Ukraine set to complete judicial reform – Zelenskyy

Judicial reform in Ukraine will be completed, for the first time ever.

That's according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who delivered his Annual Address to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, on the internal and external situation of Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"It is not the first time that judicial reform has been launched in Ukraine. But it's for the first time that it will be completed," the head of state said.

He thanked all MPs who voted for the reform, the judges who stand ready to implement it, as well as international partners who support Ukraine on this path.

During Zelenskyy's press marathon "30 Questions to the President of Ukraine" on November 26, the Ukrainian leader assured that all bills on judicial reform submitted to the Verkhovna Rada would be implemented.

On July 13, 2021, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law to resume the work of the High Qualifications Commission of Judges, which provides for the crucial role of international experts in the formation of the HQCJ, which terminated its work on November 7, 2019.

In early August, the president signed the law amending the procedure for the election (appointment) of members of the High Council of Justice and the activities of HCJ disciplinary inspectors.

The document ensures a competitive selection of candidates. According to the law, an Ethics Council shall be established to determine whether a candidate meets the criteria of professional ethics and integrity, and to provide a list of picks for the appointment.

On November 9, the first composition of the Ethics Council was automatically formed.

In addition, on April 13, the President submitted to the Verkhovna Rada draft law on the liquidation of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv. On June 1, 2021, the bill was included in the Verkhovna Rada's agenda.