state institutions, civil society, business, and international partners.
The programme featured three thematic panel discussions focusing on the political, economic and societal dimensions of the rule of law in the context of Ukraine’s European integration.
During the first panel, participants discussed the rule of law as a key element of Ukraine’s European integration, as well as the progress in implementation of judicial and anti-corruption reforms. The discussion focused on the practical implementation of reforms envisaged by the Rule of Law Roadmap, institutional barriers and the need for consistent political leadership and accountability throughout the next stage of the reform process.
The second panel addressed the importance of the rule of law for economic recovery, investor confidence, and the development of Ukrainian business. Participants emphasised that an independent judiciary, effective anti-corruption mechanisms, and a predictable legal environment are essential for attracting investment, mobilising reconstruction financing, ensuring access to EU markets, and supporting long-term economic growth.
The third panel focused on rule of law reforms as a sustained societal demand. The discussion covered, among others, public trust in justice, the role of civil society in monitoring reforms, and the importance of continuing reforms under martial law. It was underlined that public trust is not only an indicator of the sustainability of reforms in wartime, but also one of the markers of Ukraine’s readiness for EU membership.
In her concluding remarks, Liudmyla Suhak, Acting Minister of Justice of Ukraine, emphasised the importance of further coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the practical implementation of the Roadmap and achieve tangible results in the area of the rule of law.
* According to information from the website https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine_en?s=232