Ukrainian civil society coalition launches project to safeguard justice sector reforms with EU support

On 16 April, the Anti-Corruption Action Centre (AntAC) and its partners launched a new EU-funded project to monitor justice sector reforms at the conference ‘Operation ‘European Integration’: Reforms in the Justice Sector’.

The project, titled ‘Frontline for Justice: Civic Action to Safeguard Rule of Law and Institutional Integrity’, aims to strengthen civil society’s role in protecting rule-of-law reforms in Ukraine during wartime and the EU accession process. Implemented by a coalition of leading Ukrainian NGOs, it will monitor legislation, safeguards the independence of anti-corruption and judicial institutions, tracks the performance of justice and law-enforcement bodies, and conducts integrity checks during key public appointments.

Through legal analysis, advocacy, public communication, and cooperation with international partners, the project will promote accountability in public governance, strengthen democratic oversight, and support Ukraine’s progress toward European integration.

The event brought together representatives of the Ukrainian government, the EU diplomatic corps, and leading civil society experts to discuss a critical package of reforms required for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.

“Rule of law reform is at the heart of Ukraine’s path to EU membership, and today’s discussion shows that Ukrainian authorities and civil society are ready to tackle it together,”  Katarína Mathernová, EU Ambassador to Ukraine, said in her opening remarks. “The European Union is proud to support the coalition led by AntAC, together with Dejure, Automaidan and Mezha, as they monitor progress on the agreed reform priorities and help keep Ukraine’s accession on track.”

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka, also took part in the event.

“I am very grateful to everyone gathered here for understanding that the rule of law and the fight against corruption are, unfortunately, major issues for Ukraine and ones that require constant attention. Without broad engagement from civil society, we are unlikely to overcome these challenges,” Budanov said. “Corruption, especially in times of war, is no longer just a matter of criminal law. It is a matter of national security and the survival of the state.” 

The discussions focused on Ukraine’s implementation of ten priority reforms within the ‘Fundamentals’ negotiation cluster, which the country has committed to deliver in 2026. These are key reforms in the rule of law and anti-corruption spheres, and their implementation is essential to prevent backsliding and the simulation of reforms.

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Press release