The NSJU and the EUAM have launched an international discussion club for judges: the topic of the first discussion was the rule of law

On 6 November 2025, the first meeting of the new Discussion Club for Judges took place – a platform designed to bring together judges from Ukraine and EU countries for professional exchange and discussion of key challenges facing the judicial system. The club was initiated by the National School of Judges of Ukraine and the European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM).

The theme of the first session was “The rule of law and the role of judges.” The speakers at the discussion were Anna Autio, judge of the Administrative Court of Helsinki (Finland), and Tetiana Shevyryna, judge of the Ochakiv City and District Court of Mykolaiv Region. The meeting was moderated by Anu Välimäki, Judge of the Päijät-Häme District Court (Finland) and Senior Legal Reform Adviser at the EUAM.

During the discussion, participants focused on how judges see their role in protecting the rule of law and what constitutes the foundation of a democratic society. “Judges are the guardians of justice. It is their independence, impartiality and professionalism that determine citizens’ trust in the state,” the organisers emphasised.

After the introductory presentations by the speakers, participants joined an interactive discussion, during which they discussed, in particular: how judges can strengthen the rule of law and public trust in the judiciary; what threats currently affect the independence of judges; and what most hinders the administration of justice.

Participants also had the opportunity to compare approaches to the administration of justice in Ukraine and European Union countries, exchange professional experiences, and ask additional questions to the invited experts.

The discussion club is not a one-time event, but a permanent platform for professional dialogue. Meetings will be held online in English. Judges will have the opportunity not only to share their own experiences, but also to ask questions to colleagues from other countries, discuss differences in legal systems, issues of judicial ethics, the interaction of the judiciary with society, and more.

The organisers emphasise that the creation of the club is another step towards deepening the partnership between the Ukrainian and European judicial communities, which is particularly important in the context of reforming Ukraine's legal system and strengthening its European integration course.