Languages: English, Ukrainian

Ukraine’s European integration entails a comprehensive modernization of national legislation and its gradual alignment with EU law. An important benchmark in this process is the Rule of Law Roadmap within the framework of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, including the measures set out under Chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security.” Of particular importance among these measures is the development of judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters, which is directly linked to the alignment of Ukraine’s private international law with EU law.

The relevance of the topic is driven by the deepening of Ukraine’s European integration and the growing number of cross-border private-law relationships. Increased international mobility, the development of cross-border economic activities, and the consequences of the full-scale war have brought issues of international jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of judgments, and effective cooperation between the competent authorities of different states to the forefront.

The panel aims to discuss the current state and prospects for the alignment of Ukrainian private international law with EU law in the context of implementing the relevant measures of the Rule of Law Roadmap and the objectives of Chapter 24. Particular attention will be paid not only to the formal approximation of Ukrainian legislation to the EU acquis, but also to the development of effective mechanisms for its practical application and for cross-border judicial cooperation.

An important part of the discussion will focus on the practical challenges faced by Ukrainian courts and other legal professionals when dealing with cross-border disputes, including determining jurisdiction, establishing the content and applying foreign law, ensuring the effective enforcement of judgments, and cooperating with the competent authorities of EU Member States.

The practical significance of the panel lies in bringing together academic analysis, legislative experience, and practical perspectives on the application of private international law. The discussion is expected to contribute to identifying priority legislative and institutional measures for implementing the Rule of Law Roadmap under Chapter 24, further aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU law, and developing effective mechanisms for judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters.