Is it possible to develop a common code of ethics for judges, prosecutors and lawyers? This question was at the centre of the round table entitled “Interinstitutional dialogue on ethical standards and challenges in the professions forming part of or related to the justice system. Common and divergent approaches in disciplinary proceedings of bodies exercising disciplinary jurisdiction”, held on 3 April 2026.
The event was organised within the framework of the Council of Europe project “Fostering Human Rights in the Criminal Justice System in Ukraine – Phase II” in cooperation with the Qualification and Disciplinary Commission of Prosecutors, with the participation of Council of Europe consultants, Members of Parliament of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as representatives of the Ethics Council, the Supreme Court and the National Bar Association of Ukraine.
During the discussions, participants noted that the concept of “ethics” remains complex and is not uniformly defined in national legislation. While this allows disciplinary bodies a certain degree of discretion when assessing violations of ethical standards, it also underlines the need for clear guidance and appropriate safeguards.
Participants expressed different views on possible approaches to regulating ethical standards: some supported regulating them exclusively at the legislative level, while others warned against excessive formalisation. At the same time, there was a common understanding that the principles of the rule of law and the protection of human rights must remain central in disciplinary proceedings.
Particular attention was paid to the issue of possible harmonisation of ethical standards across different legal professions, taking into account the specific roles and responsibilities of judges, prosecutors and lawyers.
The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights expressed support for continuing the interinstitutional dialogue and for developing common approaches, including through the preparation of relevant documents and the development of national practice.
Lorena Bachmaier Winter, international consultant of the Council of Europe, and Volodymyr Petrakovskyi, national consultant of the Council of Europe, also participated in the event as speakers.
Following the event, it is expected that key ethical standards will be identified and proposals for their further development will be prepared, taking into account current challenges.
The event was organised within the framework of the Council of Europe project “Fostering Human Rights in the Criminal Justice System in Ukraine – Phase II”, which is part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026.
