STRENGTHENING THE JUSTICE SECTOR IN UKRAINE AND EUROPEAN ASSISTANCE IN RESPONSE TO RUSSIA'S AGGRESSION

Abstract

This article examines the multifaceted assistance provided by the European Union and the Council of Europe to Ukraine in response to Russian aggression. It delves into the various forms of support, including financial, humanitarian and institutional assistance, with a particular focus on strengthening the judiciary. Through initiatives such as the Council of Europe Action Plan and the establishment of the Register of Damage, international partners are seeking to accelerate Ukraine's recovery and address human rights violations. The authors emphasise the importance of ongoing cooperation to strengthen Ukraine's resilience and democratic progress, advocating for continued support to promote peace and stability in the region. The authors provide a thorough analysis of the legal and regulatory framework and the criteria for European assistance to Ukraine. They emphasise the key role of the justice sector in ensuring good governance, upholding the rule of law and restoring violated rights. The study describes in detail the financial assistance envisaged in the Council of Europe's Action Plan for 2023-2026 entitled "Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction". The analysis shows that EU financial assistance has been instrumental in addressing the challenges of sustaining the justice system. Economic support to the justice sector, which is monitored by the Council of Europe, aims, among other things, to strengthen judicial expertise, develop free legal aid institutions, formulate programmatic documents for prison reform, implement pilot projects for prison management recommended by the Council of Europe, and strengthen oversight mechanisms for penitentiary institutions. The authors conclude by stressing the need to promote the development of the justice sector and ensure its financial support as an integral part of effective public administration.