Dissatisfaction of the Ukrainian Bar Council with NACP initiatives
The Ukrainian Bar Council (UBC) expressed its dissatisfaction with the initiatives of the National Agency for Corruption Prevention (NACP) regarding the reform of the legal profession, considering them unconstitutional. This decision was made during an extraordinary meeting on December 31, 2025, where an open statement was issued.
On December 30, 2025, the NACP discussed the draft Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2026–2030, which, according to the Roadmap on the Rule of Law, government agencies intend to interfere in the activities of 16 institutions, including the legal profession. The UBC emphasized that no strategy or government document can cancel or limit the constitutional guarantee of the independence of the legal profession.
Appeal to international institutions
Moreover, the UBC noted the presence of strong ties between participants and grant sector organizations, which was highlighted in the context of analyzing the personnel composition of so-called 'pseudo-experts'. This indicates potential conflicts of interest in processes related to the legal profession.
In connection with these events, the National Association of Advocates of Ukraine sent an appeal to the President of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada, and the Cabinet of Ministers. The UBC also appealed to international institutions, including the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe and the Council of Europe, to draw attention to the situation with the legal profession in Ukraine and its independence.
The situation around the reform of the legal profession in Ukraine raises significant concern among the legal community, as the independence of the legal profession is a fundamental principle of the rule of law.
Interference of government agencies in the affairs of the legal profession may lead to a decline in justice standards and undermine trust in the legal system as a whole. The UBC is trying to engage the international community to support its positions and protect the independence of the legal profession, which may indicate serious consequences of these reforms for the legal system of Ukraine.