Impact of European integration processes on judicial reform in Ukraine

Abstract

The research relevance is determined by the European integration and identification of gaps and shortcomings arising in the process of harmonisation of Ukrainian legislation with the legal standards of the European Union, providing improvement areas. The study aims to characterise the reform of Ukraineʼs judicial system in the context of European integration. The following research methods were used in the study: systemic and structural, comparative legal, formal legal, and systematisation methods, as well as methods of synthesis, analysis, and generalisation. The study established that the judicial reform launched in 2016 is linked to Ukraineʼs plans to become a full-fledged member State of the European Union. It is determined that under the legal regime of martial law, some processes of reforming the judicial system to the standards of the European community may be slowed down. It is noted that the Copenhagen criteria, especially chapters 23 and 24, are among the key definitions for the implementation of justice and the judiciary in a country which is a member of the European Union. The analysis added that to accelerate the European integration processes in Ukraine, composition renewal of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine should be undertaken. The need to establish transparent qualification requirements for judges and modernise the selection process for the judiciary was outlined. The study concludes that it is necessary to fully launch the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine, which is one of the key bodies of judicial self-government. The effective operation of this body is essential for maintaining the judiciary at a high professional level and ensuring compliance with the standards of justice. Furthermore, the study stressed the importance of continuing to effectively combat any manifestations of corruption in the activities of the judiciary and the judicial system as a whole. The study materials can be used to improve the functioning of the judicial system in Ukraine