On 17 December 2025, the Ukrainian legal community had a unique opportunity for a direct professional dialogue with Judge of the European Court of Human Rights from Ukraine, Mykola Gnatovskyy, regarding how the Court’s case law already affects the Ukrainian justice system and its ongoing reform.
During the event, participants focused on current challenges in applying the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in national practice, key legal positions of the European Court in cases against Ukraine, and trends that have a long-term impact on the development of the Ukrainian justice system. Special attention was given to how the Court’s judgments help identify systemic problems in the field of criminal justice and shape comprehensive responses at the levels of legislation, judicial practice, and institutional cooperation.
Judge Gnatovskyy’s address was the central event of the meeting. He shared his professional observations and practical insights on the Court’s modern approaches in cases against Ukraine, highlighting trends that are particularly important in the context of ongoing reforms and the country’s European integration. This live dialogue format enabled participants to ask questions and discuss complex practical situations they face in their daily work.
A separate discussion block was devoted to the inevitable and full implementation of the Court’s judgments as a key element of Ukraine’s obligations as a member state of the Council of Europe. It was emphasized that implementing the Court’s decisions is not only an international legal obligation but also an effective tool for improving the quality of justice, strengthening trust in the judiciary, and ensuring effective protection of human rights.
The meeting was moderated by Nazar Kulchytskyi, National Consultant of the Council of Europe and Head of the law firm Nazar Kulchytskyi and Partners, who ensured a dynamic discussion and brought together perspectives of practitioners, scholars, and institutional representatives. Participants noted that such events create space for open professional dialogue, experience sharing, and deeper understanding of how international standards can effectively operate in the Ukrainian context.
The event was organized with the support of the Council of Europe projects “Fostering Human Rights in the Criminal Justice System in Ukraine — Phase II” and “Support to Ukraine in implementation of the Council of Europe standards on the judiciary”, implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023–2026, as well as with the support of the Ukrainian Bar Association and the UBA Human Rights Institute.
