Ukraine is actively working on implementing key reforms to become a full member of the European Union. One of the most important areas is judicial reform, which must meet the standards of the rule of law, a mandatory condition for Eurointegration. The government has developed a Roadmap for judicial reform, which should serve as the basis for changes in the judicial system. However, the question arises: will the reform really have a profound effect, or will Ukraine be limited to only formal changes?
Reform Roadmap: a step towards Europe
The Roadmap for judicial reform is a document that contains the main principles and tasks for reforming the judicial system of Ukraine. Its main goal is to ensure transparency and independence of judges, eliminate corrupt schemes, and guarantee citizens a fair judicial process. These aspects are crucial for compliance with European standards and obtaining the “green light” on the path to EU accession.
In particular, the Roadmap includes:
- Cleansing the judicial system of corrupt judges through checks and updates to the composition of judicial bodies.
- Reforming the High Council of Justice (HCJ) and the High Qualification Commission of Judges (HQCJ), which play a key role in the appointment and oversight of judges.
- Ensuring the independence of judges, including through changes in the appointment procedure and strengthening accountability mechanisms.
- Involving international experts in assessing the work of the judiciary and monitoring the reforms.
Formal changes or real transformation?
Despite ambitious plans, experts express concerns that the judicial reform may be limited to superficial changes. In particular, there is a risk that some judges involved in corrupt schemes will remain in their positions, and citizens will not feel an improvement in the quality of justice.
Main challenges:
- Ineffective judiciary control. Without a truly independent body that can hold judges accountable, the reform will remain a formality.
- Resistance from the old system. Part of the judiciary and the political elite may not be interested in radical changes and may try to sabotage reforms.
- Lack of qualified personnel. A significant challenge is the shortage of professional, honest judges who are willing to work in the renewed system.
What is needed for successful reform?
In order for judicial reform to become a real instrument of change, rather than a formality, the following is necessary:
- Strengthen public oversight. It is important for anti-corruption organizations and society to have a real impact on the processes of cleansing the judicial system.
- Enhance the role of international partners. Involvement of independent experts will help avoid political influence and corruption.
- Implement mechanisms for rapid renewal of the judiciary. Honest and professional judges should have the opportunity to replace corrupt colleagues more quickly.
Conclusion
Judicial reform is one of the key conditions for Ukraine’s accession to the EU. However, its success depends not only on the adoption of laws, but also on their real implementation. Only radical changes that cover all levels of the judicial system can provide Ukrainians with fair justice and trust in the judiciary. The main task is to make the reform not superficial, but deep and effective. Only then can Ukraine confidently move along the European path.
