EU Project Pravo-Justice supported a study visit of representatives of the Ukrainian justice sector to Croatia

On 3-7 November, with the support of EU Project Pravo-Justice and in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, as well as the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Ukraine, representatives of the Ukrainian justice sector had a study visit to the Republic of Croatia.

The Ukrainian delegation included members of the High Council of Justice, Supreme Court justices, representatives of the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, the Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the Office of the Prosecutor General, the State Judicial Administration of Ukraine, and the National School of Judges of Ukraine.

During the study visit, the participants learned about Croatia’s experience in implementing reforms on the path to EU accession, particularly with respect to Chapter 23 (Justice and Fundamental Rights) – one of the most complex chapters in the enlargement negotiations, which is the first to be opened and the last to be closed.

The participants visited key institutions of the Croatian justice system – the Ministry of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation, the Supreme Court, the State Judicial Council (DSV), the State Council of Prosecutors (DOV), the Office of the Prosecutor General (DORH), the Specialised Public Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organised Crime and Corruption (USKOK), and the Parliament.

The participants also had the opportunity to attend lectures at the Judicial Academy and the University of Applied Sciences in Šibenik on justice reforms, the implementation of the EU acquis, and administrative justice. The visit culminated in practical training sessions held at the Municipal and District Courts of Šibenik.

Moreover, members of the Ukrainian delegation had meetings with numerous current and former high-ranking officials of the Republic of Croatia – from former Ministers of Justice to judges and prosecutors directly involved in reforming the system. In particular, Damir Habijan, Minister of Justice, Public Administration and Digitalisation, reiterated Croatia’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s European integration path. Kristian Turkal, Croatia’s former chief negotiator for Chapter 23, shared insights into the country’s success in closing the most the most challenging negotiation chapter.

“For Ukraine, which is currently pursuing its own path to the EU, Croatian experience is extremely valuable. We can see how consistent reforms can strengthen trust in the justice system and uphold the rule of law,” said Olha Sribniak, Deputy Team Leader at EU Project Pravo-Justice.

“The study visit strengthened professional cooperation between Croatia and Ukraine and provided practical lessons on how to effectively implement judicial reforms related to European integration, building on national responsibility, inter-institutional coordination and consistent political will. This week served as a reminder that our histories are different, yet our values are shared. Croatia stands side by side with Ukraine on its European path,” said Maja Cvitan Grubišin, Support to EU Integration Process in the Justice Sector Component Lead at EU Project Pravo-Justice.

EU Project Pravo-Justice will further promote the exchange of best practices between Ukraine and EU Member States in order to prepare the Ukrainian justice system for accession to the European Union.