Ukrainian Constitutional Court Delegation Visits Slovakia to Discuss European Integration and Rights Protection

Ukrainian Constitutional Court Delegation Visits Slovakia

According to Конституційний суд: A delegation from Ukraine's Constitutional Court undertook a working visit to the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic on April 15-16, 2026. The visit, organized under a joint project with the OSCE, focused on key issues of constitutional justice, systems of checks and balances, and the protection of social rights. Discussions also centered on Slovakia's practical experience with European integration, a process highly relevant to Ukraine's own aspirations. Such exchanges are vital for Ukraine as it continues its path of legal and institutional reform aligned with European standards.

Delegation Members and Key Discussion Topics

The Ukrainian delegation was comprised of the following judges:

• Petro Filiuk, who led the delegation
• Viktor Kychun
• Vasyl Lemak
• Alla Oliinyk
• Halyna Yurovska

They were met by their Slovak counterparts:

• Ivan Fiačan, President of the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic
• Luboš Šigeti, Vice-President of the Court
• Judges Jana Baricová
• Ladislav Dudic
• Rastislav Kaššák
• Martin Vernarský

The core theme of the talks was a comprehensive analysis of the role of constitutional justice in modern democratic processes. Discussions covered the functioning of checks and balances, the specifics of assessing the constitutionality of state intervention in social rights, and Slovakia's experience in strengthening the institutional capacity of its Constitutional Court during its accession to the European Union.

Halyna Yurovska presented a report on the place of Ukraine's Constitutional Court within the system of checks and balances. Viktor Kychun outlined key aspects of the Court's practice in protecting citizens' social rights, focusing on the "triangle of constitutional values" applied during martial law: national security, fiscal stability, and human dignity.

“In an era of rapid change, constitutional oversight bodies serve as the primary guarantors of stability, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law.”

Petro Filiuk

Halyna Yurovska further emphasized the importance of the separation of powers in Ukraine: “The exercise of state power based on its division into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, through the system of checks and balances defined by Ukraine's Constitution, ensures the stability of the constitutional order and prevents the usurpation of state power.” Viktor Kychun also stressed the need to uphold social rights: “While Article 64 of Ukraine's Constitution formally allows for the restriction of certain social rights, the Court insists such measures must be temporary and have clear time limits. Martial law does not create grounds for the indefinite restriction of fundamental rights.”

In conclusion, the visit by the Ukrainian Constitutional Court delegation to Slovakia marked a significant step in strengthening international cooperation in constitutional justice and human rights protection. Collaboration in this field facilitates the exchange of experience and best practices, which can support Ukraine in its European integration ambitions and the strengthening of its legal system. The importance of such meetings underscores the necessity of adapting constitutional norms to the modern challenges faced by democratic states.

The recent discussions in Slovakia highlight the ongoing evolution of Ukraine's legal framework. As the Ukrainian Constitutional Court navigates its path towards European integration, understanding the implications of its recent rulings is crucial. For a deeper insight into how these new deadlines set by the Court may affect citizens' rights and the broader legal landscape, read more about the latest developments in key rulings.