Justice in international crime cases: NSJU and EUAM agree on joint educational initiatives

On 3 December 2025, Mykola Onishchuk, Rector of the National School of Judges of Ukraine, held a meeting with representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine. The EUAM delegation was represented by Claudio Pala (Italy), Head of the International Crimes Component, Thomas Körner (Germany), Head of the Legal Section of the same component, and Oleksandr Ishchenko, Legal Expert.

The meeting began with a review of the results of cooperation between the NSJU and the EUAM within the International Crimes Component for 2024–2025. During this time, a number of joint educational and practical projects were implemented, aimed at deepening judges' knowledge in the field of international humanitarian and criminal law.

Among the key achievements of the partnership are a series of webinars entitled ‘Six Dialogues on Fair Trial’, the creation and presentation of the International Criminal Law Knowledge Hub, the introduction of training on a human-centred approach to victim support, and the organisation of thematic events and study trips to Ireland and Northern Ireland for Ukrainian judges specialising in international crimes.

During the meeting, priority areas and plans for joint activities for 2026 were also identified. The parties focused on expanding training programmes, further improving the qualifications of judges and strengthening the institutional capacity of the judicial system in the context of ongoing armed aggression.

Cooperation between the NSJU and the EUAM remains an important element in supporting and developing fair justice in Ukraine, especially in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes.

The National School of Judges of Ukraine was represented at the meeting by Viktoria Semenyuk, Acting Head of the International Cooperation Department.