In December 2024,the Rule of Law Clinic in Helsinki served as the launchpad for the ACCESS-Ukraine initiative,a collaborative effort by Democracy Reporting Inteational (DRI),the Rule of Law Centre Centre (RoLC) and the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform (CPLR). This event,hosted and organised by the Rule of Law Centre with DRI and CPLR as joint partners,marked the beginning of an ambitious program aimed at aligning Ukraine’s legal and judicial systems with EU standards.
The ACCESS-Ukraine initiative,co-designed and guided by DRI,reflects the organisation’s commitment to advancing democracy and the rule of law globally. Funded by Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs,this multi-year project provides critical technical support to Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice,focusing on Chapters 23 and 24—Judiciary and Fundamental Rights,and Justice,Freedom,and Security—of the EU acquis. The Rule of Law Clinic exemplifies the initiative’s goal of fostering cooperation and actionable solutions for Ukraine’s EU accession jouey.
Hosted and co-organized by RoLC,the clinic brought together a high-level Ukrainian delegation—Supreme Court judges,parliamentarians,anti-corruption experts,and others—with Finnish justice sector professionals. Through a thoughtfully curated agenda,participants engaged in robust discussions on judicial reforms,anti-corruption strategies,and the practicalities of EU integration. Finnish experts shared valuable insights drawn from their own experiences,while Ukrainian participants presented the impressive progress they have achieved under the most challenging conditions.
DRI’s role was instrumental in shaping the clinic into a platform for transformative engagement. By facilitating dialogue through Ukrainian partners,ensuring strategic alignment with EU requirements,and bridging diverse perspectives,DRI laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration. The clinic also highlighted the importance of actionable roadmaps for reform and effective communication strategies—areas where DRI continues to provide essential guidance.
A significant outcome of the clinic was its ability to foster enduring partnerships. Finnish experts expressed their readiness to offer further support in judicial training,improving court efficiency,and enhancing anti-corruption mechanisms. These commitments reflect DRI’s unique strength in mobilising cross-border cooperation and driving impactful change.
The ACCESS-Ukraine initiative,anchored by the Rule of Law Clinic,underscores the vital role of inteational collaboration in strengthening Ukraine’s democratic institutions. It is not merely about meeting EU standards; it is about reinforcing Ukraine’s resilience and democratic values. This mission aligns seamlessly with DRI’s broader vision of promoting just,accountable,and inclusive goveance.
As the ACCESS initiative moves forward,the insights gained during the Rule of Law Clinic will inform the implementation of targeted reforms. DRI’s leadership ensures that these efforts are not only technically sound but also deeply rooted in the realities of Ukraine’s ongoing challenges. By connecting local expertise with inteational standards,DRI is driving the systemic transformation critical for Ukraine’s EU future.
The Rule of Law Clinic’s success is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when inteational actors unite around shared goals. As Ukraine continues its courageous jouey toward EU membership,initiatives like ACCESS-Ukraine demonstrate that progress,even in the most difficult times,is not only possible but inevitable. With DRI as a steadfast partner,Ukraine’s path is firmly aligned with justice,the rule of law,and the aspirations of its people.