European law in Ukrainian courts

On 6 April 2026, the National School of Judges of Ukraine launched a week-long training programme for judges of administrative courts of appeal. The training focuses on the application of European law and current case law, which is becoming increasingly important for the Ukrainian justice system.

Opening the training, Ivan Balaklytskyi, Head of the Judges’ Preparation Department, emphasised that the course covers key aspects of administrative justice, with a particular focus on European Union law and the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. It is precisely this knowledge that is essential today for the correct application of legal norms by Ukrainian courts.

The programme has been designed based on requests from the courts themselves and addresses the most pressing challenges. A wide range of experts are involved in the training – Supreme Court judges, representatives of appeal and district administrative courts, academics and practitioners.

Supreme Court Judge Ian Bernaziuk, who sits on the Administrative Court of Cassation, also attended the opening ceremony. In his address, he emphasised the importance of continuous professional development for judges, noted the programme’s well-rounded nature, and particularly stressed the need for a deeper understanding of EU law in the context of changes to legislation and judicial practice.

Throughout the week, participants will work with leading experts, including Supreme Court judges Olesia Radyshevska, Ian Bernaziuk, Albert Iezerov, Volodymyr Bevzenko, judge of the Eighth Administrative Court of Appeal Tetiana Shynkar, as well as the head of the Council of Europe project ‘Support for the Ukrainian Judiciary during the War and in the Post-War Period’ , Iryna Kushnir; the head of the Training Laboratory for the Study of European Union Law, Nataliia Akhtyrska; Professor Dmytro Lukianets of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University; attorney Semen Khanin; and Iryna Yerasyova, manager of educational projects at the LIGA ZAKON Academy.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the application of EU law and the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union in Ukrainian courts, the principles of administrative justice through the lens of the practice of the European Court of Human Rights, the temporal effect of legislative acts and the constitutional aspects of their application, financial control and asset confiscation in accordance with EU directives, as well as electronic evidence and its legal status.

Attention is also given to the application of the Engel criteria in administrative proceedings, a review of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights in cases against Ukraine, digitalisation tools—in particular the use of AI solutions—as well as supporting mental health in a constantly changing environment.

In addition to the lectures, the judges will take part in practical training sessions on ‘Appeal proceedings in administrative justice’ and ‘Representation in appeal proceedings’. This format allows participants not only to gain new knowledge but also to exchange experiences and refine their practical skills.

This programme is another step towards integrating European standards into national judicial practice and improving the quality of justice in Ukraine.