Ukraine’s progress towards European standards in the rule of law: the second phase of the 3E4U Programme has been launched in Kyiv

On 11 June 2026, the official launch of the second phase of the ‘Programme to Support Ukraine’s Approximation to the EU in the Field of the Rule of Law’ (3E4U) took place in Kyiv. The programme is being implemented with the support of the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office.

The event brought together representatives of the European Union, the Ukrainian government, the judiciary, international partners, the expert community and civil society to discuss Ukraine’s progress in implementing the reforms necessary for EU accession, as well as to identify priorities for further work.

The event was attended by the Rector of the National School of Judges of Ukraine, Mykola Onishchuk, as the National School of Judges of Ukraine is one of the key national partners in bringing the Ukrainian legal system into line with European standards of the rule of law.

During the event, the results of the first phase of the Programme were presented, along with the strategic priorities for its second phase. The central theme of the discussions was the reforms in the areas of the rule of law and law enforcement required to advance Ukraine’s progress under negotiation chapters 23, ‘Judiciary and Fundamental Rights’, and 24, ‘Justice, Freedom and Security’.

A number of panel discussions focused on the development of the justice system, the protection of fundamental rights, and strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies to combat organised crime and safeguard European values. The second phase of the 3E4U Programme is designed to support Ukraine on its path to European Union membership by deepening systemic reforms, strengthening state institutions and fully aligning national legislation with EU standards.