15 Ukrainian government agencies start simulation sessions as part of preparations for bilateral meeting with the European Commission on negotiating Chapter 23 Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

15 Ukrainian government agencies have started simulation sessions, an important element of preparation for the bilateral meeting with the European Commission on negotiating Chapter 23 “Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms”, which will take place on 17-19 September in Brussels.

A total of 12 sessions are scheduled to take place from 13 August to 10 September, covering EU law and policies in the areas of independent and effective judiciary, prevention and fight against corruption, and fundamental rights and freedoms. Representatives of ministries, judicial and anti-corruption bodies, together with Ukrainian and foreign experts, will work on the prepared presentation materials and answers to the questionnaire provided by the European Commission.

Olga Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, made an opening speech to the participants of the event.

“I am grateful to all the bodies involved for their active work; we have to thoroughly prepare for each round of bilateral meetings. Successful holding of the sessions will allow us to maintain the high dynamics of the membership process and strengthen the support of all EU member states for Ukraine on this path. You are responsible not only for a specific block in your area, but also for representing Ukraine in its entirety. It is important that the common task you are performing today – representing the country’s position in the EU accession negotiations – is the result of a team effort. I urge you to focus on how best to use the knowledge, experience, competences and powers vested in you and the relevant government agencies for the benefit of the negotiation process,” Olga Stefanishyna said.

Deputy Minister of Justice for European Integration Liudmyla Suhak, who is coordinating the preparation for the bilateral meeting, thanked the partners who are helping Ukraine in the negotiation process.

For information.

Chapter 23 covers EU law and policy in the areas of independent and effective judiciary; prevention and fight against corruption as a threat to the stability of democratic institutions and the rule of law; fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by EU treaties, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: children’s rights, protection of persons reporting violations of EU law, protection of personal data, procedural rights and guarantees, rights of victims of crime, combating racism and xenophobia, freedom of expression, non-discrimination, protection of Roma rights, gender equality, rights of persons with disabilities, rights of citizens of EU member states.

According to the EU enlargement methodology, Chapters 23 “Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms” and 24 “Justice, Freedom, Security” are key chapters throughout the negotiation process. No negotiating chapter of the EU will be closed until the benchmarks (benchmarks) within these two chapters are met.