The EU’s legal framework for Ukrainian judges: how European law becomes part of the national justice system

The Ukrainian judicial system continues to actively prepare for operating within the context of European integration. This was the focus of the webinar ‘The Legal Framework of the European Union – The General Application of European Law’, which was held on 3 June 2026 by the National School of Judges of Ukraine for judges from all regions of the country.

The online event marked another step towards strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian courts to apply European legal standards and to navigate the specific features of the European Union’s legal system.

Opening the webinar, the Head of the EU Law Training Laboratory at the National School of the Judges of Ukraine, Nataliia Akhtyrska, and the Program Manager and Legal Adviser at the Swedish National Court Administration, Evelina Largren, emphasised the importance of a systematic study of EU law for today’s Ukrainian judges.

The keynote speaker at the event was Henrik Hedberg, a judge at the Administrative Court of Malmö (Sweden). During his presentation, he provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the legal architecture of the European Union and explained the key mechanisms for the application of European law at national level.

Particular attention was paid during the training to the interaction between national and European law, the principles governing the functioning of the EU’s legal system, and contemporary approaches to incorporating European legal standards into judicial practice.

These issues are becoming increasingly important for Ukrainian judges. As Ukraine’s legislation is aligned with European Union law, it is the courts that play a vital role in ensuring the effective application of new legal approaches and standards.

Webinar participants had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the practical aspects of applying EU law in the day-to-day work of the courts, discuss current challenges and ask questions of the international expert.

Holding such training events not only helps to enhance judges’ professional qualifications but also strengthens the Ukrainian judicial system’s readiness to operate within the single European legal area. It is through such educational initiatives that a modern justice system is being shaped, one capable of responding effectively to today’s challenges and ensuring the application of the best European legal practices in Ukraine.